When people from different countries describe what a stereotypical Scottish person would look like, more often than not they'll give you a couple of the classics; ginger, loud, shouty, holding a packet of haggis in one hand and a whisky glass in the other, most importantly though, would be the kilt. Something which has never left Scottish outfits or tradition. Do you know the origins though? That is the topic today.
The kilt first came about in the Highlands, and the first variation of it was known as 'The Great Kilt', it covered the whole body from shoulders to below the knees. Surprisingly though, it wasn't the most loved thing and that was due to practicality and also the clans who wore it, the size and span of the kilt meant it was heavier for the body, during warmer weather was exhausting, and a bit of a struggle to fight in. (Mainly resulting in the removal of said piece of clothing during fights/battles.) The infamous nature of the clans and the way they behaved was also a reason kilts were left to the clans, as no one wanted to associate with them.
This ended up resulting in many tweaks throughout the years of kilts. According to some the first invention of the kilt as we know it today, was a man named Thomas Rawlinson who believed 'The Great Kilt', was far too much a farce and so he ended up taking off the top and having it from the waist to the knee. Shortly after this though, in 1746, a law was put into place banning the Scottish wear from being used by the English. This was to try and settle the Scottish clans and to have a bit of control over them. In 1782 though after much work, the act was done away with, the kilt had a much different image at this point in time though. It was no longer just a highland clan man's outfit but for everyone.
Nowadays the kilt is very much celebrated and a staple of Scots culture and heritage. It is mostly a formal wear now, in which people have on for many things like weddings, funerals, parties and more. It has become quite the fashion statement and used during highland games, bagpiping festivals and you can even see some celebrities rocking up to red carpets with their kilts on. The kilt can also be accessorised with kilt pins, which used to be to help hold down the kilts during a windy day but they also are used to add a bit of fun to kilt wear. The Sgian Dubh Company offer some Kilt Pins too and here are some recommendations, but we do have a section of many to choose from; Stag Celtic Kilt Pin, Battle Axe Matt Kilt Pin, Bagpipe Kilt Pin.
