Scotland is more synonymous with rain than good weather. However, for centuries, the men of the country have adorned themselves with a very particular garment that lets the air through the kilt. Where does this tradition come from? Is it true that Scottish people don't wear anything underneath?
From six-meter tartan to kilt
The history of the kilt begins in the 18th century in the Highlands (north and west of the country). It was in these highlands that Emperor Hadrian (122 AD) had a 117 km long wall built to protect his people from barbarian invasions. Behind this wall lived very poor peasants who had nothing to wear. Instead, the men surrounded themselves with a tartan, a six-meter piece of fabric worn around the waist and held in place with a belt. The dress could also be worn as a toga or served as a blanket for sleeping.
This tartan was then only a simple square of fabric made of thick wool and resistant to rain and whose color varied according to the clans. It was not until 1727 that it changed into a kilt. At the time, an ironmaster in Lancashire needed coal for his business. The tartan became very cumbersome for the Highlanders who transported the raw material. The manufacturer called on a military tailor who cut the fabrics to make the kilt we all know today.
Are the Scots naked under their kilts?
In 1745, the revolt of the Jacobites, who wanted to bring the Stuarts back to the throne of England, marked a turning point in the history of the kilt. During the movements, any sign externalizing a Scottish particularity was prohibited, in particular in the field of clothing. As soon as the people no longer wore the kilt, the elites reappropriated it as an affirmation of their identity. Because not only does the kilt represent Scotland, but it also goes against all Western dress codes that want men to wear trousers.
In the 1900s, other Celtic peoples, such as the Irish, Welsh, Bretons, and inhabitants of Cornwall also adopted this traditional garment.
But one question remains: are the Scots really naked under their kilts? According to the law, everyone is free to wear it as they wish, provided they remain discreet if the owner decides to take the parts out in the air. On the other hand, the army has long prohibited underwear and checked with the help of a small mirror if the rules were respected.
What are utility kilts?
Utility kilts were introduced for people who weren't THAT Scottish but wanted to wear kilts. They are made with normal fabric but in classic style, which makes it a utility kilt, that makes it wearable for everyone. you can try American Flag Kilt, for instance.
In Scotland, kilts are items of apparel that have never once gone out of style.
In fact, over the years, they have evolved to not only include men’s apparel but women’s as well, and that means the invention of the tartan skirt.
Just like tartan kilts, tartan skirts never go out of style and are every bit as versatile as the garments they were inspired by.
Tartan skirts are perfect for women who want to enjoy wearing tartan kilts like their male counterparts but find themselves wanting something more feminine and flattering.Tartan skirts are very much in style, not only for women in Scotland who want to show off their pride and their impeccable taste, but they are in high demand in other parts of the world as well.
At the kilts shop, we offer a vast selection of women’s tartan skirts for you to choose from in order to make sure that you can find the one that best suits your personality.
We are dedicated to bringing Scottish styles of dress, including tartan skirts, to anyone inside or outside of Scotland that wants them.
USA Kilts are American kilt makers who have been making custom made men’s kilts in authentic clan tartans since 2003.
We offer a full range of kilts from our budget casual kilt, to our traditional machine sewn, hand finished kilt.
We specialize in all aspects of highland wear and offer authentic products at the best quality for the lowest prices.
