What Do You Wear Under a Kilt? And Other Kilt Questions You Were Afraid to Ask
If there is one question people can't resist asking someone in a kilt, it's this one:
"So...what are you wearing under there?"
The traditional cheeky answer? "Nothing is worn. Everything is in perfect working order."
But if you're getting ready to wear your first kilt, you probably have a few questions beyond what's underneath it. How high should it sit? Which way do the pleats go? Do you really need a sporran? And can you wear a kilt if you're not Scottish?
We've been helping people find and wear kilts for more than 20 years, so we've heard just about every kilt question imaginable. Here are the answers to some of the most common ones.
So, What DO You Wear Under a Kilt?
Traditionally, going without underwear beneath a kilt is often referred to as "going regimental" or "going commando."
But here's the important part: it's your kilt. Wear whatever makes you comfortable.
Plenty of modern kilt wearers choose underwear, particularly at festivals, weddings, Highland games and other events where they may be active all day.
Our recommendation? Dress for comfort, the weather and the occasion.
And perhaps remember that windy days exist.
Do You Have to Be Scottish to Wear a Kilt?
No.
You don't need a Scottish surname, documented clan ancestry or a DNA test before you're allowed to wear a kilt.
Kilts are worn today for heritage, weddings, Highland games, Renaissance festivals, Celtic events, formal occasions and simply because people enjoy wearing them.
If you have Scottish heritage, choosing your clan tartan can add special meaning. If you don't, there are plenty of tartans that aren't restricted to a particular family or clan.
The most important thing is to wear it respectfully—and wear it proudly.
How High Should a Kilt Sit?
This is one of the biggest mistakes first-time kilt buyers make.
A traditional kilt is not worn like a pair of jeans.
Your kilt should generally sit around your natural waist, near the navel. That's why your jeans size is usually not the right size to use when ordering a kilt.
Take an actual waist measurement where you intend to wear the kilt.
At Highland Kilt Company, we always recommend measuring before ordering rather than assuming your pants size and kilt size will be the same.
How Long Should a Kilt Be?
A traditional men's kilt should generally fall around the middle of the knee.
An easy way to check the length is to kneel down. The bottom of the kilt should be approximately at the floor.
Of course, modern and casual styles can vary, but mid-knee remains the classic traditional look.
Which Way Do the Pleats Go?
The pleats go in the back.
It sounds obvious once you've worn a kilt, but you'd be surprised how often this question comes up!
The flat apron panels overlap in front, while all that beautiful pleating belongs behind you.
What Is the Little Purse in Front?
That's a sporran.
And calling it a purse within earshot of a Highlander may earn you a look.
Traditional kilts don't have pockets, so the sporran provides a practical place to carry essentials such as your wallet, keys and phone.
Sporrans also add personality to an outfit. Simple leather day sporrans work beautifully for casual wear, while more decorative fur and cantle styles can dress up an outfit for weddings and formal events.
Do I Need a Kilt Belt?
Not necessarily.
The straps and buckles on a properly fitted kilt are what hold the kilt in place. A kilt belt is primarily decorative rather than necessary for keeping your kilt up.
Belts are particularly popular with casual Highland outfits and Renaissance festival looks.
For formal outfits worn with certain jackets, a belt may be omitted.
Where Does the Kilt Pin Go?
Your kilt pin belongs on the front apron, toward the wearer's right-hand side.
And here's another common misconception:
The pin should not fasten the two apron layers together.
A kilt pin is primarily decorative and adds a little weight to the outer apron. Pinning both layers together can put unnecessary stress on the fabric as you move.
What Are Those Things Around the Socks?
Those are kilt flashes.
Flashes are worn near the top of the kilt hose and add another bit of tartan or color to the outfit. They also help hold the hose in place.
Matching your flashes to your tartan is an easy way to pull the entire outfit together.
Do I Need Every Kilt Accessory?
Definitely not.
One of the best things about wearing a kilt is that you can build your outfit over time.
For a simple casual outfit, you might start with:
Then add a belt and buckle, kilt pin, vest, jacket, fly plaid, brooch, Ghillie shoes or headwear depending on the occasion and the look you're after.
There's no reason your first kilt outfit needs to include everything at once.
Can Women Wear Kilts?
Absolutely.
Women have more tartan choices than ever, from traditional kilts to shorter kilts, tartan skirts, wraps and modern designs.
At Highland Kilt Company, we offer women's tartan styles including Billie Kilts, Pixie Skirts, Mini Kilts and tartan wraps, along with custom options in a wide variety of tartans.
Tartan isn't just for the lads.
Can I Wear a Kilt to a Renaissance Festival?
Absolutely-and you won't be alone.
Kilts have become incredibly popular at Renaissance festivals, Celtic festivals and fantasy events.
You can keep your look historically inspired with a simple shirt, leather accessories and boots, or lean completely into your own Highland fantasy character.
After more than 20 years of outfitting festival-goers, we've learned one thing:
There really isn't just one way to wear a kilt.
What's the Most Important Rule of Wearing a Kilt?
Wear it with confidence.
Your outfit doesn't need to be identical to someone else's. It doesn't need every possible accessory. And you don't need to spend the entire day worrying about whether you've broken some mysterious Highland rule.
Learn the basics, respect the tradition, choose a tartan and style you love, and make the outfit your own.
And when someone inevitably asks what's underneath your kilt?
Well...
We'll leave that answer up to you.
Find Your Kilt
Whether you're shopping for your first kilt or adding another tartan to the collection, Highland Kilt Company carries nearly 200 tartans with thousands of kilts in stock, plus coordinating flashes, sashes, fly plaids, sporrans, belts, buckles, kilt pins and other Highland accessories.
Need a size or style outside our regular stock? Custom options are also available.
Find your Clan, wear your story.
