What Makes a Kilt Formal?

[Kent Frazier]

My wife, a friend of ours and I are debating on what makes a kilt "formal". They are saying that there is a difference in the way the kilt is cut, pleated, etc. I said I though the "accessories" (jacket, sporran, etc.) are what makes it formal wear.

Who is correct?

Thanks,

Kent.

[McMurdo]

You are right it is the accessories here are two pics same kilt different accessories
Casual


Formal

[Colin]

I don't know McMurdo. I think both may be right. Obviously a traditional wool kilt is easily adaptable from casual to formal based on accesories, but it is much harder to make a casual kilt (UK, Sport Kilt, etc) look formal just by adding the proper accesories. A formal kilt really does have a different hang, sway, and look than a lot of the more cost effective options out there. That's why they cost more money. I have tried to dress up my casual PV Bear kilts and while they didn't look bad, I don't think they looked as complete as my wool kilts.

4 yard Bear kilt with regular suit jacket and day sporran


Here are some examples: 8 yard PV kilt with regular suit jacket and tux vest and with cheaper version of dress sporran. Again notice the white shirt hanging out and how the kilt looks shorter.


4 yard PV Bear kilt, but with a proper tweed argyle jacket and waistcoat. Notice the hipster style kilt is not completely coverd by the waistcoat. Even with a belt I found that those things slid sown a bit.


All pulled together with tweed argyle jacket and waist coat, 8 yard wool kilt, and seal skin dress sporran

[McMurdo]

I think you're right Colin, the kilt I'm wearing is an 8yard 16oz Lochcarron wool kilt and it is much easier to dress it up or down.

[Tattoo Bradley]

I agree with what Colin said. However, if you have the kilt made to not be a "hipster" style, I think dressing it up is doable. I've had all 3 of my USAK casuals made to be worn high instead of the hips. I've paired them with my tweed Argyll and felt they looked pretty good.



Though... I don't have any excuse for why my flashes are SO long.

[Colin]

I agree with what Colin said. However, if you have the kilt made to not be a "hipster" style, I think dressing it up is doable. I've had all 3 of my USAK casuals made to be worn high instead of the hips. I've paired them with my tweed Argyll and felt they looked pretty good.

Very true. I am sure the semi-formals look great too.I still think a kilt needs to have a formal cut to have the diversity. And as Raptor said some kilts are just meant to be casual kilts.

[Makeitstop]

Very true. I am sure the semi-formals look great too.I still think a kilt needs to have a formal cut to have the diversity. And as Raptor said some kilts are just meant to be casual kilts.

Yes, but some can be made to look formal. Because my sportkilt is solid black, it can actually look quite formal with the right outfit. It won't be the traditional outfit, but still formal nonetheless.

[McMurdo]

Yes, but some can be made to look formal. Because my sportkilt is solid black, it can actually look quite formal with the right outfit. It won't be the traditional outfit, but still formal nonetheless.

This I really have to disagree with, call me a snob if you want to, but a Sport Kilt is not a formal kilt. Just as Highland Games competitors for the most part will not compete in a 16oz 8 yard hand stitched kilt, so too people should refrain from wearing a Sport Kilt to a Burns Night. I really think you have to draw the line somewhere.

[Rampant Lion]

If you're speaking of traditional kilts(what I believe most people think of when they refer to a kilt), then it's just the accessories that change the formality. However, if we take into account casual(less material, lower rise), and utility type kilts, then yes; the cut of the goes a long way in determining how formal you can make it.

Though... I don't have any excuse for why my flashes are SO long.

Your flashes aren't that long. Part of what makes the flashes look long or short is the width of the cuffs of your hose. I try to make my cuffs at least 3 fingers wide for two reasons: To cover up the flashes and it looks better with my long skinny legs. I think your flashes look fine.

[Raptor]

The operative word with the 5 yard PV is "casual kilt". Given a standard of an 8 yard wool tank, it's purely the accessories that mark the degree of formality