What does a Scotsman wear under his kilt?

Ah, the kilted Scotsman. A romanticized figure often seen in movies and television, clad in his traditional garb with nary a care in the world. But there's one question that has plagued mankind for centuries: what, exactly, does a Scotsman wear under his kilt?

Some say nothing at all. Others claim they wear underwear or boxer shorts. So who is right? And more importantly, does it even matter? Let's find out.

What Do Scotsmen Wear Under Their Kilts?

The answer to this burning question is...it depends. While there are those who would have you believe that all Scotsmen go commando, the reality is that it's up to each individual to decide what he wants to wear (or not wear) under his kilt.

The Traditionalist Approach - wear nothing!

Some argue that a Scotsman should go commando under his kilt. These traditionalists will tell you that anything else is simply "not proper." They believe a kilt is meant to be worn as nature intended—free-flowing and unrestrictive!

Some men feel that going au naturel is the only way to truly enjoy the freedom of the kilt, while others prefer to err on the side of caution and avoid any potential wardrobe malfunctions. Still, others believe that wearing something under their kilts is a matter of tradition and pride.

Strangely, those who support Scottish independence were found to be much more likely to go pant-less! Matt Smith from polling company YouGov said:

“Those who support Scottish independence are clearly a hardier sort, and are more likely to wear nothing underneath their kilts.

No matter what camp you fall into, there's no correct answer—it's simply a personal choice.

The Practical Approach - wear underwear!

On the other hand, you have those who argue that it is simply not practical to go without underwear under a kilt. They believe that Kilts were designed to be functional garments meant to be used for everyday tasks such as hunting and farming. Wearing underwear under a kilt provides an extra layer of warmth and protection from the elements—something that would surely be appreciated by our ancestors, who had to make do with much less than we do today.

Will I be made fun of if I wear underwear beneath a kilt?

Not at all, and anyway, how will anyone know? Past surveys have shown that 55% do wear underwear, so you will be in the majority. Just do whatever makes you feel most at ease.

Did Scotsmen traditionally wear nothing under their kilts?

I almost feel that wearing nothing is a more modern invention nowadays, made up by men in the lead-up to weddings, i.e. "You're not a true Scotsman unless you wear nothing". People say it with a twinkle in their eye but also a measure of sternness; it's hard to know if they are joking.

But I highly doubt this would have been the case hundreds of years ago, Scotland can be cold, and I can't see a savvy Scotsman not wearing something underneath!

Some historians believe wearing nothing under the kilt began within the Scottish military dress code for soldiers in the 18th century; there was no mention of what should be worn underneath a kilt. Scottish soldiers took this literally as a little joke and a challenge to wear nothing and may have been the original source of this slightly odd tradition.

Do women like kilted men?

The answer to this question is a resounding yes! Perhaps it's the fact that kilted men are often seen as being rugged and outdoorsy, or maybe it's the mystique of not knowing what they're wearing underneath! Whatever the reason, there's no denying that Scottish women love a man in a kilt, with as many as 91% agreeing in a recent poll.

Another poll shows that women are roughly 50/50 on what should be worn underneath a kilt.

Should a non-Scotsman wear a kilt?

This is a question that often divides people. Some believe that only those with Scottish heritage should be allowed to wear the kilt, while others feel that it is a garment that anyone can enjoy. Some even believe that only men should be allowed to wear kilts!

There is no right or wrong answer—it is a matter of personal preference; I say go for it! Wearing the kilt is fantastic!

There are many clan tartans to choose from but don't worry if you have no clan affiliations; there are also many area tartans too. My own kilt uses the Strathisla tartan, not a clan tartan, from the Keith area of Scotland.

One thing to keep in mind is if you are hiring your kilt, you should definitely wear underwear!

Highland Dancing

Highland dance is a style of competitive solo dancing that developed in the Scottish Highlands in the 19th century. Highland dancers perform dances that tell stories or depict scenes from Scottish folklore. The most popular Highland dances include the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance, and the Seann Triubhas.

Highland dance is often performed to the sound of traditional Scottish bagpipe music. Highland dancers typically wear a tartan kilt and must wear underwear as stated in the rules from the Scottish Official Board of Highland dancing. Examples of Highland Dancing can be seen at Highland games around Scotland in the summer months.

Scottish Ceilidh Dancing

Ceilidh dancing is a form of social dancing that developed in the Scottish Highlands in the 18th century. Ceilidh dances are typically performed in pairs or groups and are often accompanied by traditional Scottish music.

The most popular ceilidh dances include the Gay Gordons, the Strip the Willow, and the Dashing White Sergeant. It looks fantastic with everyone dressed in their kilts and fine dresses.

Ceilidh dancing is a great way to meet new people and have fun, so if you're ever in Scotland, be sure to give it a try! Underwear is recommended for Ceilidh dancing to save yourself from embarrassing situations.

You are Scottish, Chris, what do YOU do!?

Well, to be honest, when I got married, I did go commando and wore nothing below the kilt.

This wasn't the best idea, though; I felt so uncomfortable the whole day with children running about, and while I was making speeches in front of the family, it just felt very awkward. At the end of the wedding dance, the guests lifted me up into the air; I was panicking to hide my modesty!

The next time I don the kilt, I will not be a "true Scotsman".

Conclusion

So there you have it: the great kilt debate is finally put to rest. Whether or not a Scotsman chooses to wear anything under his kilt is entirely up to him; there is no correct answer.

What you choose is entirely up to you - just enjoy wearing the kilt!