21st Century Kilts

Concealed within a stylish Georgian atelier at 48 Thistle Street in the New Town, 21st Century Kilts is the visionary domain of designer Howie Nicholsby. Born into a celebrated family of traditional Edinburgh kiltmakers, Howie revolutionized the Scottish garment industry in the late 1990s by taking the kilt off the formal wedding pedestal and reintroducing it as versatile, contemporary everyday menswear.

Nicholsby’s bespoke creations abandon itchy formal accessories in favour of practical modern engineering: deep utility pockets, detachable sporran pouches, and innovative materials. His atelier crafts kilts in heavyweight raw denim, British heritage tweed, Italian leather, camouflage, pinstripes, and gold-flecked woollens, attracting international rock stars, actors, and style-conscious Scots.

Visits are conducted strictly on a private appointment basis, ensuring an intimate, one-on-one design consultation with Howie himself. Clients are guided through cloth selection, pocket placement, custom pleating styles, and personalized styling recommendations, making a 21st Century Kilt one of the most distinctive bespoke garments Scotland has to offer.