The Kilt, a standard item of men’s Highland dress, is Scotlands’ most prominent part of the nation’s history and identity. A true Scottman wears his kilt with pride and honor and includes all of the important accessories that go along with it. The kilt accessories have become quite popular over time, as they’ve shown to embody a Scotsman's heritage and tradition.
How has Kilt accessories become so famous? In this article, we will take a look at:
- The origin of the Kilt.
- Interesting facts on Scottish kilts.
- The growth in popularity of the Kilt.
Why Are Scottish Kilt Accessories So Famous?
Scottish Kilt Origin
The kilt originated in the Highlands as an untailored piece of cloth around 5 meters long. The first recorded standard use of the kilt was in the military in the 1970s and they were box pleated to the line while sewn down about 5 inches. The soldiers used about 3.5-4 yards of cloth. The cloth used in the kilt grew to be about 5 yards because of the pattern of bigger tartans and narrower box pleats.
Since the 19th century, the kilt has correlated with the wider Scottish and Gaelic cultures. In Gaelic, the kilt is known as the “féileadh mhór”, which means the “big kilt”. It was a full-length garment with the upper half able to be worn as either a cloak draped over the shoulder or a hood brought over the head.
Interesting Facts About Kilts
- Scottish kilts are a traditional symbol of patriotism and are delicately stored between wearings. The word “kilt” is derived from the ancient Norse word “kjilt”, which means “pleated”. It refers to tucked-up clothing that’s around the body. Bringing the irony into it, the Norse were typically uninvited, yet, all over Scotland.
- The original kilts were of colors brown, black, green or white. To dye the wool, Clanspeople utilized natural resources such as plants, berries and mosses. They began to develop plaids for certain clans as time went on. The colors of the plaids had reasonably depended on whichever natural dyes were accessible. The plaids started to become identified as tartan cloths.
- During the 17th century, belted plaids became popular for Highland men. By 1822, belted plaids were commonly worn for ceremonial events. This “great kilt” had appeared to be a sign of prosperity. During this time, a woman’s version had even come into style. This version was called an “arisaid”, which they wore down to the ankles. They made it from white tartan cloth with a wide-spaced pattern.
- Scottish kilts were first mentioned in 1538 and worn as full-length garments in some cultures. What we see today is the knee-length kilt, which didn’t come about until the early 18th century. The small kilt (phillabeg) was first worn in the late 17th century, which is the bottom half of the kilt. It’s gathered into folds, belted at the waist and falls right above the knee. There was a detached piece of cloth worn over the shoulder, meant for protection and warmth during these times.
- Around 1746, garments that resembled any form of highland dress, including the tartan kilt, became illegal for the Highland regiments to wear. This was because of the Dress Act of 1746, imposed by King George II with the aim to repress Highland culture. King George’s opponents had the desire to use Jacobite armies to take his place. He then panicked and had the idea to utilize the act’s services to forbid the kilt from Highland armies.
- King George II had the intention of being able to see the Jacobite-position supporters and abolishing them. However, this prohibition had the opposite effect. Those without Jacobite leanings wore them as a romantic fashion statement. The others had worn kilts as a protest of general English oppression. In 1782, the act was then lifted.
- The kilt became a remaining symbol of Scottish identity following the ban. Tartan patterns symbolized specific families, regions and clans. There are now 3,500 particular tartan family plaids. The garment is mostly handmade, taking about 20-25 hours to make, while the tartan pattern should stay unbroken.
How Kilts Were Worn and its Growth in Popularity
People wore it around their waists, with the excess fabric draped over the shoulder and pinned. You could adjust the upper portion according to the weather and temperature demands or the freedom of movement necessary. After Highland regiments serving with the British Army chose this fashion wear, it grew to become very popular. This resulted in the British aristocracy believing all things Scottish to be a fashion statement.
Celtic nations adopted variants of the Scottish kilt. These Celtic nations included the Welsh cilt and the Cornish cilt. The tailored kilt evolved over time and more and more accessories were added on as fashion changed. Kilts and kilt accessories are recognized all over the world. Its features today are even well-known to be in Vivienne Westwood designs, which is a popular British women’s designer clothing.
Kilts are symbols of national identity and patriotism, with deep-seated historical and cultural roots. Scottish people everywhere show off their kilts and kilt accessories as a tribute to their heritage. Scottish people normally wear kilts to formal events and the competitors usually wear them at the Highland Games.
They often wore them to festivals, weddings, family parties, funerals and more. It’s adapted recently into an item of modern fashion wear while the accessories give off the “total look”. In the traditional Scottish Highland, participants, Highland Dancers and Highland Bands also wore these.
Conclusion
To achieve the complete, authentic Scottish look, Kilt Rental USA provides you with many Kilts and accessories to choose from. Whatever the occasion is, we have the perfect outfit to match. Visit our website to take a look at our collection or contact us today for more information.
