Scottish Kilts represent Scotland’s beautiful history and cultural heritage. Many people can recognize kilts as a representation of Scottish culture. However, kilts contain more secrets than one might expect. These pieces of attire draw attention not only for their uniqueness, but also their rich history.
Here are the top ten secrets about authentic Scottish kilts.
Secret #1: Kilts Only Gained Popularity in the 1700s
Some expect the celtic tribes to have worn the kilt for a millenia. In reality, the first came about in the 16th century. And after nearly two centuries of gaining traction, the kilt received an upgrade from an English Quaker named Thomas Rawlinson. Afterwards, a Scottish associate wore Rawlinson’s version and the kilt’s popularity spread throughout Scotland.
By the mid-1700s, the kilt represented great wealth and style throughout the country, as influenced by the Highlanders who first wore them.
Secret #2: The Word “Kilt” is Not Gaelic
Believe it or not, the word “kilt” does not come from any Gaelic language native to Scotland. Instead, “kilt” comes from the Old Norse word “kjilt” which roughly means pleated. Norse culture experienced massive spread through viking raids and settlements. The vikings established settlements throughout Scotland and the British isles.
The meaning pleated from kjilt refers to an article of clothing worn around or over the body. The original great kilt acted as a full length piece of clothing which could be wrapped around the upper and lower portions of the body. Thus, the word kilt came from the original Norse which described its way of fitting.
Secret #3: Short Kilts Came About in the 17th Century
While great kilts covered the whole body, a smaller and more convenient version came about in the 17th century. The small kilt, also known as the féileadh beag in Scottish Gaelic and anglicized to filibeg, came in two pieces. One piece was worn below the best to the knees and the other could be worn over the shoulder and around the chest.
Secret #4: Kilts Are only 500 Years Old
Kilts in their modern form earned their first mention in the 16th century. Now, you may remember Mel Gibson sporting a kilt in Braveheart, which took place in the 13th century. Kilts evolved from an earlier version known as a plaid. The Romans report this as the fashion of choice for the Scots during their first meetings with the tribe nearly two thousand years ago.
So while you can call kilts young, their predecessors came about from time immemorial.
Secret #5: Kilts Require Fashionable and Functioning Accessories
The fully kilt outfit requires a could of accessories, each with its own purpose. In order to secure the kilt and keep it from slipping, kilt wearers need to use a torc, a metal ring with a pin. The kilt wearing Highlanders also wore long black socks with their kilts, a tradition continued today. They used these socks to conceal a small dagger called a sgian dubh.
While used less often in a defensive or offensive manner today, the sgian dubh continues to represent an integral part of the Scottish formal dress.
Most kilts do not have pockets. Therefore, wearers need to use an accessory called a sporran, which means purse in Gaelic. Sporrans hold all sorts of items. They act as wallets or bags and hold money, food or ammunition. They rest over the kilt and around the waist.
Secret #6: The Great Kilt Ban Made Kilts Popular
In an attempt to crush the Scottish spirit and separate the Scots from their culture, King George II issued a ban on kilts in 1746. The ban included anything associated with Highland dress. And it backfired in a major way.
While the ban originally meant to isolate his political opponents, the Scottish people took to wearing kilts to protest England’s unfair treatment of their country. The English repealed the ban after 36 years in 1782. By then the kilt cemented itself as the fashion of Scotland.
Secret #7: Kilts as Precious Heirlooms
The history of the Scottish dress extends beyond the nation of Scotland. Kilts take time, care and craftsmanship to create. They can take up to 25 hours to create by hand, meaning that each kilt requires a lot of attention.
Scottish families pass down these handcrafted traditions through the generations. These kilts bring with them stories from great moments for the family. The components of the kilt including pattern and color hold importance for each family who wears one. Scots keep these kilts with pride, and use them to pass on their familial legacy.
Secret #8: Kilts as a National Symbol
After the repeal of the kilt ban, the Dress Act established the kilt as a national symbol of Scottish independence. Clans took up their own kilts with a unique tartan pattern, representing a specific region or family.
Secret #9: Kilts Did Not Always Feature Tartans
Kilts are known for their tartan designs, often called plaid outside of Scotland. However, the original kilts featured solid colors from wool. Kilt makers then started dying their threads with plants and berries, depending on availability. Regional fauna created the idea of colors representing a wearer’s origins.
The act of dying the threads morphed into the tartan patterns we recognize today.
Secret #10: What’s Beneath the Kilt?
The question on everyone’s mind: what does a Scotsman wear beneath his kilt? According to a recent survey, 55 percent of kilt wearers wear dark underwear under their kilt. The next largest group wears absolutely nothing at all, with 35 percent reporting this. Finally, a slim minority at 7 percent of kilt wearers indicated that they wear shorts or tights beneath their kilts.
The survey also found that a whopping 91 percent of Scottish women found kilts attractive on Scotsmen.
Getting a Kilt of Your Own
Whenever you need a kilt for a special occasion or event, you can count on Kilt Rental USA. We provide all elements of the traditional Scottish dress, from kilts and jackets to assorted accessories. Find the kilt you need from a variety of patterns. Check out our collection and start wearing your heritage the right way: with pride.
