Stop Guessing! The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Your Perfect Highland Jacket

Choosing the right Highland jacket can be surprisingly frustrating.

You start by browsing a few websites. Maybe typing “kilt jackets for sale” into a search bar. And suddenly, there’s a flood of options—Prince Charlie, Argyll, Tweed, Sheriffmuir, Montrose… styles you’ve never even heard of.

It’s not that the jackets look bad. Most of them look great, actually. But how do you know which one fits you—your event, your personality, your kilt?

Let’s make it simpler. No guessing. Just a clear, honest guide to help you choose the kilt jacket that feels right.

What Is a Kilt Jacket, Really?

A kilt jacket isn’t just a coat. It’s part of the traditional Highland outfit. It’s designed to match the kilt’s length and shape—shorter than a regular suit jacket so it sits neatly above the pleats.

But it’s also more than function. A good jacket pulls the whole outfit together. It shows care. Respect for the tradition. Or sometimes just good taste.

And like any good clothing choice, it’s less about the rules and more about what suits you.

Start With One Question: Why Are You Wearing a Kilt?

That sounds basic, but it helps.

Are you going to a wedding?
A formal evening event?
Something semi-casual, like a dinner or ceilidh?
Maybe even just a festival or day out?

Each occasion calls for a different level of formality. And that’s what separates most kilt jackets.

The Three Main Types of Kilt Jackets

There are many styles out there. But three tend to show up the most: Prince Charlie, Argyll, and Tweed. Each one fits a different kind of event—and person.

Let’s go through them one by one.

1. Prince Charlie Jacket

Best for: Black tie events, weddings, formal banquets

This is the one people usually imagine when they think of traditional Highland dress. Satin lapels. Decorative silver buttons. A sharp, formal look that feels, well, royal.

Worn with a waistcoat and a bow tie, it’s the Scottish version of a tuxedo. If you’re going to a very formal event—or you’re the groom—this might be the obvious choice.

But here’s the thing. It is formal. Very much so. Wearing one to a relaxed event might feel… like too much. You’ll look great, but you might also feel a little stiff. Unless that’s the look you want.

What it says about you:
You care about tradition. You like dressing to impress. And maybe, just maybe, you don’t mind being the most dressed-up person in the room.

2. Argyll Jacket

Best for: Semi-formal events, dinners, ceilidhs, weddings (if you’re not the groom)

The Argyll is probably the most versatile kilt jacket out there. It’s formal enough to wear to weddings or events, but not so stiff that it feels out of place at a pub or evening dinner.

It usually has a notch lapel, polished buttons, and a more classic jacket shape. You can wear it with a five-button vest or without one, depending on how formal you want to go.

This is a safe option if you’re only buying one jacket and want it to work for different situations. Most guys start with this one.

What it says about you:
You appreciate tradition but don’t need to make a spectacle of it. You want a jacket that works in real life, not just in photos.

3. Tweed Jacket

Best for: Day events, Highland Games, casual gatherings, country weddings

Tweed jackets are more relaxed. They’re made from textured wool, usually in muted or earthy tones. Browns, greens, greys. They feel warm, grounded, a little rustic.

They don’t shout “look at me”—which is part of the appeal. You can wear one with a plain shirt and boots and still look completely put together.

A tweed kilt jacket probably won’t work at a black-tie event, but it’s perfect for everything else. Especially if you’re someone who likes wearing your kilt more often than just weddings.

What it says about you:
You’re laid-back. You value comfort. You probably prefer outdoor events over banquet halls.

Don’t Forget The Small Stuff

The jacket matters. A lot. But so do the details.

• Waistcoat or no waistcoat?
  A waistcoat adds structure and formality. Prince Charlie almost always has one. Argyll and Tweed? Optional.
• Shirt choice:
  Wing collar for formal events. Standard collar or even a dress shirt for casual ones.
• Footwear:
  Dress brogues for formality. Boots or ghillie brogues for casual wear.
• Tie or bow tie?
  Again, it depends on the jacket. Bow tie for Prince Charlie. Straight tie or even no tie for Tweed.

These elements shift the tone of your outfit more than you might think.

Some Honest Advice Before You Buy

If you’re staring at kilt jackets for sale online and just getting more confused, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Don’t buy based on someone else’s style.
Just because you saw a great-looking Prince Charlie jacket on Instagram doesn’t mean it’s right for your event—or your personality.

2. Think long-term.
Will you wear the jacket more than once? Do you need something specific for one event, or something versatile you can wear again and again?

3. Try it on if possible.
Fit matters. Kilt jackets are cut differently from suits. You don’t want something too loose or too tight across the shoulders.

4. Fabric matters.
Real wool tweed or high-quality barathea wool will last. Cheaper poly blends might look good in photos but won’t hold up over time.

5. Start with Argyll if unsure.
If you just need one jacket and don’t want to overthink it, Argyll is the most adaptable choice.

Still Not Sure?

You’re not alone. Choosing a mens kilt jacket isn’t always straightforward.

Maybe the event is somewhere in between—formal but not black-tie. Or maybe you like the look of one jacket but feel more comfortable in another. That’s okay.

You don’t have to follow every rule. You just have to feel confident in what you’re wearing.

If it helps, think of jackets like tools. Each one has its use. The Prince Charlie is your spotlight piece. The Argyll is your everyday workhorse. The Tweed? That’s your go-to for comfort and charm.

Final Thought: Don’t Just Dress For The Occasion—Dress For Yourself

Yes, it’s good to respect tradition. To show up appropriately dressed for the event. But don’t forget the person inside the jacket.

You’re the one wearing it. You’re the one who’ll be shaking hands, dancing, laughing, maybe even giving a toast. So choose a jacket that makes you feel like yourself—just a bit sharper.

In the end, that’s what good style is.

Not about rules.
Not about following the crowd.
Just about feeling right in what you’re wearing.

And if that means buying one Highland jacket and wearing it a hundred different ways—well, that’s probably the smartest choice of all.