Many people assume kilts to be the outfits. It is a misconception because a kilt is the central part of Scottish dress, and pairing it with other essentials makes it an outfit. Several Scottish outfits are common today, but Prince Charlie, Argyll, and casual outfits are the top choices for many. All have a distinctive number of accessories and features. In this guide, we will deeply explore them all and figure out the events to wear.
Scottish Kilt Outfits
All outfits that we will discuss here are worn at different levels, and the factors that specify them to any particular setting are their attachments. We must proceed ahead to know them more deeply.
Prince Charlie Kilt Outfit
Let’s begin our discussion with the Prince Charlie Kilt outfit, which is the most formal one. The primary thing that sets it apart from others is the jacket and waistcoat, while the attachments are also more in number than others.
Prince Charlie Jackets: The most prominent part of this outfit is the Prince Charlie jacket. It has a tail with buttons and longer sleeves (cuffs). Both arms and front sides are also decorated with buttons that are not functional but decorative. Made with barathea wool, they come with lapels and shoulder straps. The vest worn with it is made with the same fabric and color with a closure of three buttons.
Key Components
| Tartan Kilts | Necktie | Ghillie Shirts |
| Sporrans | Fly Plaid | Brooches |
| Kilt Belts and Buckles | Kilt Pin | Ghillie Brogues |
| Flashes | Kilt Hoses |
Suitable Occasions
Prince Charlie kilt outfits are the most formal options, and they are worn at events where the dress code is highly valuable. So, wearing them at irrelevant events is not a good idea at all. That’s why you should know that below given events are ideal for such outfits.
| Weddings | Cultural Gatherings |
| Funeral | Black-tie Dinners |
| Graduations | Corporate Events |
Argyll Kilt Outfit
Another variation of Scottish kilt outfits is Argyll outfits. It is a versatile dress and wearable at formal and semi-formal settings. Their tendency to be adjusted at different settings labels them with a tag of being versatile. In the same manner, its accessories are versatile too, compared to Prince Charlie Kilt outfits.
Argyll Jackets
Jackets here are also major parts and known as Argyll jackets. They differ from others, as they are single-breasted with a single closure button. Both sides have flap pockets with buttoned flaps and these buttons are for aesthetic purpose only, while the cuffs are also fabricated with three buttons each. Moreover, they have decorative gauntlet cuffs and epaulettes on both shoulders. Similar to the Prince Charlie outfits, they also have a matching waistcoat with 5 buttons. Wearers also get plain jetted pockets in vests.
Key Components
When it comes to the other accessories of the Argyll outfit, they are also versatile, and this outfit lacks a tie, brooch, and fly plaid. Therefore, the rest of the attachments are given below:
| Tartan Kilts | Jacobite Shirt | Semi-dress Sporrans |
| Kilt Pin | Ghillie Brogues | Kilt Socks |
| Kilt Flashes | Belt | Buckle |
Suitable Occasions
| Scottish Festivals | Highland Games |
| Daytime Weddings | Hogmanay |
| Clan Gatherings | Garden Parties |
Casual Kilt Outfit
The next is a casual kilt outfit which is only for relaxed settings, as the name suggests. This outfit usually lacks many accessories that assign one to the formal settings and these accessories include jackets, vests, and more. In addition, they are not specific to any event.
Key Components
| Tartan Kilt | Jacobite Shirt |
| Kilt Pin | Leather Sporrans (preferably) |
| Leather Belt | Metal Buckle |
| Dress Shoes | Plain Socks and Flashes |
Comparison Table
| Features | Prince Charlie Outfits | Argyll Kilt Outfits | Causal Outfits |
| Formality Level | Very Formal: Black-tie standard | Semi-formal to Formal Settings | Informal and Relaxed settings only |
| Jacket Style | Prince Charlie Jacket – Tailcoat with decorative buttons | Argyll Jacket – Single-breasted with gauntlet cuffs | No jacket |
| Shirt & Tie | Ghillie Shirt with Necktie | Jacobite Shirt, tie optional | Jacobite Shirt, no tie |
| Accessories | Most complete: Fly Plaid, Brooch, Sporran, Belt, Pin, etc. | Moderate: No Fly Plaid or Brooch, uses semi-dress Sporran | Minimal: Leather Sporran, basic belt, no decorative extras |
| Suitable Occasions | Weddings, Funerals, Graduations, Black-tie Dinners | Highland Games, Clan Gatherings, Day Weddings, Hogmanay | Everyday wear, casual outings, informal events |
| Overall Look | Traditional, Regal, Decorative | Balanced, Practical, Stylish | Simple, Comfortable, Easygoing |
Which Scottish Kilt Outfit to Choose
Now that you have understood popular types of kit outfits, how will you know which one is appropriate for you? Most of the time, it depends on etiquette standards, while personal preferences also matter sometimes. Both criteria are applicable to Prince Charlie and Argyll jackets but not to casual settings.
Prince Charlie outfits are ideal options for formal events only, while Argylls are versatile, so you must know the formality of the events. If the dress code allows, pairing them at formal settings is possible.
Where to Buy Scottish Kilt Outfits
No matter what type of Scottish kilt outfits you need, approaching a reliable store is essential to buy premium-quality dresses. You should do the same as well and we suggest you explore the amazing collection of Scottish Kilt Co. We are an online platform serving Scots with everything that they expect from a reliable store. In addition to being an online store, we personalize every product and deliver at very affordable prices. So, make it quick and visit our online store today and buy whatever you need.
FAQs About Scottish Kilt Outfits
How do I choose the right tartan for my outfit?
Are there different types of kilts for different outfit styles?
What type of shirt is best for casual kilt outfits?
Ideal kilt shirt options for casual kilt outfits are traditional ones, Jacobite shirts. Other shirts, such as polo shirts and t-shirts, are worn but they are not part of any Scottish kilt outfit.
Can women wear Prince Charlie or Argyll jackets with kilts?
Yes, tailored versions of both Prince Charlie and Argyll jackets for women are available, and they are worn occasionally compared to men.
Can I mix and match components from different kilt outfit styles?
It is not a good idea to mix and match components from different styles of outfits. Every Scottish dress has a specific kilt set to complete it.
