You might know how to look good kilted after last weekend’s McCalls article, but this week we asked some more awkward questions. So here’s a few more ‘I Feel Love’ top tips for you… 

What are the current trends in kilts?

There’s a fair mix between our own contemporary tartans and traditional family clan tartans. In terms of weddings, here in Glasgow there is more demand for contemporary tartans such as our Pride range as well as grey and dark tartans. 

Have you got lighter weight kilts?

Most clan tartans are available in lighter weights to purchase. Almost all of our hire kilts are made from 16oz strome cloth assuring high quality garments. 

What neckwear would you recommend? 

For weddings, we recommend cravats in the first instance, then ties. The Jacobean laced ghillie shirts are for more informal occasions. 

How you got any tips on matching the bridegroom’s attire to bridalwear?

The main links between the two outfits are generated in the kilt tartan and neckwear. If possible bring in a swatch of material from the dresses so we can tie in tones. 

What is the best way to choose a tartan, if there’s no existing clan one?

A popular way to choose a tartan, when there’s no obvious choice is to look for a tartan under your Mother or Grandmother’s maiden name. But there is no set method to selecting tartans when you are going generic so it really boils down to personal taste and colour preference. 

What are the must-have kilt accessories? 

For the special look, we recommend the full attire - jacket and waistcoat sets, sporrans, sgian dubhs, kilt pins, flashes, ghillie brogues, kilt shirts and hose (socks) - not forgetting the kilt of course! 

Have you got any special wedding offers on at the moment?

For every six outfits hired, one of the basic outfit packages go free. 

What age/size do your kilts start from? 

There is a growing market for children’s highland wear. Weddings apart, we have seen a lot of children now hiring kilt outfits for holy communions, school proms and the like. As an approximation, we can cater for kids from about 18 months onwards from our hire range but also have 0-24 months baby outfits to purchase. 

Have you got any tips on convincing children to wear kilts?

Kids can always be persuaded to wear a kilt if you tell them, they’ll get given coins for their sporran! 

Can you describe the fitting process to us? 

The sizing and fitting process takes approximately 10 – 15 minutes and entails kilt, jacket and waistcoat and ghillie shoe try on. There generally is only the one fitting required for adults and two for children.  We would also recommend trying an outfit on upon collection to make sure everything is just right. 

As soon as people know what they want, we would recommend they get their party in, sized up and outfits booked as the outfits get snapped up pretty quickly during wedding season. We are getting enquiries already about 2015!

What do men need to know about wearing a kilt? 

Firstly don’t base your kilt size on your trouser size as measure different for a ‘kilt waist’ as kilts are worn higher up.

Wearing a kilt is extremely comfortable. You should wear the kilt with pleats to the rear, waist straps and buckles tightened so as to have a “snug” fit and the hip strap holding the shape of the kilt. The kilt should be slightly above the naval and extending down to just between the top and middle of the knee cap. 

What other products do you offer?

A full range of Highlandwear products, some ladies wear garments, hip flasks, quaichs, cufflinks, tartan ribbon, scarves, picnic rugs, tweed jackets, suits, tartan trews, tartan waistcoats and even more! Come in and have a look for yourself!

For more information contacts McCalls on 0141 548 1116, see theirwebsite or pop into their Glasgow branch at 132 Ingram Street, Glasgow, G1 1EJ.