Blog

By Jennifer McAdam 07 Jan, 2019
Whilst we all acknowledge that the groom is the man of the hour, but just like every superhero needs their sidekick, every groom needs their best man! The role of best man is a great honour, and you will forever be remembered as a part of the biggest day in the grooms life; no pressure there then!
By Jennifer McAdam 17 Dec, 2018
Hogmanay is the Scots word for the last day of the year and synonymous with the celebration of the New Year, in the Scottish manner It is normally followed by further celebration on the morning of New Year’s Day, and in some cases right through to the 2nd January – Scottish Bank Holiday. The accurate origins of Hogmanay are unclear, but it may be derived from Norse and Gaelic observances. Customs vary throughout Scotland, and usually include gift-giving and visiting the homes of friends and neighbours, with special attention given to the first-foot - the first guest of the new year. This custom starts immediately after midnight, and involves being the first person to cross the threshold of a friend or neighbour and often involves the giving of a symbolic gift, and is intended to bring all kinds of luck to the household. Food and drink are then given to the guests and celebrations may goon throughout the early hours of the morning or well into the next day. However, modern days see people visiting their friends and neighbours well into the middle of January.
By Jennifer McAdam 03 Dec, 2018
What is a Tartan Shoulder Plaid? A Shoulder Plaid is a piece of cloth draped over the wearers shoulder which can add a flash of grandeur to your Highland Outfit. Also known as a fly plaid, it generally measures approx. 1.5m x 1m and has fringed edges all around. A Shoulder Plaid can be worn at formal occasions when you are looking to stand out from the crowd. Often the Groom will add one to his Highland Outfit to make himself known on his special day! Tartan Shoulder Plaids are usually made in the matching tartan to the wearers Kilt. Plaids are also worn by Piper’s and members of Pipe bands.
By Jennifer McAdam 01 Oct, 2018
Hand-fasting is an ancient tradition dating back to the Celts and is now experiencing a comeback at weddings across the globe. The history and tradition of hand-fasting is as varied as the source from which you research it. Here we explain a little of the origin of the ceremony and also a suggestion on incorporating it into your wedding today.
By Jennifer McAdam 20 Sep, 2018
A description of the history of the Australian National Tartan, its colours and thread count.
By Jennifer McAdam 18 Sep, 2018
Its all about the look of the back of your kilt
By Jennifer McAdam 20 Aug, 2018
Choosing a tartan is usually the first step in arranging outfits for your wedding or function, but it’s not always easy. Clan or Generic, Modern or Ancient here we explain the differences.
By Jennifer McAdam 09 Aug, 2018
Highland dress is one of the most distinctive and attractive national costumes in the world and has survived the passing of centuries with consummate ease. The basic elements of Highland dress - the kilt and sporran - have changed very little in over 300 years. Its just as likely to be seen today on Royalty, New York's Avenue or Sydney Harbour foreshore. Scotland only has a population of around 5 million so it is incredible that their cultural influence has had such far reaching effects. Today, many people worldwide bask in the warmth of their Scottish Ancestry. The kilt is a billboard that distinctly proclaims - "I'm a Scot" or perhaps "my great-granny was a Scot!" For whatever reason you chose to wear a kilt there is more than a little romance around a man in full Scottish regalia. If your groomsmen aren't as keen, let them wear suits, and don't think it detracts from you wearing a kilt, after all. its your wedding, and you are honoring your ancestry

Kilt Jackets

Jennifer McAdam • Nov 12, 2018

Different Styles for different occasions .....

All over the world the kilt evokes emotion and interest more so than any other form of dress, it is therefore important to ensure you are properly dressed. One of the great beauties of highland dress is that fashions come and go but with a kilt you will always have an outfit that will never date, last a lifetime and is adaptable for any occasion the world over.

To go with your kilt or tartan trousers, you'll need a jacket. There are many styles, fabrics, colours and specialist jackets available today, however the most popular that are available in hire and that most people purchase are : Bonnie Prince Charlie, Argyle and Tweed.

Bonnie Prince Charlie Jacket

Bonnie Prince Charlie Jacket (or Prince Charlie) is the most formal style of kilt jacket, think the kilt equivalent of a 'black tie' outfit.

Kilt Jackets

Where to Wear Your Prince Charlie Jacket

This jacket is made in Barathea wool, and is heavily decorated, featuring ornate buttons on the front, sleeves and tails at the rear. It usually has satin lapels and silk braided epaulettes. As such, it is usually only worn to special occasions like weddings and formal dinners. Prince Charlie Jackets are available in Black and now Navy – which has become a very popular choice for School Formals recently.

