It needs to be said……. “the pleats are in the back”. Since the kilt is one of the very few garments that can be worn backwards, and since first time wearers don’t have any experience with how “things go”, it sometimes can be a little confusing at first. Not to worry……MacIsaac Kiltmakers sends instructions on, “How to wear your kilt”, with every new kilt purchase.

Kilt:  In our humble opinion, when the kilt is made properly, the top of the kilt should be worn at or slightly above the navel while the bottom of the kilt should “brush the top of the knee cap”.  We use 3 kilt straps/buckles and when these are securely fastened, the kilt should stay in place and feel comfortable to wear. 

Kilt Pin: this was traditionally worn to prevent the apron of the kilt from being moved up by a gust of wind to expose “too much information”. But today, because of the way the kilts are constructed with both an under and an outer or front apron, these pins are now considered a decorative accessory. Kilt pins come in a very wide variety of styles, sizes, and colors and make a lovely gift for anyone who wants to achieve the look. The Kilt Pin is normally fastened to the right corner on the front apron of the kilt, approximately 3” up from the bottom, and 2” in from the side (normally following a straight line in the sett of the tartan).

Kilt Belt and Buckle: When the kilt fits properly and the three kilt straps have secured the kilt firmly in place, the kilt belt and buckle is not absolutely necessary.  We, however, feel strongly that the kilt belt and buckle truly provides a more “finished” look to the outfit. Most belts being offered today are 2 ¼” wide, mostly black in color, and are available in a number of different styles including plain leather, embossed, and lined. Similarly, kilt belt buckles are available in many, many different styles, sizes, colors, and designs. Many manufacturers are now offering buckles that match the design in the leather belt, the cantle on the sporran, and the top of the Sgian Dubh…..all of these “matched” items giving the kilt wearer a very coordinated and balanced look.

Sporran: There are many, many, many different sporrans available in the market but we will speak about three types or considerations for you to ponder, depending on where your sporran shall we worn. All sporrans are worn the same way and are attached using a separate “chain strap” that has a small buckle to fasten it appropriately at the back of the kilt.

• Dress Sporran –these sporrans are most always made using an animal fur such as sealskin, rabbit, muskrat, raccoon, and so on. These sporrans normally have at least 3 tassels hanging on the front of the sporran and the cantle or closure of the sporran tends to me made from metal with it being very highly decorated with some sort of Celtic or Clan design. These sporrans are worn for formal occasions.
• Semi-Dress Sporrans –these sporrans are made using both an animal fur on the front with a leather flap or closure. They normally have tassels on the front and often are decorated with a Celtic symbol such as a Thistle or a Lion Rampant. These sporrans are considered appropriate for both formal and slightly more casual occasions.
• Day Sporrans –these sporrans are almost always made using only leather. Some have tassels, some do not. Some are embossed while others are plain leather. This sporran is considered suitable for a casual or day wear occasion.

Kilt Hose: This is another example of an accessory where there are many different styles, materials, and colors to choose from. Some folks consider the Ivory, or Cream, or Off White to be the appropriate choice for kilt hose and they might be correct. But, MacIsaac Kiltmakers believe it’s up to the tastes of the individual wearing the outfit and that’s why we stock a wide variety of colors, styles, and designs. Please contact us with your questions, we’d be pleased to help you.

Hose Flashes:  These are made to help keep the hose in place and to also add a decorative touch to the hose top. They are made using an adjustable elastic band that is fastened well above the top of the calf muscle, and the hose top (or cuff) folded down over the elastic leaving only flashes visible.  The vast majority of our kilt customers have us make their new hose flashes using the same fabric as their kilt is made from, allowing for a perfect match every time!!!

Sgian Dubh: The Sgian Dubh, Gaelic for “black knife,” today is an ornamental accessory only and traditionally is worn tucked inside the top of the hose either on the right or left leg, depending if the wearer is right or left handed, with only the top part of the handle showing above the top of the hose. This accessory is optional, is not recommended for proms, school formals, air travel, etc. where it might be considered a weapon, and certainly not considered a toy. The Sgian Dubh is a real knife with a metal blade, is sharp and can cut, and should be considered something that deserves adult respect and attention.