Blog
Kilt Jackets
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.
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.
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.
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.
