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what to wear, and how to wear it
Most Scottish men will already know that kilts are a good investment as they are suitable attire for weddings, christenings, parties, sporting events and a host of other special occasions. Alternatively, the groom, best man and groomsmen may prefer to wear a tailored, bespoke or designer suit. Chances are the groom will have decided on the colour scheme together with his wife-to-be, but the rest is up to him! Kilts
Tartan And Plaid
StyleThe most formal and traditional jacket to wear with the kilt is the Prince Charlie, which is characterised by its short military-cut silver buttons. The Prince Charlie is still very popular, but evolving contemporary styles have meant that there are various jackets that can now be worn with the kilt – some are reminiscent of suit jackets, like the Argyle, and are very comfortable to wear. Jacket styles and materials have also come a long way and the choice has extended to suede, pinstripe, velvet and tweeds. Many grooms find that the bow tie can be very restrictive, so instead choose to wear the scrunchie tie, often in a colour that matches the overall colour scheme or the bridesmaids’ dresses. SuitsBuying a made-to-measure outfit is not always prohibitive when it comes to cost and if the groom-to-be has always liked the idea of owning a tailored outfit then what better time to indulge? The traditional morning and frock coats look best when they’re bespoke; you may choose full-blown opulence with brocade waistcoats and cravats, or go to the other extreme with a lounge suit – some grooms don’t even wear ties these days! Of course, a groom may prefer to opt for the designer route, going for a suit they have longed for but normally wouldn't allow themselves to buy. Cream, grey and black are all popular colours right now. A lot of men detest shopping but it pays to set aside a day to look around with your best man and/or bride. Search online first to get some ideas and then try Slater Menswear www.slatermenswear.com or Zara on the high street, or Armani, Hugo Boss and Cruise for higher-end, exquisitely cut suits. It’s worth taking a trip to George Street in Edinburgh, which has some great menswear shops – plus renowned Savile-row based tailor Hardy Amies is set to open a store there. |
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Kilts can be bought outright for between £500-800, or hired for upwards of £60. The advantage of buying is that your kilt will fit you perfectly and you can choose from a huge array of tartans. Remember that although hiring a kilt and accessories will minimise the cost, your choice of tartans is likely to be quite limited. However, you may still think it’s worth it, especially if you benefit from a block discount if several men in the wedding party all hire from the same shop. Personal choice dictates whether you want to wear it au naturale or not, but if you are hiring the outfit spare a thought for future wearers! Check out Geoffrey (Tailor) Ltd for a fantastic selection 
There are thousands of tartans to choose from and there's no need to be restricted by your family name. Some, like the 'Pride of Scotland' and 'The Spirit Of Scotland', are worn simply because the groom likes the colour. But kilts now come in every colour and shade imaginable; block colours are also available, with many choosing to wear plain black or grey for a sleeker look. If you prefer a modern twist look out for muted tartans and stylish tweeds. For the ultimate in bad boy luxe you may even consider a leather kilt – yes, really!