Prince Charlie Outfits: The Ultimate Guide to Scottish Formal Wear

Prince Charlie outfits are an iconic and timeless option for anyone seeking the perfect formal Highland attire. Whether you are preparing for a wedding, a black-tie event, or any formal occasion where you want to embrace Scottish tradition, a Prince Charlie outfit delivers elegance, style, and authenticity. At Bonnie Kilts, we offer a wide range of these distinguished outfits, tailored to provide a perfect blend of traditional charm and contemporary sophistication.

In this guide, we will delve deep into everything you need to know about Prince Charlie outfits, including their history, key components, styling tips, and how to choose the perfect ensemble for your formal occasion.

What is a Prince Charlie Outfit?

A Prince Charlie outfit, also known as a Prince Charlie kilt outfit, is the pinnacle of Scottish formalwear. It is distinguished by its key piece—the Prince Charlie jacket—which is typically paired with a kilt and formal accessories. The outfit is named after Prince Charles Edward Stuart (often known as Bonnie Prince Charlie), who was known for his stylish and elegant attire in the 18th century. The Prince Charlie jacket is a short, tailcoat-like jacket with decorative buttons and satin lapels, designed specifically for formal events.

Components of a Prince Charlie Outfit

A complete Prince Charlie outfit comprises various elements that come together to create a sophisticated and traditional look. Let’s take a closer look at each component:

1. Prince Charlie Jacket
   The Prince Charlie jacket is a waist-length jacket with distinctive silver or chrome buttons on the front, cuffs, and tails. Typically made from high-quality black wool, this jacket features satin lapels, giving it an extra touch of formality. It is a versatile piece that adds a royal flair to the outfit.
2. Kilt
   The kilt is the most recognizable and essential part of any Highland outfit. Traditionally made from wool and featuring the wearer’s family tartan, the kilt is pleated at the back and falls just above the knee. In a Prince Charlie outfit, the kilt is often paired with a formal sporran, belt, and kilt pin.
3. Formal Sporran
   A sporran is a pouch worn at the front of the kilt, serving both a functional and decorative purpose. For formal occasions, a Prince Charlie outfit typically includes a full-dress sporran, which is often made of fur and adorned with intricate metalwork.
4. Dress Shirt
   A formal dress shirt, usually white, is worn under the Prince Charlie jacket. The shirt should have winged collars or a standard collar, depending on your preference.
5. Bow Tie
   A black bow tie is a classic accessory for the Prince Charlie outfit, giving it a traditional, formal appeal. Some may also opt for a cravat or ruche tie for a slightly different look.
6. Kilt Hose and Flashes
   Kilt hose are the knee-high socks worn with the kilt, often in cream or white. The flashes are pieces of colored ribbon that hold the hose in place and can be matched to the tartan of the kilt.
7. Ghillie Brogues
   Ghillie brogues are the traditional shoes worn with a Prince Charlie outfit. These are low-heeled shoes with no tongue, featuring long laces that wrap around the ankle, offering a distinctive Scottish look.
8. Sgian Dubh
   A sgian dubh (pronounced "skeen doo") is a small dagger that is tucked into the top of the kilt hose, with only the hilt visible. It adds an element of tradition and is a must-have for formal Highland dress.

When to Wear a Prince Charlie Outfit

Prince Charlie outfits are ideal for formal occasions. Here are some events where this iconic ensemble is most appropriate:

1. Weddings
   The Prince Charlie outfit is a popular choice for grooms and wedding parties. Its sophisticated style perfectly complements the grandeur of a formal wedding, especially one with Scottish heritage. Paired with a tartan kilt, it creates a memorable and distinguished look.
2. Black-Tie Events
   Just like a tuxedo or dinner jacket, the Prince Charlie outfit is perfect for black-tie events. Whether you’re attending a gala, formal dinner, or awards ceremony, this outfit will ensure you stand out in elegance and class.
3. Graduations
   A Prince Charlie outfit is also suitable for graduation ceremonies, offering a touch of heritage while maintaining the formal tone of the event. It adds a personal, stylish edge to this significant milestone.
4. Burns Night
   Celebrating Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, Burns Night is a great opportunity to don your finest Highland wear. A Prince Charlie outfit paired with your family tartan kilt ensures that you’re dressed to impress for this cultural celebration.

Choosing the Perfect Prince Charlie Outfit

When selecting the ideal Prince Charlie outfit, several factors come into play:

1. Tartan Choice
   The kilt is a central piece of the outfit, and choosing the right tartan is essential. Many people opt to wear their family tartan, but if you don’t have a specific clan affiliation, there are plenty of universal tartans to choose from, such as the Black Watch or Royal Stewart tartan.
2. Fit and Tailoring
   A Prince Charlie outfit should be perfectly tailored to your body for the most elegant look. Ensure that the jacket fits snugly at the waist and shoulders, while the kilt should sit high on the waist and fall just above the knee.
3. Material Quality
   For a formal Prince Charlie outfit, it’s essential to choose high-quality materials. Wool kilts and jackets made from premium fabric will not only look better but also last longer. Accessories like the sporran and sgian dubh should be crafted from fine leather and metal.
4. Customization Options
   At Bonnie Kilts, we offer a range of customization options for Prince Charlie outfits. Whether you want a unique tartan pattern, a personalized sgian dubh, or specific details on your jacket, we can help create an outfit that’s tailored to your preferences.

Styling Tips for Prince Charlie Outfits

• Keep it Classic: Stick to timeless accessories like the black bow tie, formal sporran, and ghillie brogues for a classic look that never goes out of style.
• Add Personal Flair: Personalize your outfit with family heirloom pieces, such as a tartan passed down through generations or a sgian dubh with your family crest.
• Match Accessories: Ensure your accessories—such as the belt buckle, kilt pin, and sporran chains—are of matching metals for a cohesive look.
• Mind the Socks: Keep the kilt hose pulled up to just below the knee, and ensure the flashes are visible on both sides. This adds a polished and finished look to your outfit.

Why Buy a Prince Charlie Outfit from Bonnie Kilts?

At Bonnie Kilts, we pride ourselves on offering top-quality Prince Charlie outfits crafted with precision and attention to detail. Our collection caters to all styles and sizes, ensuring you can find the perfect formalwear for your occasion. Here’s why we stand out:

• Premium Craftsmanship: Our Prince Charlie jackets and kilts are made from high-quality materials to ensure comfort, durability, and elegance.
• Customizable Options: We provide customization options so you can personalize your outfit to reflect your personal or family heritage.
• Expert Guidance: Our team of experts is here to help you choose the perfect ensemble, from tartan selection to accessory pairing.
• Affordable Pricing: We offer competitive pricing on all our products, ensuring that you can look your best without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

A Prince Charlie outfit is more than just formalwear—it’s a symbol of Scottish pride, tradition, and elegance. Whether you’re attending a wedding, gala, or any formal occasion, the Prince Charlie outfit allows you to stand out with a perfect blend of timeless style and cultural significance. At Bonnie Kilts, we are committed to helping you find the ideal Prince Charlie outfit that matches your personal taste and the occasion’s requirements.