Let’s be honest. Whenever David Tennant steps out in a kilt, the internet collectively loses its mind. It’s not just about a celebrity wearing traditional dress. There’s something specifically "Tennant" about the way he carries it—a mix of chaotic energy, genuine Scottish pride, and a refusal to look like a tourist in his own heritage.
Born in Bathgate and raised in Paisley, David John McDonald (who we all know by his stage name) has never been shy about his roots. But it feels like in the last few years, especially during his hosting stints at the BAFTAs, the David Tennant in a kilt phenomenon has reached a fever pitch.
The 2024 and 2025 BAFTA Moments
You’ve probably seen the clips. In February 2024, Tennant hosted the 77th EE BAFTA Film Awards. He didn't just show up; he arrived in a "Silver Mist" kilt from MacGregor and MacDuff. It was a mood. He paired it with a black silk jacket that had some serious silver embroidery going on.
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People loved it because it wasn't the stereotypical "shortbread tin" look. It was modern. It was edgy.
Fast forward to 2025. He did it again. This time, he wore a custom Dark Douglas Black tartan. The kilt had a hidden pop of deep red wool lining—a detail you’d only catch when he moved. He opened the show with a kilt-clad rendition of The Proclaimers’ "I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)," and honestly, who else could pull that off without it feeling cheesy?
The Wardrobe "Malfunction"
During the 2025 ceremony, things got a bit real. In a moment that proves kilts are as tricky as they are stylish, his microphone wire actually fell out of his kilt during the opening monologue.
"We'll cut that bit out," he joked to the audience. He didn't miss a beat. That’s the thing about Tennant; he wears the clothes, the clothes don't wear him.
It's Not Just a Costume
There is a common misconception that actors only wear kilts for the "aesthetic" or for photo ops. With Tennant, it’s deeper. He’s spent time on shows like Who Do You Think You Are? tracing his ancestry back to the Island of Mull and the Lowlands.
When you see David Tennant in a kilt, you're seeing a man who knows his family were tenant farmers near Stirling and Perthshire centuries ago.
What Tartan Is He Actually Wearing?
A lot of people ask if he wears a specific "Tennant" tartan. While there are registered Tennant family tartans—often featuring greens, blues, and yellows—he tends to lean toward contemporary or "universal" designs for high-profile events.
- The Silver Mist: A grey-toned, modern tartan he wore in 2024.
- The Dark Douglas: A moodier, darker sett used for his 2025 hosting duties.
- The Joshua Kane Influence: He often collaborates with designer Joshua Kane for the jackets and waistcoats, which adds that "rockstar" silhouette to the traditional garment.
Why We Are Obsessed
Basically, it’s the confidence. A kilt is a heavy, structured garment. It requires a certain gait.
Psychologically, there's a lot of talk about how "liberating" it is to see men in non-bifurcated garments (that’s just a fancy word for not-trousers). For many fans, seeing the 14th Doctor trade the pinstripe suit for a sporran and ghillie boots is a refreshing break from the standard Hollywood tuxedo.
It’s also about authenticity. In an industry where everyone is curated by stylists to look as safe as possible, Tennant leaning into his Scottishness feels like a middle finger to "boring."
How to Get the Look (Without Looking Like a Costume)
If you're inspired by David's style, you've gotta realize he follows the rules of highland wear while breaking the rules of fashion.
- Skip the formal hose: Sometimes he swaps traditional thick wool socks for something a bit more streamlined.
- The Boots: Instead of standard dress shoes, he often opts for ghillie brogue boots—they have more weight and look better with a modern jacket.
- The Jacket: This is the secret. He avoids the boxy "Prince Charlie" style in favor of tailored, slim-cut jackets that hit right at the waistline.
The Actionable Takeaway
If you’re planning on wearing a kilt for a wedding or a formal event, take a page out of the Tennant playbook. Don't go for the cheapest rental that feels like a rug. Look for a contemporary tartan like the Silver Mist or a weathered Douglas.
Focus on the fit of the jacket. If the jacket is too long, it ruins the proportions of the kilt. And for the love of everything, make sure your sporran is centered.
If you want to see the craftsmanship yourself, check out MacGregor and MacDuff or Joshua Kane. They are the architects behind those viral moments. Wearing a kilt isn't about playing dress-up; it's about carrying your history with a bit of swagger.