H I G H L A N D W E A R

EST. 1818

With a heritage extending back over 130 years, Hector Russell is steeped in the tradition, knowledge and service that Highland Dress commands.

Whilst this craft still uses time served traditional methods, Hector Russell recognise that times change. From a classic Highland Dress outfit to a cutting edge contemporary look, here at Hector Russell, with our unrivalled level of service – we are experts at both.

You may have worn Highland dress for many years or this could be your first experience of this classic Scottish attire. We recognise the importance of such a significant purchase – be it a gift, coming of age birthday, special celebration or your ‘big day’.

Hector Russell has been the outfitter of choice for many generations. Our motto “Deagh luaghis seirbhis” (for quality and service) is as important today as it ever was

Jason Anderson

Jason Anderson

Managing Director

Welcome to generations of expertise

For quality and service‘Deagh Luaghis Seirbhis’

Hector Russell select tartans from the finest weaving mills. All our fabrics are 100% pure new wool and are still woven in the United Kingdom using traditional weaving methods.

Tartan is one of the oldest most traditional of fabrics, from the Gaelic word ‘breacan’ meaning ‘chequered’. Tartan is created by alternating bands of coloured threads woven as both warp and weft at right angles to one another. The resulting blocks of colour repeat vertically and horizontally in a distinctive pattern known as a ‘sett’.

Historically, the different colours within a tartan were a very visual sign of the family clan or tribe that you belonged to, tartans would be simple checks of 2-3 colours, dependent upon the availability of the plants, tree roots and berries for natural colour dyeing.

Tartans were often developed for royalty, such as the popular Royal Stewart. Many regiments of the British Army still wear their tartans today. The Black Watch tartan has been worn as a military tartan since the 18th century, by one of the best know Highland Regiments.

Today many of our customers still choose their tartan based on their family ancestral name - others make their choice on colour preference.

The TartanThere are hundreds of tartans so lovely to see,And many a famous has graced the bare knee; And the sett that I wear is both ancient and braw,It’s the pride o’my heart and the dearest of a.

‘The Tartan’ - K. Mckella

Ancient

Weathered

Muted

Modern

Many tartans come in different levels of colour within the tartan

Ancient tartans use faded colours to resemble vegetable dyes which were once used.

Weathered tartans simulate older cloths which have been weathered by the elements.

Muted tartans adopt earth tones such as olive, slate blue and deep red.

Modern tartans feature brighter, stronger colours, made possible with more modern dyeing processes.

Choose from a wide range of fabric weights. Our heavyweight cloths are 16oz in weight are most suited to men’s kilts. However medium and lightweight cloths are also available - ideal for skirts, children’s kilts or wearing in a warmer climate.

TieNecktie, Rouche or Bowtie

Fly Plaid (Optional)

JacketPrince Charlie, Argyll or Tweed

Shirt

Waistcoat

Belt & Buckle

Sporran

Cufflinks

Kilt

Kilt Pin

Sgian Dubh

Socks & Hose

Flashes & Garter Ties

Casual

Semi-Dress

TheOutfit

Example of a full formal dress outfit:

The single, most individual part of any Highlandwear outfit is the kilt. A wonderfully unique traditional garment, It is fastened around the waist and usually starts at the wearer’s left side, wrapping around the body and back across the front, fastening on the right hip with a leather strap and buckle. This creates a double layer at the front called an ‘apron’.

Kilts are tailored to finish at the middle of the wearer’s knee. The pleats are constructed by folding the cloth - either to the tartan sett (so the full tartan effect is seen on the back), or to the stripe (where the tartan is hidden within the pleats). This latter method is known as ‘military pleating’. The full tartan is only revealed as the wearer walks and the kilt ‘swings’ giving flashes of the hidden colours within. A kilt pin is usually worn on the front apron for decoration.

Our kilts are all hand tailored in Scotland to your specific measurements. Our expert staff are on hand to measure and advise on this unique item.

One of our kiltmakers will then tailor your kilt to you individual measurements. All of our kilts are hand cut, pleated and tailored to your precise specifications. Each of our kilts carries the distinctive triple fringe, a hallmark of excellence. A Hector Russell kilt is a work of art, proudly worn whatever the occasion. We can also offer hand stitched kilts if required.

Hector Russell also make - trousers, skirts, plaids, trews, sashes, waistcoats and children’s kilts - all hand tailored to your individual measurements and choice of tartan.

We only use the best cloths available - choose from 100’s

of cloth swatches in our stores.

The Kilt

Prince Charlie JacketThis is the tuxedo jacket of Highlandwear and is the jacket which forms part of our full ‘Dress’ outfits. As the name would suggest it is generally worn for ‘dressy’ occasions like weddings, evening wear and black tie events. This jacket comes with a FREE waistcoat.

Argyle JacketOften described as a semi-dress jacket, the Argyll is slightly longer than the Prince Charlie Jacket and is also made from 100% Barathea Wool fabric. It is more flexible in terms of use, being suitable for formal day and evening functions. A matching waistcoat is also available to purchase.

Day Wear JacketSimilar to the Argyll jacket in cut and styling, our day wear jackets are often made using the finest of tweed fabrics which particularly compliment the shades of our weathered and muted tartans.

