Why trews suit some wearers better
Tartan in trouser form
Trews keep the Highland feel in a style many wearers know well.
Measured for a clean line
Fit through the waist, seat and leg is shaped for the wearer.
Easy to outfit fully
The trews can be matched with jackets and finishing details.
A tartan option in tailored trouser form
Trews can be the better Highland option when you want tartan but prefer the line of tailored trousers. From R & I Macdonald Kilt Makers in West Calder, made-to-measure trews are shaped around your waist, seat, inside leg and overall balance so the finished garment looks clean rather than strained or baggy. That makes them useful for weddings, formal events and occasions where a kilt is not your first choice. You still get the presence of tartan, but in a form that can feel more familiar if you wear trousers more often.
Measure carefully and coordinate the full look
Getting trews right depends on measurement and on how the tartan behaves across the cut. With R & I Macdonald Kilt Makers, we can guide you through the fit points, explain how tartan scale and pattern matching affect the final look, and help pair the trews with a made-to-measure or stock-size jacket, waistcoat, neckwear and accessories. The downloadable made-to-measure trews outfit chart is there to make the measuring stage clearer, especially if you are starting the conversation before a visit to the shop.
Frequently asked questions
Are trews a good alternative to a kilt?
For many people, yes. Trews keep the tartan character of Highland wear but in a trouser shape that may feel easier or more familiar to wear. They work especially well for formal events when you want something tailored without moving fully away from traditional dress.
What measurements do you need for trews?
Key points include waist, seat, inside leg and the overall line of the garment. Those measurements shape how cleanly the trews sit through the leg and seat. Our measurement chart is there to make the process clearer before you commit to the full outfit.
Can trews be worn with jackets and accessories?
Yes. Trews are usually strongest as part of a coordinated outfit rather than as a standalone garment. We can help pair them with a made-to-measure or stock-size jacket, waistcoat, neckwear and the finishing touches that bring the whole look together.