What should I pack for a Lowland Black Tie event?

This is the Ballavimus men’s checklist for what to pack for a reeling ball or any other Scottish black tie event you have when you’re wearing tartan trews (trousers). This is known as Lowland Black Tie. 

Download a PDF version of this checklist to print out here.

 

Clothes

☐ Black Dress Shoes (patent or highly polished)

☐ Black Silk Socks (or red ones if you’re feeling adventurous)

☐ Tartan Trews

☐ Black Dinner jacket OR  Prince Charlie Jacket and Waistcoat

☐ Dress Shirt

☐ Black Bow Tie (bonus points if made from the same material as your dinner jacket lapels) 

 

Accessories 

☐ Shirt Studs

☐ Cufflinks

☐ Thin Wallet (for your credit card, ID and cash for tipping)

☐ Braces

☐ Handkerchief

☐ Detachable Collar (if your shirt doesn't have one, half size up from your shirt)

☐ Collar studs (if you’re wearing a detachable collar)

 

Optional Clothes

☐ Silk Scarf

☐ Overcoat

☐ Pocket Square (generally less is more here when it comes to colours and patterns, if in doubt, stick to white or cream)

☐ Cummerbund*

☐ Kilt Belt**

* Cummerbunds are never worn with a kilt belt or with a waistcoat. They doesn’t have to be worn with trews but can be).

** You do not need a kilt belt if you're wearing any kind of waistcoat. Use braces instead. 

 

Practical Items

☐ Your invitation or ticket

☐ Safety pin (pin it to the end of your shirt placket)

☐ Blister pads

☐ Medicine

☐ Stain remover pen

☐ Travel  aftershave

 

Wearing a kilt with your black tie? Check out our Highland Black Tie packing list here. 

This post is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Ballavimus accepts no responsibility for any loss arising from reliance on this material