Scottish tailoring is easily recognisable with the styles heaped in tradition, if you want to know more here is our basic guide to this wonderful and historic style.
The oldest wearer of Kilts were the Highlanders dating back to the 16th century, it was adopted by the nobility and became a uniform in support of the Jacobite rebellion. Kilts were outlawed in 1746 in an attempt to crush a rebellion.
Over the years the popularity has peaked and troughed which has made the Scottish kilt trade very different to the heritage of Saville Row, with large periods of time where kilts were not worn making it difficult for Heritage brands to survive.
Films like Braveheart gave the kilt a new lease on life and the current series outlander has driven big sales in kilts.
To make a bespoke Kilt you need 8-9 yards of tartan which is pressed, pleated, sewn and then steamed. Unlike our bespoke suits, you only need three points of measure: waist, seat and length from navel to knee. A one of a kind bespoke kilt from a traditional Kiltmaker in Edinburgh will set you back around £600.
The kilt jacket sits much higher than your suit jacket and curves towards your naval which focuses the look to the sporran. The waistcoat underneath also has the same shape.
The Sporrans was traditionally a large pouch made from animal skin that served as a pocket (because you don’t have any in a kilt) today they are made predominantly from leather and depending on what accessories you have on the sporran, such as silver inlay the price can vary from £50 – £2,000
Sock flashes are small stripes of fabric worn at the top of your sock facing outwards and are usually made from the same tartan or material as your kilt.
The small knife that Is carried in the band of your sock is called a Sgian Dubh. Its traditionally used as a multipurpose tool but could also be used as a weapon, its small-sized made it easy to conceal.
The traditional correct shoes to wear with your kilt are Ghillie Brogues which were developed from16/17th century buckled shoes but you can just wear black brogues
Usually made from pewter or sterling silver kilt pins are small pieces of jewellery that act as a brooch on the kilt.
These heritage pieces of tailoring are a great way of showing Scottish History and are being seen more and more at weddings and events.
