1538 was the first time kilt was ever mentioned. It was not until the 18th century that the kilt we know today (knee-length) appeared. As a traditional Scottish piece, many people are bringing it back into fashion. A common time you will see someone wearing a kilt besides at a Scottish festival or event is at a wedding. However, a kilt is not on its own. Instead, many accessories go with it, like a kilt pin. So, what is a kilt pin? How do you select and wear it? Keep reading to find out.
What is a kilt pin?
A kilt pin or kilt brooch is a piece of jewelry placed at the lower corner or outer apron of a kilt to prevent the object of clothing from falling off or blowing up in the wind. The main point of the pin is to avoid showing others your lower region. The pin adds weight to the kilt, while also working as a decorative piece.
Many people believe that the kilt pin attaches the inner apron with the outer one. But in fact, it just keeps the outer apron closed by not attaching to the inner one. You can find kilt pins of many different sizes, styles, shapes and colors. It all depends on the wearer and their sense of style.
Is there a brief history of kilt pins?
When it comes to the birth of kilt pins, many historians have different opinions. Therefore, no one knows the true origin of these fasteners. However, the tradition of wearing one began during Queen Victoria’s reign in the 1830s. Before the kilt pin, kilts would easily blow up and show the wearers’ lower anatomy. Understandably, Queen Victoria was very uncomfortable with these unintended body flashes. Therefore, she required at least all military personnel to wear a fastener. Many commoners followed suit not long after.
Besides royalty, people would wear kilt pins to show off their wealth or standing in society. The more decorated your brooch was, the wealthier you seemed. Even the poor would purchase lavish fasteners to show the world they had some type of success. These traditional pins came from metal and had precious stones or gems set in them. Some of the metal had intricate designs on it as well. These pins did not go to waste. In fact, many of these kilt pins went with their original owners even after death. Funerals had men dressed in their finest kilts adorned with their finest kilt pins.
What styles do they come in?
Kilt pins come in a variety of colors, designs, styles and sizes. Most people choose kilt pins that have clan symbols, native animals or national emblems or symbolize personal agendas like interests, favorite places or personalized specifically for the wearer. The most common kilt pin types are:
- Large safety pins
- Pins that look like knives
- Ribbons
- Badges
- Organizational pins
- Family badge crests
If you want something simple, we recommend sticking with large safety pins or ribbons. For people who want more family or social value, then you should check out the organizational pins or family badge crests. An important note to remember about organizational pins is that they are specifically commissioned for the group. These pins usually have unique designs and should only go out to their members or the descendants of these members.
Another option that you can go with is custom-made kilt pins. You can work with a designer and create something one of a kind. Plus, all these pins come in many different colors and styles. The options are endless.
Kilt pins come in a variety of sizes, but they are normally around six inches. However, specific designs can increase or decrease the size. Children's kilt pins are normally smaller, but the six-inch adult versions work just as well.
Does a kilt pin damage the kilt?
Since you are attaching a sharp object to fabric, there may come a time where the pin can damage the kilt. Some pins, like the claw brooch, which resembles an animal claw, easily get caught on other fabrics while performing activities like dancing. The pin would tear not only the tartan but a lady’s dress as well.
Many pin wearers were cautious, so they applied a buttonhole reinforced stitching where the pin goes into the cloth. This buttonhole strengthens the cloth, so tearing is less likely to happen. You can also place a piece of leather behind the outer apron of the kilt, so the pin attaches to the leather, which in turn decreases the chances of tearing as well.
Are there any other alternatives to a kilt pin?
Typically and traditionally, people use kilt pins to keep their kilts together. These pins are usually sharp or pointed. However, not everyone enjoyed sharp pins. After Queen Victoria required that military kilts must have some sort of fastening, an alternative appeared — ribbons. Soldiers were proud of their uniforms and did not want to damage them, so they used ribbons to keep them closed. They fastened similarly to actual pins and did not cause any damage to the tartan.
Ribbons are not the only alternative. If you know how to sew, you can add built-in fasteners like buttons, snaps or velcro. This option is great for young children or individuals who do not want to cause any damage.
Where can I find a kilt pin?
You can find kilt pins online or at Scottish attire websites. You can even get some custom-made ones at shops like Etsy. We recommend searching around for the right kilt pin. You want to make sure the fastener is of exceptional quality. You do not want the pin to break while you are using it.
Luckily, you do not have to search long for one of these pins. If you need help finding the perfect kilt pin or kilt outfit for a wedding or event, visit Kilt Rental USA today. They have a variety of kilts for men and children. Plus, you can rent, which is perfect for a wedding or special occasion.
