How to Wear a Kilt With Confidence

The kilt dates back to the 16th century. These traditional pleated skirt-like garments are worn by boys and men at a variety of events, from weddings to military parades. 

If you have Scottish heritage, you may want to wear one the next time you go out. The problem is feeling confident doing so. Some men worry about what others will say about them wearing a skirt. 

The trick is learning how to wear a kilt and style it the right way. Testing the waters at home before you go out, getting your measurements right, and choosing the best shirt to pair your kilt with can help, but there are other things you can do. Check out this guide to learn more. 

Can a Kilt Improve Your Self-Esteem? 

The answer is yes. Wearing a kilt can improve your self-esteem because it puts you at the center of attention. Everyone will have something to say about your Kiltman Kilts. 

The trick is embracing all the comments (the good and the bad) and being proud of your culture. Take the negativity as an opportunity to educate naysayers about the history of your glorious garment. 

How to Wear a Kilt the Right Way 

The secret of how to wear a great kilt is to put it on the right way. If you don’t want to offend every Scottish person in a nearby radius, pull your kilt up to about navel level. 

If that feels too long, you can bring it up to an inch above your belly button. If it comes above the middle of your knees it’s too long. 

As far as color goes, you can choose whatever shade of kilt you want. If you look good in reds, red it is. 

Try It at Home 

Wearing a kilt casually is going to feel a bit awkward at first. That’s why you should try it out at home. 

Doing so will allow you to get a little practice with adjusting the buckles. It will also help you to break into your kilt the same way you would a new pair of shoes. The longer you wear the garment, the more confident you’ll be when you take it out on the town. 

Test the Waters With Casual Events 

Once you learn how to wear a kilt at home, you can put it on for casual outings with your friends. If you can’t be comfortable with your buddies, then they’re not your buddies at all. 

They can help you fend off the negative comments and give you a boost of self-esteem by complimenting your kilt. 

Formal Occasions

It’s more than okay to wear a kilt with your nice jacket and waistcoat. As stated before, it’s traditional to wear kilts to formal events. 

When you think of kilts, your mind probably goes to bright plaid, but there are plain black and gray ones that should match your waistcoat. 

Get Your Measurements Right 

You’re not going to feel confident or comfortable in any kind of garment that’s too loose or tight on you. This is especially true with kilts. If it doesn’t fit right, you’re going to look silly. 

Grab a tape measurer and wrap it around your waist. It should be a bit snug. Again, you don’t want your kilt to be too tight, but you don’t want it falling off of you either. 

The second measurement you’ll need is the seat. This measurement is for the third buckle of the kilt. It’s the part of the garment that allows it to sway freely.

You’re going to be placing the tape measurer over the widest part of your hips to get the numbers you need. 

The last measurement is the length. Position the tape measurer over your navel and let it fall to the crease of the back of your knee. 

Be Ready for the Comments 

When you show up to an event in a kilt, people are going to talk. Some will compliment you, and others will laugh. 

Someone might even ask you why you thought wearing a skirt was a good idea. They may tell you that you look like a girl, but rest assured, you’re rocking that kilt. Shrug off the negative comments and go about your day. 

Wear Underwear (or Not) 

Traditionally, kilts are worn without underwear. That means boxers are optional! You may find that pretty freeing or terrifying, depending on who you are. 

This being said, it’s a good idea to get used to wearing a kilt with underwear before you go commando in public. 

Choosing the Right Shirt 

As long as your shirt matches your kilt, you can wear whatever color you want. You should stay away from loud patterns, however. 

If you’re wearing stripes with your plaid kilt, it’s going to clash. Graphic t-shirts are a no-go as well. 

Footwear 

It’s tradition to find boots to wear with a kilt. If you’re trying to bring the entire look together, brogues are the best option. 

If you can’t get your hands on a nice pair of brogues, any boots will do. As long as they work with the kilt, you’re good to go. 

Show Confidence in Your Kilt 

As you can see, the secret to how to wear a kilt is to have confidence. As long as you believe that you look great, everyone else will as well. 

It also helps to wear a shirt and footwear that compliments the garment and be ready for any negative comments that may come your way. 

For more tips that will help you look amazing in anything you wear, visit the Lifestyle section of our blog.