In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share the secrets of this timeless old money style, how to select the right tartan for your kilt, and pair it with appropriate jackets and accessories to embody true Scottish aristocracy.
What is the Scottish Highland Style
Scottish Highland style is a distinctive way of dressing centred around two iconic components: the kilt, a knee-length wraparound garment made from 8 yards of worsted wool and tartan – a colourful pattern of interlocking stripes representing a specific clan or family.
Originating in the 16th century among Scottish nobility and clan chiefs, the Scottish Highland style is a comprehensive attire for every occasion, from formal events to Highland games and countryside pursuits.
The style’s versatility is evident in its range, which includes the formal Prince Charlie jacket and waistcoat ensemble, the semi-formal Argyll outfit, and the more casual tweed day wear.
Other key garments in the Scottish Highland style include Harris tweed jackets hand-woven from pure virgin wool in the Outer Hebrides, cable-knit sweaters in lambswool or cashmere, ghillie Brogue shoes with no tongue and laces wrapped around the ankle, and the sporran, a decorative pouch worn on a chain or around the waist as the kilt’s pocket.
The look is heavily accessorised with kilt pins, often made of silver and adorned with Celtic designs, clan crests, worn on caps or as plaid brooches, fly plaids, a length of tartan fabric worn over the shoulder for formal occasions, and the sgian-dubh, a decorative knife worn in the sock.
Scottish Highland Style vs Similar Heritage Looks
Rooted in clan, family, and regional traditions, these heritage styles reflect their wearers’ cultural identity and social status.
The following comparison highlights five distinctive heritage styles, each with its own elegance, sartorial language of wealth, tradition, and aristocratic bearing.
| Style | Key Garments | Colours | Accessories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scottish Highland | Kilt, tweed jackets, Prince Charlie jacket | Tartan patterns, deep greens, rich reds, earthy tones | Sporran, sgian-dubh, kilt pin, fly plaid |
| Irish Clan Attire | Aran sweaters, linen shirts, tweed waistcoats | Celtic greens, warm browns, creams | Claddagh rings, Celtic brooches, flat caps |
| Welsh Traditional Dress | Tweed suits, flannel shirts, Welsh tapestry cloaks | Red, green, and white (national colours), muted earth tones | Welsh love spoons, Celtic knotwork pins, St. David’s Cross |
| English Country Chic | Waxed jackets, corduroy trousers, tattersall shirts | Forest green, burgundy, mustard yellow, brown | Tweed flat caps, leather boots, hunting-themed accessories |
| Nordic Viking-inspired | Wool tunics, fur-trimmed cloaks, leather vests | Deep blues, rich reds, earthy browns | Thor’s hammer pendants, arm rings, drinking horns |
Scottish Highland Style
Has several types of jackets, each serving a specific purpose in the wardrobe.
For casual and semi-formal occasions, tweed jackets in Harris Tweed or Donegal tweed, in shades of brown, grey, or green complement the kilt’s bold tartan patterns.
When formality is required, the black Prince Charlie jacket takes centre stage. Its sleek silhouette and silver buttons add a touch of elegance to evening events.
The black Argyll jacket bridges the gap between casual and formal wear, offering versatility for various social gatherings.
Regardless of the jacket choice, a crisp white dress shirt is the foundational garment, providing a clean contrast to Highland attire’s rich colours and patterns.
The wide range of jackets allows the wearers to transition from day to night and from countryside rambles to grand ballrooms while maintaining this unique aesthetic.
Irish Clan Attire
Embraces a palette of green, brown, and cream, with Aran sweaters in off-white serving as the cornerstone of the style.
These intricate knitwear pieces are often paired with tweed waistcoats and trousers in rich brown hues, creating a layered look that speaks to Ireland’s pastoral heritage.
For more formal occasions, Irish linen shirts in crisp white provide a refined touch, while wool jackets in deep greens or browns complete the ensemble.
The versatility of Irish Clan Attire allows for seamless transitions between casual countryside gatherings and more formal events, all while maintaining a connection to Ireland’s rich cultural traditions.
Welsh Traditional Dress has the national colours red, green, and white at the heart of its aesthetic, through check patterns and unique accessories.
Tweed suits in muted greys or warm browns form the foundation of the male wardrobe, offering a sophisticated silhouette for both casual and formal wear.