How to Wear your Prince Charlie Jacket

Prince Charlie jackets are normally worn with a matching three button waistcoat. The waistcoat features the same level of decoration as the jacket, with ornate buttons and satin lapels. They are traditionally worn with a wing collar shirt and black bow tie.

They may also be worn with a higher-fastening five button waistcoat to complement a Rouche tie for a more contemporary look. Wearing a full-dress sporran complements the formal nature of your Prince Charlie jacket.


Argyle

Argyle Jackets are the most versatile, being the equivalent of a traditional dress suit.

Argyle Jackets

Where to Wear Your Argyle Jacket

They are less formal than the Prince Charlie but can still be worn to formal and casual functions alike. Think formal, but not too formal - perfect for attending a wedding. The traditional Black Argyle Jacket is most suited to evening occasions, while a tweed version (see below) would be worn at day functions.

While less formal than the Prince Charlie, the Argyle jacket is still decorated with polished buttons on the pocket flaps and gauntlets (but not on the jacket's back). The lapels and epaulets are usually plain and made from the same material as the jacket, although some manufacturers use a braided epaulet.

How to Wear your Argyle Jacket

Pairing the Argyle jacket with a vest isn't necessary but is rather a matter of style and occasion. Normally, an Argyle would be worn with a standard collar shirt and regular neck tie.

For a slightly more formal look, the Argyle jacket can be worn with a high-fastening five button waistcoat, wing collar shirt and Rouche Tie.

Argyle jackets can be worn with either semi dress sporrans or full dress sporrans for formal function or even a leather sporran for a more casual look.

Tweed Jacket

Constantly increasing in popularity, Tweed Jackets are now the go to choice for an all-round modern and casual look and can be worn with or without a 5-button waistcoat.

Tweed Jacket

Where to Wear Your Tweed Jacket

The flexibility of a Tweed Jacket means that is can be worn at both day and informal occasions. You can wear a Tweed Jacket to complete a Highland Kilt outfit for day events like weddings, highland games, funerals, ceilidhs, parties, dinners etc. A Tweed Jacket can be worn like a sports jacket, even with jeans, chinos or trousers – giving you a 3 in 1 jacket!

A Tweed Jacket is suitable for almost any occasion but should NOT be worn to a Black-Tie event.

How to Wear your Tweed Jacket

Tweed Jackets should be worn with plain, tweed or tartan ties or a Rouche Tie in a colour to compliment your jacket colour or kilt colour and can be worn with or without a traditional five button waistcoat.

The best choice of shirt to match with a Tweed Jacket is a standard collar shirt. For some weddings, a wing collar shirt can be worn with a Rouche tie. We recommend you wear a semi dress, day or dress sporran depending on your shirt and tie option. When choosing your kilt hose, you should pick a colour similar to that of your jacket for example you may choose grey or black, however cream kilt hose should not be worn with a tweed jacket.

By Jennifer McAdam 07 Jan, 2019
Whilst we all acknowledge that the groom is the man of the hour, but just like every superhero needs their sidekick, every groom needs their best man! The role of best man is a great honour, and you will forever be remembered as a part of the biggest day in the grooms life; no pressure there then!
By Jennifer McAdam 17 Dec, 2018
Hogmanay is the Scots word for the last day of the year and synonymous with the celebration of the New Year, in the Scottish manner It is normally followed by further celebration on the morning of New Year’s Day, and in some cases right through to the 2nd January – Scottish Bank Holiday. The accurate origins of Hogmanay are unclear, but it may be derived from Norse and Gaelic observances. Customs vary throughout Scotland, and usually include gift-giving and visiting the homes of friends and neighbours, with special attention given to the first-foot - the first guest of the new year. This custom starts immediately after midnight, and involves being the first person to cross the threshold of a friend or neighbour and often involves the giving of a symbolic gift, and is intended to bring all kinds of luck to the household. Food and drink are then given to the guests and celebrations may goon throughout the early hours of the morning or well into the next day. However, modern days see people visiting their friends and neighbours well into the middle of January.
By Jennifer McAdam 03 Dec, 2018
What is a Tartan Shoulder Plaid? A Shoulder Plaid is a piece of cloth draped over the wearers shoulder which can add a flash of grandeur to your Highland Outfit. Also known as a fly plaid, it generally measures approx. 1.5m x 1m and has fringed edges all around. A Shoulder Plaid can be worn at formal occasions when you are looking to stand out from the crowd. Often the Groom will add one to his Highland Outfit to make himself known on his special day! Tartan Shoulder Plaids are usually made in the matching tartan to the wearers Kilt. Plaids are also worn by Piper’s and members of Pipe bands.
More Posts
Share by: