THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO KILT PINS

Kilt pins are a small feature in a full kilt outfit, however, they possess a wealth of history behind their origins and custom.

Discover the significance of the humble kilt pin and explore the many different styles available.

The history and beginnings of the kilt pin

The kilt pin is a fairly new addition to the highland dress outfit. Many believe the use of kilt pins arose in the Victorian era and attribute it to Queen Victoria herself! The myth goes that the Queen was inspecting soldiers at Balmoral castle however windy conditions were making this task more difficult. The Queen pinned her brooch to a young soldier's kilt to hold down the apron and the kilt pin was born! From that day forth, by Royal decree, all military kilts incorporated a kilt pin.

Although a kilt pin's basic function is to weigh down the apron of the kilt and stop it from blowing up in a gale, they quickly became more decorative and became more ostentatious. They became a symbol of the wearer's wealth and prosperity and were made in more and more valuable metals such as pewter, silver, and even gold! The designs became more extravagant including Celtic symbols, animals such as stags and lions, and clan crested varieties.

- The standard claymore kilt pin.

How should a kilt pin be worn?

A kilt pin is placed through the top layer of fabric on your kilt only - it should not be put through all the layers as this can cause damage to your kilt.

Ideally, it should be around 2 inches from the bottom of your kilt and around 1.5 inches from the apron. Many choose to have the kilt pin on a vertical line in their tartan as this can look neater. The kilt pin is normally worn on the right-hand side of the kilt.

Selecting the right kilt pin

We stock a massive variety of kilt pins for all tastes. We have kilt pins in different finishes such as chrome, antique, and jet black. We also stock kilt pins in a variety of designs such as Celtic, lion, thistle, or the traditional clan crested kilt pin.

Our kilt pins are also made in a variety of different materials from basic steel to pewter, silver, wood, and even stag horns.

- Traditional clan crested kilt pin.

For a more simple, minimal style why not go for the tried and tested Claymore style. For a more modern and distinctive, look you could try the lion rampant kilt pin.

Clan Crested kilt pins are always popular and are the perfect finish to a tailor-made kilt in your family's tartan.