The Welsh tapestry cloak, known as the ‘capel’, adds a unique layer of warmth and cultural significance to the outfit via intricate patterns showcasing Welsh weaving traditions.
Flannel shirts in subtle plaids or solid colours complement the heavier outer layers, providing comfort and style for everyday wear.
English Country Chic
The style favours a colour palette of green, brown, and beige, reflecting the hues of the British countryside.
Corduroy trousers in tan or deep burgundy and waxed jackets in olive or rich brown are worn with tattersall shirts in distinctive check patterns and muted colours.
When dressing up, men swap waxed jackets for tweed sport coats in brown, green, or rust, worn with wool trousers and cotton shirts for a polished look that still feels at home in the countryside.
Nordic Viking-inspired
This style draws upon a colour palette of deep blues, rich reds, and earthy browns, echoing the landscapes of Scandinavia.
Wool tunics in natural, undyed colours form the base layer, often adorned with intricate embroidery or tablet-woven trims.
These are layered beneath leather vests or jerkins in various shades of brown, providing protection and a rugged aesthetic.
For colder weather, fur-trimmed cloaks in deep blues or reds add warmth and drama to the outfit.
The Nordic Viking-inspired wear, with leather jackets and woollen sweaters, is less formal than the other styles and can be adapted for modern contexts.
Scottish Highland Wardrobe Essentials
The Scottish Highland style wardrobe comprises an array of distinctive garments and accessories, each playing a crucial role in creating the iconic look that symbolises Scottish heritage and aristocratic elegance.
Kilts
At the heart of Scottish Highland attire lies the kilt, a garment of great significance crafted from a substantial 8 yards of wool wraps around the waist.
The kilts are available in several tartan designs, each with a unique woven pattern bearing connections to specific Scottish clans or families.
For formal gatherings and ceremonial events, you must wear a kilt from your family tartan.
If you do not have such Scottish heritage, choose a more understated design, such as the renowned Black Watch pattern.
Casual occasions allow for greater flexibility, permitting the use of universal tartans or even contemporary designs that blend traditional elements with modern old-money aesthetics.
Jackets
The Scottish Highland style encompasses a variety of jackets, each suited to different occasions and levels of formality.
The tweed jacket, often crafted from the world-famous Harris Tweed—a fabric hand-woven in the Outer Hebrides—comes in rich hues of brown, green, or grey and serves admirably for both casual outings and semi-formal events.
The Prince Charlie jacket – a sleek, black evening jacket – takes centre stage for black-tie affairs and formal gatherings, paired with a matching waistcoat.
The versatile Argyll jacket, also in black, bridges the gap between these two extremes, suitable for several occasions, from semi-formal dinners to more structured events, offering the wearer a degree of sartorial flexibility.
Shirts
Crisp white dress shirts form the foundation of Scottish Highland attire, providing a clean, classic backdrop against which the more ornate elements of the outfit can shine.
When attending formal evening functions, tradition dictates the use of a wing-collar shirt.
Its distinctive upturned points frame the wearer’s face and perfectly complement the Prince Charlie jacket.
A standard collared shirt is entirely appropriate for daytime events and less formal occasions.
Knitwear
In keeping with Scotland’s rich textile heritage, cable-knit sweaters crafted from the finest Shetland wool or cashmere feature prominently in casual Highland wear.
These garments, often seen in warm, neutral shades such as cream or earthy tones that echo the Scottish landscape, provide warmth and style, making them indispensable for less formal gatherings or countryside pursuits.
Footwear
No Scottish Highland ensemble would be complete without a pair of ghillie Brogues, the traditional footwear designed to complement the kilt.
Ghillie Brogues are crafted from black calf leather and are characterised by the lack of tongue and long laces wrapped around the ankle in an intricate pattern.
Accessories
The sporran is a decorative pouch crafted from leather or fur adorned with Celtic motifs and worn at the front of the kilt.
Nestled discreetly in the sock of the right leg is the sgian-dubh, a small ornamental knife that harks back to Scotland’s martial traditions.
Kilt pins crafted from silver and embellished with clan crests or Celtic designs adorn the front apron of the kilt.
At the same time, for the most formal of occasions, fly plaids—lengths of tartan fabric—are draped over the shoulder for an extra ceremonial feel.
