How to Style a Casual Kilt

A kilt is truly an investment piece - it is very versatile and stylish and rich in heritage. Today, kilts can be worn in whatever way you wish and it is completely acceptable if you decide to move away from the traditional highland wear outfit with a casual kilt look.

Whether you are still deciding on which type of kilt you want to buy or looking for new ways to make the most out of your current kilt and wear it to more than the occasional formal event, we’ve put together some inspiration to help you adapt your outfit. With a few simple styling ideas, you can create a more relaxed, everyday look while still celebrating Scottish culture.

Dress your kilt up or down and enjoy a smart yet casual style that honours your heritage and fits effortlessly into modern, everyday wear.

When to Wear a Casual Kilt

A celebration that isn’t fully formal would be the ideal opportunity to enjoy wearing your kilt in a more relaxed, casual manner. Think social gatherings, stag nights, sporting events, outdoor festivals, or even a day at the Highland Games. Here in the Scottish Borders, a casual kilt outfit could be sported in at our local Rugby 7s tournaments, bringing comfort, pride, and effortless style.

If you’re part of the Tartan Army heading to the World Cup this year, all the more reason to don your kilt and show off your clan tartan. A casual kilt look lets you celebrate Scotland’s national team with spirit and tradition, while staying comfortable enough to enjoy every moment of the occasion.

What Kilt Weight to Choose

Kilts create a sophisticated and fashionable appearance, yet are simple and comfortable to wear. They only apply a little pressure to the body, which should feel like a cuddle around your navel. This makes them perfect for any occasion.

At Lochcarron of Scotland, we provide a made-to-measure kilt making service to ensure you find the style of kilt that is right for you. We offer three different fabric weights to choose from:

Our kilt weights | Lightweight Reiver Tartan (left) | Mediumweight Braeriach Tartan (centre) | Heavyweight Strome Tartan (right)

For a contemporary, casual kilt look, we would recommend our 100% new pure wool Lightweight Reiver Kilts. This machine sewn traditional 5-yard kilt makes a perfect casual approach to traditional Scottish Highland dress and ideal for warmer climates.

Our 8-yard Braeriach Kilt, made in 100% new pure wool, is our medium weight fabric option, suitable for warmer climates, but still achieves traditional Scottish Dress and is made using traditional kilt-making techniques.

The heavyweight quality we offer is our 100% Scottish wool 8-yard Strome Kilt. This fabric makes the ideal kilting cloth, woven in the traditional weight to achieve authentic Scottish Dress. These kilts are crafted using truly respected and classic craftsmanship, hand-sewn by highly skilled kiltmakers.

Made-to-Measure Kilt Making | Galbraith Ancient Heavyweight Tartan

Although our traditional heavier weight kilts – Braeriach and Strome - are more suitable for formal occasions, they can be worn in a more casual setting depending on how they are styled. Traditional woollen kilts can feel heavy for everyday occasions but can still be incorporated into a casual outfit after your special event.

How to Style your Casual Kilt Outfit

To wear your kilt casually, pair with a jumper, during the colder weather or style with a simple button-down shirt without a tie or a t-shirt during the warmer seasons. Select colours that compliment your kilt and create a fashionable look.

Your kilt hose can be worn as normal, with or without flashes depending on your style, or loosely at the shins for a casual appearance. Our kilt socks are made from a wool mix with a ribbed decoration and a diamond design at the cuff top. For footwear, choose simple shoes or boots will maintain a relaxed appearance. For a slightly dressier look, finish your outfit with a pair of brogue shoes.

Accessorise

To maintain casual kilt attire, stick with simple highland wear accessories. A kilt pin would make a good addition to your outfit and would help to weigh your kilt down or why not include a simple kilt belt in your outfit.

To finish off your casual look, incorporate a day sporran. These pouches hang at the front of your kilt with a chain and are practical for carrying your items during daytime events. Our day sporrans are made completely from leather, including subtle embossed details on the front featuring tassels. The perfect choice for a more casual kilt outfit. If the occasion is slightly more formal, a semi dress sporran could be worn instead. Likewise, wearing a jacket and/or tie would create a more formal appearance.

Explore our day sporrans | Cairn Day Sporran (left), Tinto Day Sporran (centre), Storr Day Sporran (right)

Depending on the occasion, if you are attending an outdoor event in the autumn or winter months, consider adding a tartan scarf to complete your casual look.

Why Wool Works for a Casual Kilt

Wool is a remarkably versatile fibre, making it just as suitable for casual, everyday kilts as it is for formal wear. Its natural qualities make it comfortable, durable, and low‑maintenance, which is exactly what you want when you're wearing a kilt out and about.

Wool is an incredibly durable fibre and resilient, meaning our kilts won’t wear out quickly, even if you’re sitting, moving, bending, or walking long distances. It naturally springs back to shape, so it won’t look creased or tired after a day of use.

Wool is efficient at absorbing sweat even when you are active. It absorbs moisture and traps odour molecules, releasing them when aired out. This helps the kilt stay fresher for longer without the need for frequent washing. Due to wool’s natural waxy coating, stains are slower to absorb into the fibre. Spills from drinks or food are less likely to mark, and most minor accidents can be brushed off or spot‑cleaned.

Another desirable quality of wool is that it is a hygroscopic fibre. It naturally absorbs moisture in the surrounding atmosphere. As the humidity rises and falls, the structure of the fibre enables it to absorb and release water vapour, either from the air or the wearer’s perspiration. This property allows wool to regulate temperature extremely well - keeping you warm when it’s cool and comfortable when it’s warm.  It is recognised as one of the most effective forms of all-weather protection, which makes it great for casual wear.

Have a look at The Campaign for Wool's Website to learn more about the benefits of wool.

Although wearing a kilt makes a statement, it can also be adapted to create a casual look that is an equally enjoyable and stylish alternative to the traditional kilt outfit. We hope our article provided you with some ideas for how you can wear your kilt after that special event and make the most of this traditional, elegant piece of Scottish dress.