Fashion Blogs

Scottish culture is a mash-up of influences from around Europe and across the globe — so it’s no wonder that fashion in the most dynamic part of the UK is uniquely funky.

Style in Scotland ranges from haute couture to cutting-edge streetwear.

And the sector’s kept alive by designers based in big urban centres like Glasgow and Edinburgh as well as those maintaining craft traditions in rural areas.

But most things made in Scotland display a sense of humour — so here are four Scottish style hacks to make you smile.

Underpants

Designing the perfect pair of underpants is an impressive feat of engineering.

And some iconic underwear brands blend the technical knowhow required for cosiness and comfort with bold designs that scream ‘Scotland’.

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So don’t forget to pick up a pair of terrific tartan or pop-art undies with a cool Caledonian twist next time you visit.

But remember that it’s a fashion faux-pas for any true Scotsman to wear a pair of pants under his kilt.

T-shirts

If you’re hot-stepping through Edinburgh or Glasgow you’ll pass many shop windows offering cheesy Scottish tees.

But they’re usually mass-produced and will likely fall apart after the first time they’re washed.

So head to an independent skate shop or bohemian boutique for a fab t-shirt with a lively Scots language reference and fierce design — it’ll be a sure-fire conversation starter with trendy friends.

And if you really want to get down with the locals, feel free to join the ‘taps aff’ tradition of parading bare-chested as soon as the sun comes out.

Kilts

Tartan is one of the world’s most versatile designs — it’s part of the national costumes of several Caribbean countries and was famously adopted by the punk movement.

But it’s best known for livening up kilts worn proudly by Scottish men in the military, at weddings, sporting events and at any time they’re feeling a bit patriotic.

Dressed to Kilt is a New York charity fashion show where designers like Siobhan Mackenzie and Vivienne Westwood flaunt their fantastic designs.

And it’s been attended by stars such as Chris Noth and Kiefer Sutherland — proving the value of Scottish cultural currency around the world.

If you’ve got Scottish roots there’s probably a particular design that’s associated with your clan — but if not, there are many modern versions for men and women that look edgy and unique.

Haute Couture

Scots designers are well represented in the world of haute couture too.

Colourful and creative figures like Nadia Pinkney, Jenna Rankin and Roslyne McQuillan produce dramatic designs for everything from dresses to dashikis in tactile materials sourced locally.

The Scottish Fashion Awards are held in October each year and they showcase the best talent the nation has to offer — keep an eye out online for the latest news on nominees.

Scottish style is a magical mixture of eccentric and elegant elements — these four Scottish style hacks to make you smile should encourage you to dig deeper into everything this vibrant nation has to offer.

What’s your favourite Scottish style? Share your stories in the comments section.