Tartan, Kilts & Scottish National Dress (2024)

FAQs

Can anyone wear Scottish national tartan? ›

But here's the big take-away: there's no rule to stop you wearing any old clan or family tartan! That idea's a myth. Scottish tradition is all about welcoming outsiders into our community.

The kilt, with its long history and deep roots in Scottish culture, became a natural emblem of this heritage, embodying the pride and tradition of the Scottish people. Tourists were also drawn to the kilt's unique and distinctive style, which set it apart from other traditional dress around the world.

Irish kilts & tartans

One of the main differences between Irish and Scottish kilts is the tartan pattern. Scottish kilts are often associated with clan tartans, which are unique patterns that represent different Scottish clans. Irish kilts, on the other hand, often feature plain colours such as green or orange shades.

In a dress tartan the 'ground' colour (thats the main base colour of the tartan) is most often replaced by white. sometimes a yellow or bright red tartan is referred to as the dress tartan but normally its a totally different design.

One of the great things about kilts is that they are versatile and can be worn by anyone, regardless of their background. Non-Scottish grooms and groomsmen can wear kilts just as well as those with Scottish heritage.

As long as you're respectful, you can wear almost any Scottish tartan you like regardless of clan or family. One of the most famous exceptions is the Balmoral tartan. This is the royal tartan and to wear it you must have the sovereign's permission.

There are no specific rules governing which tartan you can wear, just traditions. The most important thing is it makes you feel proud to wear it. People participate in a traditional Scottish Ceilidh, Fintry Town Hall.

The Jacobite risings demonstrated the dangers to central government of such warrior Highland clans, and as part of a series of measures the government of King George II imposed the "Dress Act" in 1746, outlawing men and boys wearing items of Highland dress including kilts (although an exception was made for the ...

The Léine. In ancient Celtic culture, women wore a type of kilt known as a léine. The léine was a long, loose-fitting garment made from wool or linen that was similar in shape to the féileadh-mór worn by men. The léine was worn by women of all social classes, and was often belted at the waist to give it shape.

Though the origins of the Irish kilt continue to be a subject of debate, current evidence suggests that kilts originated in the Scottish Highlands and Isles and were worn by Irish nationalists from at least 1850s onwards and then cemented from the early 1900s as a symbol of Gaelic identity.

Is tartan actually Scottish? ›

Tartan fabric is considered a symbol of Scottish identity. It is traditionally made of wool, which is woven into a pattern of simple checks, used in clothing and textiles.

It's said that red tartan was worn in battle so blood would not show, green resembled the forest, blue symbolising lakes and rivers and yellow resembling crops. Today, the colours identify religion as red and green tartans represent Catholics and the blue represents Protestants.

Luckily, for those with no Scottish blood or ancestry, there are universal tartans and non-clan tartans they can wear. These types of tartan include Highland Granite, Isle of Skye and Black Watch.

The plaid and kilt form the only national costume in the British Isles that is worn for ordinary purposes, rather than merely for special occasions. Highland dress is also the uniform of Scottish regiments in the British army, and kilts have been worn in battle as recently as World War II.

The customary piece of Scottish womens wear is the earasaid (or arisaid in its Anglicized form). The earasaid did not necessarily have a tartan pattern, but it could have a tartan motif. If you picture a long, floor-length kilt that belts around the waist, you'll have some idea of the earasaid.

There are a few tartans which are restricted, meaning not everyone can wear them. The Balmoral tartan for example, can only be worn by members of the British Royal Family and there are still some clan tartans that can only be worn if the Clan Chief allows you to.

Luckily, for those with no Scottish blood or ancestry, there are universal tartans and non-clan tartans they can wear. These types of tartan include Highland Granite, Isle of Skye and Black Watch.

Q. What tartan am I entitled to wear? A. The clan tartan associated with your name and Scottish family heritage, or the district tartan for the Scottish district or region with which you have an association.