Hector Russell JacketsAll our Jackets and waistcoats are available in Pure New Wool in a variety of colours and weaves. The most traditional of Highlandwear jackets are made from Barathea fabric, a heavy weight woollen cloth, renowned for it’s quality and durability. Whatever your occasion, we can advise on the jacket for you. All our jackets are available in a wide range of sizes in 3 different lengths. Here is a summary of our most popular jackets:

The Jacket

Day Wear Jacket

Argyle Jacket

Prince Charlie Jacket

The ‘Sporran’ (Gaelic for ‘pouch’) is the perfect accessory for a traditional kilt. As a kilt does not have pockets, a leather pouch became a useful way to store valuable items, such as money, food and ammunition.

The Sporran

Dress Sporrans The most formal type of sporran and is worn as part of a full dress outfit.

Semi Dress SporransA less formal version of the dress sporran. They are traditionally worn with Argyll outfits for semi-formal occasions

Day Sporrans Are the most informal style of sporran, and as the name suggests, are suited to daytime functions and casual kilt outfits.

FootwearWith your outfit almost complete,

its essential that you have the correct kilt socks and footwear. Hector Russell provide

a wide range of traditional highland brogues for both adults and children.

A complimentary Hector Russell kilt pin and set of flashes are supplied with

every kilt order.

Kilt ShoesAlso known as ghillie brogues, they are worn with all highland wear outfits, from full dress to daywear. Ghillie brogues come with longer laces and with leather tassels at the end. The tongue is missing so that the kilt hose are visible through the crossing of the laces, adding to the formal look.

Kilt SocksAt Hector Russell we have a wide range of kilt socks known as kilt ‘hose’. These knitted woollen socks complete the overall look. Traditionally ecru in colour, they are now available in a wide variety of colours with the darker colours becoming ever more popular. Kilt hose should come to the top of the calf muscle approximately 4 fingers width from the bottom of the kneecap.

Kilt FlashesAs the name suggests, this is a ‘flash’ of matching fabric which is worn under the folded rib of each sock. Each kilt flash is supplied on an elastic garter which can be adjusted for your own comfort.

Finishing Touches

We offer only the highest quality accessories to add a shining finish to your outfit.

The Sgian DubhMeaning ‘black dagger’ in Gaelic, the Sgian Dubh is worn semi-concealed in the top of the right kilt sock. In the 17th Century it was used as a quickly accessible weapon for hunting, or an oncoming attack.

Here’s to the heath, the hill and the

heather, The bonnet, the plaid, the

kilt and the feather

YourBig DayYour special day requires a special outfit, and Hector Russell take great pride in providing you with the most exquisite kilt attire for your big day.

After generations of tailoring for weddings, we listen closely to your needs and requests to make your day that little bit more special.

Hire PackagesIf you’re trying a highlandwear outfit for the first time, or are on a limited budget, then our hire packages are perfect for you. Hector Russell know that when you’re planning your big day, family always comes first. That’s why we cater for all ages and sizes, from the groom to the tiny pageboy. Contact our stores for further details.

Hector Russell know that when you’re hiring for the big day you

want your best men and attendants to all share in the Highlandwear experience. That’s why when you hire 4 outfits you’ll get a 5th outfit

absolutely FREE!

GROOMgoes

FREE

MeasurementGuideThe following measurements will be taken by our expert staff to ensure a perfect fit.

Height MeasurementOverall HeightWe require your overall height to check measurement appear correct. Please give your full height from head to foot without shoes on.

Jacket MeasurementAll of our jackets are available in short, medium and long.

Chest MeasurementMeasure loosely around the chest at under arm height while wearing a shirt or vest (no jacket), with arms by the sides. Do not inflate the chest.

Kilt MeasurementWaist MeasurementMeasure around the waist at naval height. Take measurement firmly, so that the kilt may sit comfortably without falling down. Do not breath in or hold stomach in.

Mid Hip measurement (for ladies)

Seat MeasurementMeasure around the fullest part of the seat/hips, place 2 fingers inside the tape to avoid getting this measurement too tight.

Kilt LengthYou will need assistance with this measurement. The helper should measure from your naval to half way down your knee cap. Stand upright, looking straight ahead with feet together.

Trouser MeasurementWaist MeasurementMeasure around your natural waist. Take measurement firmly. Do not breathe in or hold stomach in.

Outside LegMeasurement to be taken while wearing trousers. Place tape at crotch of trousers and measure to your required length.

Inside LegMeasurements taken by placing tape at waist and measuring down to required length. Ensure measurement is taken on outside leg.

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N O T E S

E D I N B U R G H

Hector Russell, 137-141 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SGT: +44 (0)131 558 1254

E: edinhrhs541@ewm.co.uk

G L A S G O W

Hector Russell - RG Lawrie, 110 Buchanan Street, Glasgow, G1 2JNT: +44 (0)141 221 0217

E: glashr542@ewm.co.uk

I N V E R N E S S

Hector Russell, 6-8 Bridge Street, Inverness, IV1 1HDT: +44 (0)1463 713 083

E: invehr543@ewm.co.uk

w w w. h e c t o r - r u s s e l l . c o m

Hector Russell is a trading name of The Edinburgh Woollen Mill Ltd. A company registered in Scotland. Registered address:Waverley Mills, Langholm, Dumrfiesshire, DG13 0EB. Reg No. SC024081