Kilt

A kilt is a knee-length skirt-like garment for men, traditionally worn by Highland Scots. It is made of woolen cloth, typically woven in a tartan pattern representing a clan, district, or family. The garment is pleated at the back and laid flat at the front. Kilts are usually worn with a sporran, a belt, hose, ghillie brogues, and a jacket, forming the core of Highland dress.

The modern kilt evolved from the great kilt, or belted plaid, a long piece of cloth wrapped around the body. By the 17th century, a shorter “small kilt” developed, and in the 18th century the modern five-yard kilt became established. After the 1746 Jacobite rising, wearing kilts was briefly banned; the ban was repealed in 1782, helping to revive Highland dress and identity.

Kilts are typically five to eight yards long, made of wool and tailored with precise pleating. Tartans are associated with clans, regions, or organizations. Accessories include a sporran, a belt and buckle, hose and flashes, ghillie brogues, and often a sgian-dubh tucked into the hose. Modern kilts may use synthetic fabrics or blends for casual wear.

Variants include the dress kilt for formal occasions, the day or casual kilt, and the utility kilt used in fashion and workwear. Kilts are worn at weddings, military and pipe-band events, Highland games, and cultural ceremonies, and have also become a global fashion item beyond Scotland.

Kilts remain a symbol of Scottish heritage and clan identity, reflecting regional traditions and contemporary expressions worldwide.