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HIGHLAND DRESS

Highland dress at Peter Johnston brings Savile Row discipline to Scotland’s most traditional formal wear. Each kilt, jacket and trews is cut and made by hand in the Highlands, combining correct Highland tradition with the line and balance of a bespoke suit.

Peter Johnston’s Highland dress includes handmade bespoke kilts, Highland evening and day jackets, trews and all accompanying accessories, including bespoke sporrans with silver cantles and chains, sgian dubhs, kilt pins, silver waistplates and full clan hose. Every element is designed to create a complete, correctly balanced ensemble for formal and ceremonial occasions.

At the initial consultation, Peter takes time to understand each client’s Highland dress requirements: the tartan you wish to wear, the formality of the occasion and how the outfit will sit within your wider wardrobe. He will guide you through tartan cloths (modern, ancient and hunting) and Highland jacket cloths (barathea, velvet or tweed), before taking all necessary measurements. This first appointment is followed by a fitting, sometimes a second fitting, and finally a collection appointment.

The fitting appointment allows Peter to assess the fit of the pattern and refine the balance and proportion of the kilt and any accompanying bespoke tailored pieces. Any required alterations or re‑cutting are specified at this stage. Once these adjustments are complete, garments are lined, pressed and prepared for final finishing.

Kilts are handmade in the highlands using eight yards of 100% wool worsted cloth, woven in Scotland in either a 13oz medium weight or 16oz full weight. Every pleat is sewn entirely by hand by a single kilt maker from start to finish. The kilt is cut to sit two inches above the natural waist, ensuring correct balance with a kilt jacket, doublet, waistcoat or waistplate.

Orders typically require 8–10 weeks from initial discussion to completion.

Highland Dress Pricing

  • Bespoke Highland evening jackets – Regulation, Kenmore or Montrose velvet or barathea doublets: £3,750

  • Bespoke Highland day tweed jackets: £3,550

  • Handmade kilts: £1,600

  • Bespoke trews: £1,350

Bespoke sporrans with silver cantle and chain, sgian dubhs, silver waistplate, kilt pins and full clan hose are also available, handmade in Edinburgh to order.

To discuss a commission or arrange a Highland dress consultation at the Nairnside studio, please contact us to book an appointment.