The History of the Great Kilt
The great kilt is a traditional garment worn by men and women in the Scottish Highlands. It is a type of tartan cloth that is pleated and fastened with a belt or brooch. Its origin dates back to the 16th century and it was widely used by the clans in Scotland. The great kilt is considered to be a symbol of Scottish identity and pride and is still worn today by many Scots.
The great kilt is usually made of wool and is pleated in a way that gives it a full and voluminous shape. The pleats are usually held together with a belt or a brooch at the waist. The kilt is typically worn with a sporran, a pouch worn at the waist, and other Highland garments such as a jacket, a shirt, a bonnet, and a plaid.
The great kilt has a long and rich history in Scotland. It was traditionally worn by the clans of Scotland as a sign of their identity and pride. It was also worn by the Highland regiments of the British Army during the 18th century. During this period, the kilt became a symbol of the British Empire and was used to identify the soldiers of the Highland regiments.
In the 19th century, the great kilt fell out of fashion and was replaced by the more modern “little kilt”. However, the great kilt has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years and is now worn proudly by many Scots as a way to show their pride in their heritage and traditions.
Types of Great Kilts
1. Traditional Great Kilt: The traditional great kilt is a full-length garment made from a single piece of fabric that is pleated or gathered at the waist with a belt or sash. The fabric is usually tartan wool or other heavy woolen material. This type of kilt has been worn for centuries in Scotland and is still worn today.
2. Modern Great Kilt: This type of kilt is made from a lighter-weight fabric such as cotton or polyester. It is often pleated or gathered at the waist with a belt or sash. This type of kilt is more comfortable to wear and is popular among people who want a more relaxed look.
3. Utility Kilts: This type of kilt is made from a heavier-weight fabric such as denim or canvas. It is often pleated or gathered at the waist with a belt or sash. This type of kilt is popular among people who want a practical garment that can be used for a variety of activities, such as hiking, camping, or working outdoors.
4. Hybrid Kilts: This type of kilt is a combination of traditional and tactical kilt styles. It is usually made from a heavy woolen material that is pleated or gathered at the waist with a belt or sash. This type of kilt is popular among those who want a combination of traditional and modern styles.
How to Wear a Great Kilt
1. Wear a belt buckle, traditionally a Celtic knot, with your kilt to fasten the pleats.
2. Wear a sporran, or pouch, at the front of your kilt. This is where you can store items like keys or a wallet.
3. Wear a kilt pin at the bottom of the pleats. This is traditionally a Celtic symbol and is seen as a sign of good luck.
4. Wear a kilt hose, or socks, to cover your ankles. These can be plain or patterned and usually match your kilt.
5. Wear a kilt jacket, which is usually a waist-length jacket with a more formal look.
6. Wear a sgian-dubh, or small knife, tucked into the top of your great kilt hose. This is a traditional accessory and is seen as a sign of good luck.
7. Wear a kilt belt and buckle, which is a wide belt with a decorative buckle.
8. Wear a kilt pin, which is a large pin with a Celtic symbol. This is used to fasten the pleats of the kilt.
Materials and Fabrics for Great Kilts
The traditional kilts you might have seen in the past were made from wool. However, today’s kilts are made from a variety of fabrics and materials. Here are some of the most common ones:
Wool: Wool is the classic material used for kilts. Wool is a natural fiber and is very thick and warm. It is also water-resistant and provides great insulation.
Cotton: Cotton is lightweight, a breathable fabric that is great for kilts. It is comfortable to wear and easy to care for.
Linen: Linen is a lightweight, natural fiber that is great for kilts. It is also breathable and comfortable to wear.
Polyester: Polyester is a synthetic fiber and is often used for kilts. It is very durable, wrinkle-resistant, and easy to care for.
Leather: Leather is a durable material and is often used for kilts. It is strong and can last for many years.
Synthetic Fibers: Synthetic fibers such as nylon and spandex are often blended with other materials to create kilts. They are lightweight, durable, and provide great stretches.
No matter which material you choose for your kilt, make sure it is of high quality and well-constructed. This will ensure that your kilt will last for many years.
