Karen Louise Daly
Kilts are the traditionally the standard Scottish attire for weddings but did you know you can hire your own Irish kilt for your big day too. Every family has its own unique tartan, so it's no surprise that the kilt suit is a tradition that has remained alive and well as couples look to personalise their look while also giving a nod to their heritage. You can of course buy a kilt, but if you only have use for it for one day, or are looking to kit out an entire party in tartan, then renting is a great, cost-effective option. To help we've rounded up the best places to buy or hire a kilt for a wedding Ireland and the UK in a handy list below, with a little bit of kilt history and the answer to the age-old question about underwear thrown in for good measure. They really are a fascinating fashion item! Originating in the 16th century, the tartan kilt was and still is the traditional dress of men and boys in the Scottish Highlands. During the 19th century it spread to other Gaelic regions with Irish nationalists also adopting the kilt at the time as a symbol of Gaelic identity. The unique tartan pattern is known as the sett, and in the past, the cotton in kilts was dyed with the local berries, which is where clans got their rich colours. A version of the Irish kilt also originated from a piece of clothing called the Lein-Croich, a long tunic of one solid colour, usually saffron, green or black. These kilts are often worn by marching bands, but if you're looking for the real tartan deal to rent you can find your tartan county colours for Ireland here! Naturally you will need to also get a suit jacket, shirt, neckwear and waistcoat. But when it comes to the accessories, don't forget to ask your supplier what the hire includes in addition to the kilt and kilt pin. You may want to add all or none of the below traditional accessories. Top Tip: If you're getting a kilt made, be sure to ask for an extra piece of cloth so that you have the option of using it for a traditional hand-fasting ceremony. Naturally, the question always arises of whether your kilt-wearers are expected to be 'true Scotsmen' on the big day. Well, take heart that the wearing of underwear is entirely allowed and is no reflection of authenticity. Dare we say, underwear really is the only option because the last think you need is a gust of wind causes a flap. The tradition of going commando under a kilt is, in fact, a tradition which originated in the military, and not the general kilt-wearing public. So unless one of the party is an officer and a gentleman, it's underwear on! Plus if you're hiring a kilt, it'll be a lot more hygienic to cover up. Tom Murphy Formal and Menswear (Hire only) 58 St Patrick's Street, Cork City AB Formal Wear (Hire only) 1st Floor, 62 Main Street, Swords, Dublin 8 Willowfield Park, Roebuck, Dublin 14 Corless Formalwear Galway (Hire only) Dominick Street, Galway O'Neil of Dublin (Online only) The Harris Kilt Company (Buy and Hire) 150 Sandy Row, Belfast BT12 5EY MacGregor and MacDuff (Hire and Buy) 39-41 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 1HW Slanj (Hire and Buy) 30 St Enoch Square, Glasgow, G1 4DB House of Henderson (Hire and Buy) 6-8 Friars Street, Stirling FK8 1HB Sett (Hire only) 238 Battlefield RdGlasgow, G42 9HU B-Kilted (Hire only) 39 Leith Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3AT (If you're not in the UK, book a virtual appointment to buy online!) So now you know where to hire or buy your kilt, it's time to choose your look! We have amazing kilt looks in our Real Weddings for you to browse. Click here , here and here for our favourite Irish and Scottish kilt looks from One Fab Day couples!
Image by Pawel Bebenca Photography via One Fab Day
Image by Eoin Kirwan Photography via One Fab DayWhere did the Scottish and Irish Kilt Originate?
Image by Mark Barton Photography via One Fab Day
Image by Divine Day Photography via One Fab DayKilt Accessories
Image by Maison Pestea via One Fab Day
Image by Mark Barton Photography via One Fab DayShould you go 'True Scotsman'?
Image by Eoin Kirwan Photography via One Fab Day
Image by Pawel Bebenca Photography via One Fab DayWhere to Buy or Hire a Kilt in Ireland:
Image by Michelle Prunty via One Fab Day
Image by Folklore Photography via One Fab DayWhere to Buy or Hire a Kilt in Northern Ireland:
Where to Buy or Hire a Kilt in the UK:
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