Which Sporran Is Right for Me?
Kilt Society™ has curated a collection of traditional sporrans with the modern kilt-wearer in mind.
Sporrans are traditionally used for storage (they were originally used by Highlanders for storing oatmeal) but are by no means merely functional. Suited up, casually formal or totally relaxed, a stylish sporran can be the highlight of your outfit and is an easy way to freshen up any kilt.
The sporran you select usually depends on a number of factors: the style of outfit you'll wear, the occasion you're attending, and your personal preferences. You may even have a selection of sporrans so you are ready for all occasions.
Our handy guide is here to help you find your sporran and wear it the way you want.
Full Dress Sporrans
Full dress sporrans (or dress sporrans) are the most formal type of sporran. Perfect for formal occasions like weddings, they pair best with a Prince Charlie outfit.
They commonly feature fur fronts, a fur gusset, three to six decorated fur tassels with regular or cross-chains, and a metal cantle at the top.
The cantle is ordinarily made from pewter or silver and often features Celtic knotwork designs. It may also feature other Scottish symbols such as the lion rampant, thistle, stag or saltire.
Full dress sporrans normally fasten at the rear with a stud on a small flap connecting the front and rear of the sporran. As they are the largest style of sporran, they allow the wearer to carry a range of items.
Pictured here is our Celtic Trinity Knot Full Dress Sporran in grey bovine.
Semi Dress Sporrans
Semi dress sporrans are a less formal version of the full dress sporran. They are traditionally worn with Braemar outfit for semi-formal occasions like graduations or as a guest at a wedding.
These sporrans are also made with a fur front, though not as lofty as those used for full dress sporrans. A semi dress sporran typically uses a hair hide.
They also feature a leather gusset, three decorated fur tassels with regular or cross-chains, and a leather flap at the top.
The flap often features Celtic or Scottish designs and may be adorned with pewter badges to enhance the design.
Semi dress sporrans typically fasten with a stud under the flap. More expensive sporrans hide the stud beneath an extra piece of leather or cover it with a metal badge so it cannot be seen from the front of the sporran.
Pictured here is our Thistle Mount Cross Chain Tassel Semi Dress Sporran in black bovine.
Day / Leather Sporrans
Day sporrans (or leather sporrans) are the most casual type of sporran. As the name suggests, they are great for when you're looking for a more relaxed look.
Day sporrans normally follow a similar design as the semi dress sporran but are made entirely from leather.
They feature a leather front, leather gusset, three or more leather tassels, and a leather flap. Both the front and the flap may be embossed with Celtic or Scottish designs, and the tassels often have plaited leather straps to hold them in place.
Day sporrans ordinarily fasten with a stud under the flap, which is hidden from view on more expensive sporrans. They may also fasten with a hook closure.
Pictured here is our Celtic Embossed Twisted Tassel Leather Sporran in brown leather.
Sporran Furs
Kilt Society™ sells bovine fur sporrans. All of our animal furs are sourced humanely as a byproduct of the meat industry.
Still Have Questions?
The Kilt Society™ team would love to help you choose the perfect sporran if you're still unsure. Feel free to give us a call or send us an e-mail. Our full contact information can be found here.