What are grooms wearing in 2024? How do I figure out which tartan to go for? Does buying make more sense than hiring? You've got the questions and Robert Walls, a customer advisor at McCalls (Glasgow), has the answers
Left: Robert is on hand to help grooms looking for their perfect big day outfit: Right: Stewart Blue muted dress kilt, from £659, blue Lovat Crail jacket and waistcoat, £495, wild rabbit sporran, from £460, lambswool tie, £29, socks, £17.50, shirt, £40, all McCalls
What should we know about McCalls, Robert?
The company was founded in 1887 and has been providing Highlandwear for both hire and purchase ever since. We have more than 135 years of experience in the industry, so we know our stuff when it comes to helping you find your wedding outfit.
What do you think people like most about McCalls?
We really pride ourselves on our customer service – we make sure we are on hand to create a really nice and memorable experience for you. People come back to us time and time again whenever they need to hire an outfit. We love that they trust us and know they’ll get great service from us.
Wondering what grooms should budget for their wedding looks? We asked the experts for their advice
Can outfits be completely personalised?
Absolutely, it’s one of our favourite things to do. Every element of your outfit can be customised, right down to the sporran. In fact, if you’ve never shopped with us, you might be surprised at the scope you have to create something that is totally you. Take the sporran – you can choose everything from the material it’s made from, the chain, the cantles, the polish and finish…
Left: Exclusive Midnight Pride of Scotland trews, from £215, matching wool tie, £90, light grey contemporary jacket and waistcoat, £425, Pride of Scotland brogues, from £115, shirt, £40 Right: Black Watch trews, from £215, matching bow tie, £35, bespoke velvet dinner jacket, from £240, Pride of Scotland dress shirt, £40, all McCalls
Are grooms going for anything special this year?
We’ve noticed grooms taking a more modern approach to their look, and with such a diverse range of tartans to choose from, you don’t need to stick to the one for your clan or area. Our new Weathered Pride tartan has proven popular, and its tones of green, brown and blue are being requested a lot this year. It can be paired with a different-coloured jacket and accessories to make the look really individual.
Do I need to know what I want before I book an appointment?
I would say only around 40% of customers have an idea in mind, but the majority definitely come in and are open to our suggestions. It’s always worthwhile coming in and getting a feel for things and seeing what you like before your appointment.
What can a groom do with his outfit to make him stand out?
Generally speaking, if the wedding party are in the same check, the groom could add a fly plaid or change the sporran or socks to set him apart from the group.
McCalls has seven stores across Scotland, from Glasgow's Ingram Street where Robert works, to Aberdeen. They ship worldwide
Read more about McCalls Highlandwear here
