Kilts are for so much more than special occasions – although many men, both those of Scottish and Irish decent and those with just an appreciation for the culture, do wear them for weddings, funerals and other celebratory occasions. However, you can look dashing in them for a night out on the town, an evening at a pub or any occasion where you get together with friends or romance your special someone. Which coat you pair with the kilt can make all the difference when it comes to the effectiveness of the total look – and what kind of coat you should buy depends on when you wear your kilt.
Solid Argyle
The argyle kilt jacket is one of the most classic kilt pairings and is especially a great choice for more formal occasions. It’s warm, which means it’s ideal if you plan to spend time outdoors. With a button-down argyle vest and a tie to boot, the entire look exudes elegance. Since the kilt itself is so eye-catching with its colors and patterns, your jacket should be plain – a color such as grey, black or navy is ideal. Get at least one argyle jacket in every color variant for more variety in your closet.
Tuxedo Jacket
There are just some occasions when you feel you ought to be wearing a tuxedo – such as a wedding or a prom. The crail kilt jacket or the Prince Charlie jacket in classic black and white is just what you’re looking for in these types of situations. You can also wear the Prince Charlie vest, which is the vest, shirt and tie version of a tuxedo, alone for somewhat less formal occasions.
Custom Jacket
The absolutely best jacket to pair with a kilt is a custom design, crafted by master tailors from Scotland. Ask for a chieftain vest design for a more medieval look, perfect for Renaissance Faires, jousts and other events with historical themes. Or ask for an argyle or Prince Charlie jacket with more flourishes on the sleeves and a dapper collar.
Since a kilt isn’t something you should just wear once, it makes sense to buy multiple coats for multiple occasions. Pair more formal coats with the kilt during those extra special occasions and wear vests alone or something less formal when donning the kilt for a more everyday occurrence. You can totally change your look with just one kilt in your closet and a number of jackets to match.