How to tie a Ghillie shirt

The Ghillie shirt is a traditional Scottish shirt that is usually worn with a kilt. Its most distinctive feature is the open neck secured by leather laces similar to those on Ghillie brogue shoes. It is a loose, comfortable garment, which makes it ideal for dances, ceilidhs and other informal occasions, according to The Scotland Kilt Company. The laces are usually left to hang loose but may be tied in a simple knot. This can be handy if you intend to indulge in particularly energetic dancing. Ghillie shirts are also known as Jacobean or Jacobite shirts.

Start with the lace on the inside of the shirt. Thread the two ends through the two lowest eyes and pull until both sides are the same length.

Cross the laces and feed them back inside the shirt. From the inside, thread each end through the next highest eye on the opposite side from the previous one. Repeat this step until you reach the top set of eyes. The laces should emerge from the eyes and hang loose down the chest. This is how the shirt is usually worn but you can also tie the laces for convenience.

Cross the left and right ends of the lace like the first stage of tying a shoelace. This is known as a half knot. Do not pull tight as the shirt should be open and show off part of the chest. If this is not secure enough for you, take the right lace and form a loop around the left lace. Feed the end of the right lace through the loop and pull to form a simple knot.