What’s on the rails for grooms in Aberdeen? We get the lowdown from fashion experts on what this year’s grooms are wearing as they head down the aisle

Four men standing outside wearing matching brown kilts, three with navy jackets and one with a brown jacket

A groom and groomsmen looking sharp in Mitchell Scott kilts

From local tartans to terrific custom creations, it’s safe to say that Aberdeenshire’s groomswear experts are a hugely stylish bunch with lots to offer.

We asked the fashion experts at two retailers – McCalls Highlandwear, and Mitchell Scott – to share what cool grooms are wearing in the city that’s been found to be one of the luckiest in the UK. We’re sure that means lucky in love too… 

McCalls Highlandwear

Established in 1887, McCalls Highlandwear has been kitting out well-dressed grooms since before your great-great-granny was born.

Inside the Aberdeen flagship store (on Bridge Street), you will find an extensive range of outfits for hire and to buy, as well as an array of gifts, casualwear and home goods which would make lovely presents for those supporting you on your way to married life.

Levi Bunyan of McCalls says the demand for Highlandwear shows no sign of dwindling in the Granite City or indeed across Scotland. The brand has more than 4,000 tartans to choose from, as well as 30 tartans in its hire range.

“We are the biggest Highlandwear provider in the area,” says Levi. “We take great pride in the fact that all our preparation work is carried out in-house too. We have a range of packages and hope we have something for everyone.”

Groomswear trends 2024 

 “We’re seeing a big demand for brown and copper tones,” Levi says. “The Clunie Burn tartan is proving really popular, as are our weathered tartans. Copper accessories and metalwork are a big draw too.”

A man wearing a purple and brown kilt with a brown jacket and waistcoat

Brown Crail Jacket & Waistcoat Set in Herringbone Tweed with Weathered Pride of Scotland tartan Kilt from McCalls Highlandwear

Bespoke kilts at McCalls Highlandwear

If you’re buying rather than hiring (and who wouldn’t want an investment piece to wear time and time again), McCalls has a bespoke service that allows you to personalise every element of your outfit.

“You have achoice of style, cloth, buttons, linings and features such as highlight stitching or pocket detail to create a unique and timeless garment,” promises Levi.

Mitchell Scott

This independent, family-run gentleman’s outfitter in Inverurie has a vast Highlandwear range that extends to well over 600 kilts and jackets.

There is a huge number of outfits to hire too. The team at Mitchell Scott say they “never compromise on quality”: each hire item is produced using only the best materials Scotland has to offer, manufactured by experienced weavers across the country.

A groom in a grey and red kilt walking towards a bride in a fitted white dress with a white fur coat and a bouquet of flowers

(Photo: By Rhea)

Made-to-measure kilts at Mitchell Scott

If you want something that’ll be a lasting memory of your big day, Mitchell Scott’s made-to-measure service gives you the chance to have a kilt, trews, jacket and more created to your own specifications, so you can relive that wedding day feeling over and over.

The team say they like each outfit to be as personal as possible – “No request is too odd!” they promise.

How about getting the date you and your boo met stitched into your cuff Or perhaps you’re a diehard footie fan? Pay tribute with a customised lining in your club’s colours.

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