Lot of people ask us about Scottish dress, what they need and how it should be worn; to help you all we thought we provide you with a guide to the basics:

Shoes (or Ghillie Brogues) – leather shoes worn as part of traditional Scottish dress. To tie your Ghillie Brogues:

• put on shoes and tie with one twist as normal;
• pull tight with your hands where the tassels are;
• cross the lace over be putting the lace in different hands; do this six times so the twisted part is about 4cm long
• now put the lace around your leg and bring both parts back to the front
• Tie the lace as normal and add a double knot.

Kilt Socks(or Kilt hose) – are the traditional socks worn as formal Scottish dress. They are worn to the knee and are normally made of wool.

Sgian Dubh – which can be translated to ‘black knife’ in English is a ceremonial knife worn tucked into kilt socks. There are many myths about its origins: some simply think it refers to the black handle; others think the origin is more sinister and was borne from the tradition of leaving weapons at the door on entering a friends house, but concealing this small knife in case of a surprise attack; finally, some think its origins are in the use of the black wood, Bog Oak, from which Sgian Dubh were often carved.

Flashes – primarily intended to hold up the socks and keep the Sgian Dubh in place, flashes are worn in the tartan of the kilt.

Kilt – dating back to the 16 Century and worn as part Scottish dress since in the 19th Century, the Scottish Kilt is traditionally worn at formal occasions. It’s origins date back several centuries, but it has only been since the 19th century that we have seen kilt tartan classification system.

Kilts are traditionally worn in the tartan of the wearer’s clan heritage.

Sporran - as an alternative to pockets for the pocket-less kilt, this essential part of Scottish dress is still used today to carry wallets and other valuables. Click here to see our extensive range of sporrans.

Kilt Belt – this is a thick black belt with a distinctive silver buckle, normally made of leather.

Kilt Pin - worn at the bottom of the kilt to ensure the kilt doesn’t blow open, the kilt pin can traditionally be a clan symbol, a plant (the thistle is common), or animal.

Shirt and Jacket – Usually the kilt is worn with the customary formal shirt and jacket. However, in recent years, the less format Jacobite style (or Guille shirt) with its lace up neck has also become more popular.

Cufflinks – cufflinks are worn as part of the formal Scottish dress. These are, like the kilt pin, often clan symbols and plants.