Belts and buckles with intricate Celtic knotwork are worn with casual outfits and additional embellishments such as clan crests and tartan ties, while Celtic-inspired cufflinks provide the finishing touches.
Scottish Highland Essential Terms
Kilt – A knee-length skirt-like garment with pleats at the back, traditionally worn by men as part of Scottish Highland dress.
Tweed – A rough, woollen fabric traditionally woven in Scotland, often used for jackets and waistcoats.
Tartan – A pattern of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours specific to a clan or region.
Clan Crest – A heraldic symbol representing a Scottish clan worn on caps or as a plaid brooch.
Trews – Tartan trousers, traditionally worn as an alternative to the kilt in colder weather or for horseback riding.
Ghillie Brogues – Traditional Scottish shoes with no tongue and long laces that wrap around the ankle.
Sgian Dubh – A small, single-edged knife worn in the sock of the right leg.
Sporran – A pouch worn on a chain or strap around the waist, serving as a pocket for the kilt.
Fly Plaid – A long piece of tartan fabric worn over the left shoulder for formal occasions.
Prince Charlie Jacket – A formal evening jacket worn with a Highland dress, ideally in black with silver buttons.
Argyll Jacket – A less formal alternative to the Prince Charlie, suitable for daytime events.
Kilt Pin – A decorative pin worn on the front apron of the kilt to add weight and prevent flapping.
Glengarry – A traditional boat-shaped cap with a tartan band and pom-pom on top.
Balmoral Bonnet – A round, brimless cap with a toorie (pom-pom) on top, often worn for casual occasions.
Toorie – The pom-pom on top of a Balmoral bonnet or Glengarry cap.
Plaid Brooch – A large, decorative pin used to secure the fly plaid to the jacket’s shoulder.
Kilt Hose – Long socks worn with a kilt, typically reaching just below the knee.
Great Kilt – The predecessor to the modern kilt, a long piece of tartan cloth draped over the shoulder and belted at the waist.
Trews – Tartan trousers, traditionally worn as an alternative to the kilt in colder weather.
Jacobite Shirt – A loose-fitting, off-white, full-sleeved shirt, often worn with casual Highland attire.
Tam o’ Shanter – A wide, flat bonnet traditionally worn as part of Highland dress, often made of wool.
Cantle – The metal top of a sporran, often decorative and made of silver.
Harris Tweed – A handwoven tweed made in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, protected by the Harris Tweed Act of 1993.
Scottish Tartan and Tweed Explained
Tartan
The tartan is a defining pattern of the Scottish Highland style, consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours.
Tartans are categorised into several types:
Clan Tartans – representing specific Scottish clans. For example, the MacLeod tartan features yellow and black checks, while the Campbell tartan has navy and green squares.
Hunting Tartans – Designed for camouflage during hunts, these use more muted colours. The Hunting Stewart tartan incorporates dark greens and blues.
Dress Tartans – Lighter versions of clan tartans, often with a white background. The Dress Gordon tartan has a white base with black and red stripes.
Universal Tartans – These are not associated with any clan and can be worn by anyone. The Black Watch tartan, with its dark green and navy pattern, is a popular choice.
When selecting a tartan, consider your family heritage or choose based on personal style preference.
For formal events, stick to clan or dress tartans; universal or fashion tartans are fine for casual wear.
Also, consider the fabric’s weight; heavier tweeds (500-600g/m²) are suitable for winter, while lighter tweeds (300-400g/m²) work well in spring and autumn.
Tweed
Tweed is a woollen fabric integral to the Scottish Highland style. The most renowned is the Harris Tweed, hand-woven in the Outer Hebrides.
Tweed comes in several patterns:
Herringbone – A V-shaped pattern resembling fish bones. Common in greys and browns.
Houndstooth – A broken check pattern, often in black and white or brown and tan.
Overcheck – A base herringbone or twill with a larger check overlaid. Common combinations include dark brown bases with red and blue overcheck lines, green with yellow and orange lines, grey with burgundy and navy overcheck lines, and tan with hunter green and rust overcheck lines.
Tweed jackets are critical to the Scottish Highland style, pairing well with solid-coloured kilts or trousers.
For a classic aristocratic highland look, combine a brown herringbone tweed jacket with a Black Watch kilt.
