The first image that comes to mind when talking about Scotland is the Kilt, followed by the disquieting and melancholic sound of the Bagpipes and Whiskey. The traditional kilt is made with colored plaid cloth, called Tartan: it, depending on the colors and weaves, establishes to which family (or Clan) the person wearing it belongs and only the one who can show affinity with the family can have that particular tartan.
But no one forbids you to wear the pride Scottish clothing to those who show respect for these traditions, just choose a type of fabric (tartan) of free use (see for example Heritage of Scotland, Isle of Skye, Royal Stewart, etc.). That is why; kilts online has already increased to the level of high trend.
Genuine Advice
One thing to avoid is to consider the kilt a sort of costume, perhaps to wear at carnival! Or wear it only for special occasions (weddings, funerals); the kilt is a garment that can always be worn (like a pair of jeans for us Americans).
How to Wear A Kilt?
- The fundamental rule to always keep in mind is: the folds go in the back, and not in the front! But one must also know how to choose the right length: in an upright position, the final part of the kilt must reach just above the knee.
- And then depending on a case, a t-shirt, a polo shirt or a shirt! On casual occasions you should not miss the belt and the sporran, a classic “purse” hanging on the front (used to store keys, wallet, and cell phone as the kilt has no pockets).
- Socks! Obviously long up to below the knee, with a turn-up, possibly in a solid color and, in the right leg, a sgian dubh, the traditional knife that was used to kill animals but now has a purely decorative purpose. The shoes complete the clothing:
- In short, there are a whole series of “indications” to follow to dress the kilt in all possible situations, but in the end good taste is always mandatory.
Historical Info
The kilt is a male garment that consists of a piece of fabric rolled around the waist (similar to the feminine skirt) and tied. In ancient times the kilt was made with a piece of cloth long enough to be later placed on the shoulder (after being rolled around the waist).
ORIGINS:
- The kilt, as we know it, was invented by Thomas Rawlinson, an entrepreneur (owner of kilns for the fusion of iron ore) of the 18th century English Quaker, who, having moved to the Highlands and learned the culture, carried out a great action commercial and invented a tradition.
- In the early thirties of the eighteenth century (between 1727 and 1734), observing the workers who felled the trees to supply wood to his furnace in Inverness, he had the intuition to simplify clothing to make it less bulky.
- The less wealthy inhabitants in fact wore then a long plaid, a cloak of rough cloth and of low cost, which covered the whole body (garment also useful to act as a blanket) and which was tightened on the belt thus forming a kind of skirt, which made the march easier.
- Rawlinson invented the current skirt, detached from the plaid.
- The kilt, therefore, must be considered “modern” clothing that the Romantic Movement imposed as a sign of “antiquity”!
- It was also used to distinguish one family from another.
The Kilt in Scotland
The kilt is now associated with the traditional garment of the Scottish Highlands, where it is made of tartan and is usually worn together with a sporran, i.e. a leather handbag used to carry money. This garment, in common folklore, was and is carried strictly without underwear, still used as a ceremonial dress.
Kilt in Western World
- Although today in the western world the skirt is a typically feminine garment, in the past it was not so at least until the time of the ancient Romans.
- Instead, among the inhabitants of northern Europe, trousers were typical, due to their obvious need to adapt to the harsh temperatures of their own countries.
- Curiously, among the inhabitants of the northern regions there are the Celts, whose descendants today so proudly flaunt the kilt.
Kilt in Present Time
- The kilt today is packaged like a wallet skirt, with a stretched front in front, where the overlap occurs and a part with pleated folds and one can buy the best kilts online.
- It is kept closed by leather laces with buckles at the top and by a large safety pin (kilt pin) on the flap superimposed in the free corner of the fabric.
- Its function is solely to add weight to the fabric and is therefore secured to the outer edge only and not to the inner one.
- The color of the kilt is distinctive of the family that owns it. In fact, every Scottish family has a kilt woven with a design and color different from those of all the others.
Last Words
Now the kilt has become the part of modern fashion and people around the globe started using it with a stylish look. Started from Scotland, the kilt has started to spread the magic in most of the modern world. Just consider the above mention guideline in order to get the unique charm of the kilt. If you are the one who is still shy of using the kilt then you must give it a shot and you will feel the spirit of a different culture as well tradition. Kilt shop is now very easy to avail and, hence, don’t waste time.