Owning several different styles of kilts, I understand wearing them in different circumstances.

Around here one can see a fair number of kilts at functions, but 'Irish' functions and 'Scottish' functions tend to be very different in how kilts are worn.

At Irish Functions
  • Utilikilts are sold
  • Off the rack casual kilts are sold
  • Many pipers wear the UK on stage. Not pipe bands, but pipers with a band.
  • Low socks and boots are the normal footwear.


At Scottish functions
  • The UK is rare
  • Never seen a piper in a UK
  • Except at the Highland Games, kilts are not sold
  • Hose, shoes, flashers as footwear.


Kilt tradition has changed. And it is changing again and will change in the future. We can't hold it back, but we can hold a reserve of what it was.[1]

Just like jeans went from being 'clothing that poor people wore' to being expensive, high-end merchandise.

[1]Though if you ask me, a properly worn great-kilt just looks NICE.....