For a true fashion statement, wear a grey houndstooth tweed jacket with a clan tartan kilt.
When wearing tweed, consider the weight of the fabric. Heavier tweeds (500-600g) are suitable for winter, while lighter tweeds (300-400g) work well in spring and autumn.
Scottish Highland Outfit Ideas by Seasons
Spring
Embrace spring’s renewal with a lightweight kilt in white Dress Gordon tartan with black and red stripes.
To complement the kilt’s lighter hues, pair it with a sage green tweed jacket in a herringbone weave and a cream cable-knit lambswool sweater.
Under the sweater, wear a white Sea Island cotton dress shirt with a cutaway collar, traditional ghillie Brogues in chestnut calf leather, and argyle socks in forest green and burgundy.
Accessorise with a chestnut leather sporran with Celtic knotwork and a black wool Glengarry cap embellished with a clan crest badge.
Summer
Start with a lightweight kilt in Ancient Hunting MacRae tartan with muted greens and blues, a stone-coloured linen jacket, and a pale blue fine-gauge sea island cotton polo shirt.
Choose black calf leather ghillie Brogues with knee-high socks in an argyle pattern with cream and sky blue colours.
Complete the outfit with a day sporran in soft suede and a dark blue wool Balmoral bonnet adorned with a small eagle feather.
Autumn
Wear a kilt in weathered Black Watch tartan with deep greens and navy blues and a russet brown tweed jacket featuring an overcheck in burnt orange and forest green.
Underneath, don an amber merino wool turtleneck sweater, burnished oxblood leather Brogues and heather grey cable knit socks.
Then add a black leather formal sporran with silver cantle and a deep navy tam o’ shanter with a clan crest badge.
Winter
Choose a heavyweight kilt in Mackenzie tartan with bold red and green checks, paired with a charcoal grey Argyll jacket with a velvet collar and matching waistcoat.
Wear a white dress shirt with a spread collar, Mackenzie wool tartan tie, black leather ghillie Brogues and thick, knee-high socks in Black Watch tartan.
Add a full-dress sporran in black hair with silver cantle, and finish the look with a Mackenzie tartan fly plaid secured with a silver plaid brooch.
Scottish Highland Style Do’s and Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Wear your kilt at the natural waist, typically around your navel | Wear your kilt low on the hips like trousers |
| Ensure your kilt sits at mid-knee when standing | Let your kilt fall below the knee or sit above mid-thigh |
| Match your sporran size to the occasion – day sporrans for casual events, dress sporrans for formal affairs | Wear an ornate dress sporran with casual daywear |
| Wear your kilt pin on the front apron, about 10 cm from the bottom and 5 cm from the fringe | Pin both layers of the kilt together, as this restricts movement |
| Choose a tweed jacket in a complementary colour to your kilt for daywear | Mix formal evening-wear jackets like Prince Charlie with casual kilts or daywear |
| Wear your sgian dubh in your right sock with only the top of the handle visible | Forget your sgian dubh or wear it on the left side |
| Ensure your kilt hose sits about 7 cm below the knee | Allow your kilt hose to bunch around your ankles or pull them up over your knees |
| Wear a fly plaid for formal evening events | Wear a fly plaid for casual daytime occasions |
| Choose appropriate headwear – Glengarry for formal, Balmoral for casual | Wear modern baseball caps or beanies with traditional Highland attire |
| Ensure all metalwork (kilt pin, sporran cantle, plaid brooch) matches in colour | Mix silver and gold accessories in the same outfit |
Modern Scottish Highland Style
Scottish Highland attire has evolved beyond its traditional roots, finding its place in contemporary men’s fashion.
By incorporating key elements of Highland dress into modern outfits, you can create unique looks that honour Scottish heritage while staying current.
Here’s how to blend Highland style into your everyday fashion:
Create Highland flair with a Black Watch tartan scarf and a Harris Tweed herringbone blazer.
This combination evokes Scottish tradition while remaining versatile for various occasions.
For a subtle touch of Scottish nobility style, wear Glen check trousers, a Sea Island cotton white shirt, and a navy worsted wool blazer.
The look is smart-casual and suitable for the office or social events.
For a Highland aristocratic statement, wear a kilt-inspired Mackenzie tartan skirt over slim-fit charcoal wool trousers.
