What to Wear Under a Kilt: A Practical Guide

It is the first question almost everyone asks, usually with a grin, and the answers online are a mess of jokes and contradictions. That leaves real kilt wearers unsure what is actually correct for a wedding, a sporting event, or a rented kilt. The truth is straightforward once you separate tradition from etiquette and comfort. Here is a clear, practical guide to what to wear under a kilt.

So, What Do You Wear Under a Kilt?

There is no single rule. The honest answer is that it depends on the occasion, your comfort, and a few points of etiquette. The two broad options are going without underwear, known as going regimental, or wearing underwear, which is the common modern choice.

Before deciding, it helps to understand the garment and how it sits. Our guide on what a kilt is covers its construction, which matters here because a properly made kilt drapes in a way that keeps things modest in normal movement.

Going Regimental: The Tradition Explained

Wearing nothing under a kilt is traditionally called going regimental, or going commando. The phrase points to its military roots, where Highland soldiers wore kilts without underwear for ventilation, ease of movement, and hygiene in the field.

For some, this remains the authentic way to wear a kilt and a small nod to heritage. You may still see it at very traditional gatherings. Outside those settings, though, it has become far less common in everyday wear. The tradition is real, but it is no longer the default, and no one will check.

Underwear: The Modern Default

Most people today wear underwear with a kilt, and there is no downside to doing so. Boxer briefs or moisture-wicking styles are popular because they prevent chafing and add comfort during long events.

A kilt is not tight, so well-fitted underwear will not show lines, and seamless or kilt-specific liners keep the drape looking sharp. For comfort, hygiene, and peace of mind, underwear is a sensible and widely accepted choice.

What to Wear Under a Kilt by Occasion

The right choice often comes down to the event. Here is a practical breakdown, which pairs well with knowing who wears kilts and in what settings.

Weddings and Formal Events

For weddings and black-tie occasions, comfort and modesty usually win. Most wearers choose seamless or fitted underwear such as boxer briefs, which prevent any awkward moment when sitting, dancing, or climbing stairs. You stay comfortable through a long day without thinking about it.

Highland Games and Sports

For Highland games, athletics, or any active event, comfort and security matter most. Performance shorts or moisture-wicking boxer briefs are the practical pick, since they reduce chafing and stay in place through energetic movement.

Everyday and Casual Wear

For casual kilt wear, including utility kilts, simply wear what you find comfortable. Boxer briefs are the easy default, and breathable fabrics work well if you are on your feet for hours.

Renting a Kilt

This one has a clear rule. Almost all kilt rental companies ask customers to wear underwear, for obvious hygiene reasons. A rented kilt is worn by many people, so underwear is the respectful and expected choice. Always wear something underneath a rental.

What About Women and Children?

Women who wear kilts or kilted skirts generally choose underwear based on comfort and modesty, such as seamless briefs or shorts. For children wearing kilts at events or school functions, soft underwear or shorts are the practical and sensible choice.

The same principle applies across the board: comfort and modesty first, with the occasion guiding the exact choice.

Etiquette and Hygiene Tips

A few simple points keep you comfortable and correct:

• Always wear underwear with a rented kilt.
• Highland dancing organizations generally require underwear as part of the dress code, so follow it for any performance.
• For active events, choose moisture-wicking fabric to avoid chafing.
• Seamless or kilt-liner styles keep the front apron drape clean and line-free.
• When in doubt at a formal event, wearing underwear is never the wrong call.

The kilt remains a symbol of Scottish pride regardless of what sits beneath it. To appreciate that heritage, see our guide on why Scots wear kilts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you wear under a kilt?

There is no fixed rule. The two main options are going without underwear, known as going regimental, or wearing underwear such as boxer briefs, which is the common modern choice for comfort and hygiene.

Is it traditional to wear nothing under a kilt?

Yes, going without underwear is the traditional military practice known as going regimental. It is still seen at very traditional events, but most modern wearers choose underwear.

What do you wear under a kilt at a wedding?

For weddings, most people wear seamless or fitted underwear like boxer briefs for comfort and modesty during a long day of sitting, dancing, and standing.

Do you wear underwear under a rented kilt?

Yes. Almost all kilt rental companies require underwear for hygiene reasons, since the kilt is worn by many different people. Always wear something underneath a rental.

What should you wear under a kilt for Highland games?

For active events, performance shorts or moisture-wicking boxer briefs are best, as they reduce chafing and stay secure during energetic movement.

Will underwear show under a kilt?

No. A kilt is not tight and its pleats hang loosely, so well-fitted or seamless underwear will not show lines and will not affect the drape.