1 Great Kilt, 10 Looks: A Visual Guide to Modern Great Kilting

[Sir Didymous]

Black tie:


For black tie I added a modern waistcoat made of a color on color brocade and a black silk tie (also in the Merovingian knot). The lapels of my jacket are fully buttoned back and I switched out to black/red diced hose with garter ties, high polish "tuxedo" shoes of a modern style, and a hair sporran (one that's being replaced as soon as money permits). Here's a shot to let you see the pattern of the vest and knot of the tie.



White tie:


In my humble opinion, this is where the great kilt can shine. The top of the kilt is arranged over the bottom of the jacket (which is fully buttoned), pulled through the epaulet and brooched plaid to plaid (using a medal awarded by the Chivalry for Children organization). A jabot replaces the tie and the garters are tied on the outside of the hose. A dirk is also included, but not to be discussed as part of this thread.

A few things I have found about modern wearing of the great kilt is that one should include modern elements to prevent the dreaded "costume" look. That is why I don't wear buckled brogues with my formal kits and avoid the toga look for the most part. Additionally, shorter cut jackets don't bunch up as much and lighter weight tartans tend to lay nicer as they are less bulky. Further, there are ways to modernize the kilt itself (none of which I used for this thread), if you simply want the look. Sewing in the pleats, for example. Also, lower yardages work well as a way to cut back the bulk. The kilt in this thread is about 3.5 yards of 10oz wool. My heavy winter plaid is 4.5 yards of 16oz wool/acrylic blend.