The Scotland national team will swap traditional kilts for tailored suits at this summer's World Cup in North America, a decision that has angered fans and kilt makers. The Scottish Football Association (SFA) confirmed that Steve Clarke's squad will wear 'sharp, made-to-measure suits' instead of the national dress worn at the last men's World Cup appearance in 1998.
Stuart Murphy of the Scottish Football Union expressed disappointment, telling the Daily Record: 'What can be more Scottish than kilts? It’s your national identity. I am sure the suits will look smart but 100 per cent it has to be kilts. We are announcing ourselves back to the world after almost 30 years.' He added that kilts are synonymous with Scotland and could garner local support in the USA, where many claim Scottish heritage.
Edinburgh kilt designer Howie Nicholsby, from Geoffrey Tailor and 21st Century Kilts, said he would have dressed the team in made-to-measure kilts. 'It would have looked amazing. I am disappointed that we are not in a situation where they can’t come and invest in the team having proper kilts and support the real Scottish kilt industry,' he said.
Fans have debated the issue on social media, with one anti-kilt supporter posting: 'Hardly good preparation wearing a heavy kilt to the game in 30 degrees. As a player I’d prefer trackies.' The SFA has not commented further on the decision.