Pair with a crisp white Oxford shirt and cognac leather brogues for a modern interpretation of Highland dress that turns heads while maintaining masculinity.
Wear Highland-inspired accessories to elevate your look, such as a black leather sporran-style crossbody bag or pin a silver clan crest kilt pin to your lapel for a touch of Highland charm.
Footwear is equally crucial in giving your modern outfits a Highland-inspired vibe, and you can achieve that by wearing pebble-grain leather Brogues or ghillie-inspired suede Derby shoes.
When the weather turns cold, layer with a Donegal tweed overcoat or a Rob Roy MacGregor tartan cape.
These garments make a strong style statement and work well with both casual and formal attire.
For formal events requiring a touch of Scottish flair, don a contemporary kilt in subtle Hunting Stewart tartan.
Pair it with a black barathea wool Prince Charlie jacket and waistcoat, adding a black hair sporran with silver cantle and black leather ghillie Brogues to complete this modern take on traditional Highland formal wear.
Remember, balance is the key to successfully incorporating Highland style into modern dress.
Combine one or two Highland-inspired pieces with contemporary clothing to create a stylish look that respects Scottish heritage without appearing costume-like.
10 Scottish Highland Style Facts
1. The kilt as we know it today was invented by an Englishman.
Thomas Rawlinson, an industrial chemist from Lancashire, created the ‘small kilt’ or ‘walking kilt’ in the 1720s.
He simplified the belted plaid worn by Highlanders to make it more practical for workers in his iron smelting furnace.
2. Clan tartans, perceived by the general public and fashionistas as ancient, were invented in the early 19th century.
Sir Walter Scott popularised the idea of clan-specific tartans during King George IV’s visit to Scotland in 1822.
3. The sporran evolved from the need for a pocket in the pocketless kilt.
Early sporrans were simple leather pouches but became increasingly ornate over time, featuring animal fur, intricate metalwork, and horsehair tassels.
4. The sgian dubh’s placement in the right sock stems from an old Highland tradition.
When entering a house as a guest, men would place the weapon in the sock to keep it visible as a sign of trust and courtesy to the host.
5. Prince Charles Edward Stuart, known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, lends his name to the Prince Charlie jacket.
This formal evening wear became popular in the late 19th century, inspired by the military uniforms of those times.
6. The phrase ‘tartan army’ originates from Scottish football fans who travel to support their national team.
Their kilted presence at international matches has made them a recognisable sight since the 1970s.
7. Macnaughton Holdings, one of the oldest kilt-making businesses, has been operating since 1783.
The company continues to weave tartans using traditional methods in their mill in Keith, Banffshire.
8. On August 1, 1746, the British government banned Highland dress with the Dress Act, part of a series of laws to suppress Highland culture after the Jacobite rising.
The ban was lifted in 1782, leading to a revival of Highland dress.
9. The Ghillie Brogue’s unique design, with no tongue and long laces, originated from the need for a shoe that would drain water quickly and dry fast in the wet Highland climate.
10. The world’s largest kilt, made in 2014, used over 70 metres of fabric.
Created for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, it stood at 8 metres tall and had a waist measurement of 18 metres.
Conclusion
With its rich history and distinctive elements, the Scottish Highland style continues to captivate and inspire men’s fashion worldwide.
From the iconic kilt to the rugged appeal of tweed, this sartorial tradition offers a unique blend of masculinity, elegance, and cultural pride.
By introducing Highland-inspired garments, footwear and accessories into your wardrobe you’ll create a highly stylish and unique old-money traditional look.
Whether donning a full kilt ensemble for a formal event or adding a subtle tartan accent to everyday wear, the Scottish Highland style allows personal expression while honouring a centuries-old heritage.
As fashion evolves, so too does the interpretation of Highland dress and contemporary adaptations ensure its relevance in today’s world, proving that this style is not a relic of the past but a living form of cultural expression.
Embracing Scottish Highland style is more than just following a trend but a connection to rich tradition and fine craftsmanship appreciation.
Styling Beyond the Scottish Highlands
Knowing the look of Scottish aristocracy and key wardrobe staples is just a small step towards dressing like a successful, confident gentleman.
To dress like a wealthy gentleman you must know your body shape/type and your seasonal colour palette, so you can match your fashion with your skin, eye, and hair colours.
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