They are often seen as the quintessential emblem of Scotland . But when it comes to wearing kilts , it seems the Scots are being outdone by their English counterparts these days . New figures suggest more kilts are being rented south of the border than they are north – with English hires totalling almost double those of the Scots . New figures suggest more kilts , loved by the Royal family , are being rented south of the border than they are north – with English hires totalling almost double those of the Scots . Of the 7,646 kilt hires made , most kilts were hired out in London , where the company conducted a fifth of its Highland trade . According to Young ’ s Hire , the largest formalwear hire company in the UK , only 2,645 Scots took out the attire last year- in comparison with 5,000 English . And of the 7,646 kilt hires made , most kilts were hired out in London , where the company conducted a fifth of its Highland trade . Elsewhere in the UK , 12 per cent of its kilts were hired in Leicester , 10 per cent in Manchester , 10 per cent in Sheffield and 6 per cent in Liverpool . Only 9 per cent of all kilts hired went to enthusiasts in Dundee , and Aberdeen accounted for just two percent of the highland wear hires . Industry insiders said in the wake of Scotland ’ s vote against independence earlier this year , it seems Hogmanay is becoming ever more popular in other parts of the UK . The researchers analysed more than 400,000 garment hires during the last 12 months , focussing on kilts rented for Christmas parties , New Year ’ s celebrations , winter weddings and other formal occasions . The researchers analysed more than 400,000 garment hires during the last 12 months , focussing on kilts rented for Christmas parties , New Year ’ s celebrations , winter weddings and other formal occasions . Chris Burns , at Young ’ s Hire , said : ‘ It ’ s always fascinating to take a more holistic look at the formalwear trends around the UK . ‘ It ’ s great that traditional Scottish highland wear is still going strong and is growing in popularity across England. ’ The most popular kilt was the Grey Granite , a conservative dark tartan design which accounted for 30 per cent of total rentals . The more colourful Pride of Scotland print was a close second with 23 per cent , followed by the Help for Heroes Kilt with 10 per cent . The kilt is thought to have originated in the 16th Century , but some historians have claimed it was Thomas Rawlinson , a Quaker from Lancashire , who first popularised the look in the 18th Century . Industry insiders said in the wake of Scotland ’ s vote against independence earlier this year , it seems Hogmanay is becoming ever more popular in other parts of the UK . The original kilt was an all-over body covering known as the feileadh mhór or ‘ big wrap ’ , but later evolved into something like what is worn today . The research also showed that the traditional ‘ top hat and tails ’ was keeping its popularity in the South East for formal occasions . London accounted for more than 10 per cent of the traditional wedding garb , while Essex accounted for 6 per cent and Berkshire 5 per cent . Northern cities on the other hand , tended to avoid the outfit , with Newcastle accounting for a measly 0.014 per cent of all top hat rentals . Also choosing to err against traditional top hat and tails get up were the people of Manchester , who rented 1 per cent , and Leeds which rented 2 per cent . Young ’ s Hire has more than 195 locations across the UK , with concessions in stores including Debenhams , Suit Direct and Jeff Banks .
When it comes to kilts , Scots are being outdone by English counterparts . English kilt hires almost double those of the Scots , figures suggest . 5,000 Scots took out the attire last year- in comparison with 2,645 English .