The History and Wearing of Kilts

Long before there was tailoring, people created garments by wrapping woven fabric around themselves. One piece of clothing that has changed very little over the four hundred years it has existed is the kilt. Historical references show that the tartan kilt of Scotland dates back to the 16th century. What was once a way of identifying family clans, the kilt became a more pronounced source of Scottish pride in the 19th century and all of our modern kilt fashions and etiquette stem from this evolution. You can find kilts or kilt-influenced skirts everywhere from school uniforms to Renaissance Fairs, from construction sites to formal wear, with the pleated skirts being worn by children and adults, men and women alike.

Kilt - a pleated wool skirt (most often tartan), worn knee-length for men and often longer or shorter for women. This is also sometimes called a "walking kilt" to differentiate it from the historical "great kilt." (which also formed a cloak) Depending on the length, number of pleats, weight of the fabric and size of the person, a kilt can easily require as much as eight yards of fabric to make.

Sporran - a pouch worn in the front waist over the kilt, this is the "pocket" where the wearer can carry things. Often made of fur or leather with decorative tassels.

Sgian Dubh - this small dagger (it's pronounced "skeen doo") first came into vogue when the British banned the wearing of kilts or carrying of weapons by men in Scotland. It became an accessory worn in the top of the kilt hose once the weapons ban was repealed and some kilt fanciers like to add a decorative one to formal outfits.

Hose - traditionally a knee-high sock is worn with kilts, often with "garter flashes" that match the kilt attached at the calf.

Shirt - this is often a formal and modern shirt or blouse.

If there's one joke about kilts, it's the endless variations on "what does a Scotsman wear under his kilt?" Part of the joke is that the more serious one goes searching for a "real" answer, the more you come up with great joke responses. And for as much bravado is created around "going commando" or "regimental" the fact remains that there is a certain percentage of the male population that does wear something under there.

Historical reality: The shirt tails of the blousy shirts that men wore back when kilts were first adopted in the 16th century were long enough that the tails came down and covered everything in the event that you took your kilt off.

Essentially, you wear whatever works best for your own comfort and the decorum called for by wherever you happen to be wearing your kilt. For example, out hiking with friends going commando could be fine, but a formal dinner or wedding probably wouldn't be hurt by some nice dark boxer briefs under there.