Kilts have long been the outfit of choice for Scottish men during wedding season. The tartan garment also makes an appearance at other milestone events in our lives – from birthdays and graduations to football matches and Hogmanay. But you might have noticed that your son or nephew wasn’t interested in wearing one to his prom this year.
Maybe you yourself opted to buy a linen suit for your roster of weddings this summer. So, is the kilt going out of fashion? We spoke to industry experts in Tayside and Fife to find out what the current kilt trends are – especially when it comes to wedding season. Kiltmaker Jennifer Brown, who runs , which has stores in St Andrews and Kirkcaldy, is clear on where she stands on the debate.
The family business has been making bespoke handmade kilts since 1979. “This particular year is a bit quieter, but generally I think kilts are as popular as they always have been. “I mean, they don’t go out of fashion with Scots guys.
They even want to wear them to football. “And for a Scottish Wedding, I would say the groomsmen at 80% of Scottish weddings wear kilts.” Wedding season – from April to October – is the busiest time of year for the business.
However she notes that kilts are a less popular choice among teenage boys these days. Jennifer said: “About 10 years ago their was a noted dip where young guys were wearing suits to proms. “But it is slowly on the rise again.
It just slowly comes and goes in fashion. “Boys around 15 a.