How can you differentiate a Kilt and a Skirt? Of course, people who do not know what a Kilt is, they would identify that a kilt is just the same as a skirt. Same as skirts, people would identify them as garments that are wrapped around the waist. Let us explain to you what distinguishes them both, so you know which is which the next time you encounter one.

Kilts, technically, are a particular type of skirt that men, especially in countries like Ireland and Scotland, wear. Kilts are considered the traditional outfits in these regional highlands. Skirts in the modern days, on the other hand, are usually worn by women, and you can find them anywhere. 

Both kilts and skirts possess different features and styles of their own. 

The Skirt  

The skirt’s early history goes back centuries to Ancient Egypt. And surprisingly, the first ‘skirts’ were worn by men.

Back in the early caveman days, both men and women have used furry skin from hunted animals as skirts for protection and warmth. But nowadays, skirts are a common term for a piece of fabric, often incorporated as women’s apparel. A skirt is a piece of clothing that wraps around the waist, and it covers the lower portion of the body.   

The skirts have a variety of lengths, plus it can be made from denim, leather, silk tweed, or rayon, among others, depending on the fashion trend or the tradition. In terms of length, fabric, colour, material, cut, and style, skirts are very flexible. They can be presented as plain, decorated, or detailed depending on its purpose, or how it’s made.  

So What About Kilts? What Makes it Different From a Skirt?  

The Utility Kilt is a special type of ‘skirt’ that is usually worn by men, traditionally by Scottish men to be exact. Historically, kilts have deep meaning. Usually, kilts are made from Tartan patterns. Often, this tartan stems from a family or clan where the Scotsman is from. Kilt-wearing is a way to represent heritage and culture. 

During the early days in Scotland, the Scottish Army used kilts for protection. They were like built-in-armour, so they could move freely with swift movements, which helped them during combats. 

Related to Gaelic and Scottish culture, the kilt is a type of knee-length non-bifurcated skirt with pleats at the back. Kilts are specifically made from a twill woven worsted wool and plaid fleece. However, these qualities can also be found in many skirts.  

Frankly, there is not much of a contrast between the kilt and the skirt in terms of appearance. But, it is good to keep in mind that the kilt is entirely knee-length while a skirt may be as short as the above knee, or a more modest one which is slightly lower than the knee. 

Furthermore, as an extra, kilts can be worn with a buckle and a kilt stick. These are utilised as formal, military, everyday wear, and social dress. It is worn to imply convention, nationality, legacy, and pride. The kilt has other embellishments which incorporate the kilt belt, the sporran, and the kilt hose.  

Even though the kilt may be seen similar to a skirt, it is fair and just as suitable in any circumstance for men to be seen wearing a kilt. Be that as it may, this thought about men wearing skirts can be atypical to a few cultures.  

Here is a summary of what we’ve discussed. 

• The skirt may be up or down the knees, a few inches higher or lower. However, the kilt is strictly up to knee-length only.  
• In any case, the kilt is a term saved for those worn by men in particular of Scottish and Celtic roots. It can be worn in social get-togethers, exhibitions, or fair on typical days. On the other hand, the skirt is regularly associated with women’s clothing. It can also be worn at any time or on occasion.  
• The skirts can be made of whichever material or pattern, usually depending on the person’s preference. On the other hand, kilts have specific materials and patterns which are woven and can be produced with tartan patterns, and the modern ones even can use other materials as well, such as leather and denim.   
• Lastly, skirts can be accessorised whatever one’s like, unlike Kilts, it is commonly best paired with a kilt belt, the sporran, and the kilt hose, although the modern ones can also be paired with metal bling, handkerchief, or pockets for accessories. 

Are you ready to Rock A Kilt? 

We’re here to support you in your journey in choosing a kilt that best represents your personality and utility needs. We have a wide range of high-quality kilt selection depending on your preference. 

Ozkilts is very proud to say that we are the only company with a utility kilt range designed by professional workwear designers. This gives men (and women) room to breathe and a sense of complete freedom. For more information you can get from donning on a kilt, you can visit this link: https://ozkilts.com/