Kilt Style

Historical Kilt Style

© 2008 Floyd Harrison, Lorton Valley Star Communications About

Off Kilter

Why should a guy want to be at the forefront of this trend? Consider for yourself, It’s about the individual. Possible Reason #

1. Because you can, you like the idea and enjoy it; how many reasons do you need? 

MUG from another land

(NOTE some photos are place-holders which must be replaced or credited before this site goes public)

The Garb that started it all for the Celts, the Great Kilt, is its own style and still finds application among the historical re-enactors and occasions touting national pride. It has a decidedly rustic look. It was adapted in the Scottish highlands after their migration across the channel from the Northern Kingdom of Ireland. In those days before sewing machines when clothes were simple, the Irish wore their simple long and full linen shirt the Leina (lay’-na). The men and women wore the same thing only the women laced on an open front over dress in the day time. The men, who went out to tend the fields, hunt and defend the property, belted their shirts up to thigh level and hung their weapons, and pouches from that. If they had to travel or tend herds, they carried a heavy hand woven wool blanket which could be shelter at night and a coat by day. This became the Kilt. It was portrayed in the movie Braveheart.

Donning the Great Kilt was task of itself. The fabric would be laid out flat, hand pleated to make a length to go around the waist however big the guy was. This had the effect of making the material three times as thick. He’d lay down on it, roll to get it around him with the pleats intact and fasten the belt high on the waist. Then he could stand up and the extra couple of yards would be carried around the waist if it was warm or over one shoulder or around the shoulders as a cloak. Modern accouterments were inspired by lore from these feudal times. As it was worn to defend more than only pride, it is a military tradition.

The Great Kilt is properly accessorized with a Dirk, basically a dagger on the right hip and a short celtic sword on the left hip. Swords weren’t of modern metal and couldn’t hold a edge. Therefore, the all the generous folds of linen and wool were defense against the blow of a sword. Appropriate head wear is a bonnet and leg wear and foot wear is the crudest thing you can find. Diced hose are traditional. This can be observed being practiced at the Scottish Games.