What is the traditional Scottish garment called?
Quick answer
The traditional Scottish garment worn around the waist is the kilt: a knee-length, pleated wrap made of wool tartan cloth. It’s part of Highland dress and is worn by men at weddings, ceremonies, sporting events and celebrations such as Burns Night.
From great kilt to modern kilt
| Garment | Period | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Great kilt (féileadh mòr) | 1500s | A large piece of cloth wrapped around the waist and thrown over the shoulder, also used as a blanket |
| Small kilt (féileadh beag) | 1700s | Just the lower half, easier for working |
| Modern tailored kilt | 1800s onward | Pre-pleated and sewn, with buckles and straps |
The ban and revival
After the Jacobite rising of 1745, the British government passed the Dress Act of 1746, banning Highland dress for most men in Scotland. When the ban was lifted in 1782, the kilt returned as a proud symbol of Scottish identity, helped by Highland regiments in the British Army and by writer Walter Scott and King George IV’s 1822 visit to Edinburgh.
What’s worn with a kilt
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Sporran | A pouch worn at the front, since kilts have no pockets |
| Kilt pin | A decorative pin on the front apron |
| Kilt hose | Knee-high socks with flashes (garter tabs) |
| Sgian-dubh | A small knife tucked into the sock |
| Ghillie brogues | Laced shoes |
| Jacket | Such as a Prince Charlie jacket for formal events |
What is tartan?
Tartan is a pattern of crisscrossing colored stripes. Many patterns are linked to Scottish clans (families) or regions, and today there’s an official Scottish Register of Tartans with thousands of designs.
The famous question
Traditionally, a “true Scotsman” wears nothing under his kilt, but in practice many people wear underwear, and it’s expected in sports and some military settings.
Not only Scotland
Kilts are also worn in Ireland, and similar garments appear in other cultures.
For other national traditions, see what a kimono is and where the hula comes from.
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