The Kilt is the traditional dress of Scotland for men and is associated with Scottish pride for their heritage
. Now, the kilt has also become a high fashion garment that is worn by both men and women. However, Scotland is not the only place where a kilt is worn; nations with Celtic or Gaelic history are found to don kilts; the Irish Bagpipers wear kilts with pride and aplomb, Highland sportsmen and dancers wear it at sports events and other formal occasions.
The fabric used in the Scottish Kilt is woolen of different weights. The tartan weaving in which the fabric is woven is type of plaid weaving of the twill type. The tartan weaving patterns are now distinct for different highland clans in Scotland. One can distinguish the clan from the pattern and colors on the kilt. The Irish kilt is not made of plaid fabric but of a solid color. The construction of a kilt is also unique with flat fabric in front and pleats at the back and again a flat fabric that goes over the front again. The pleats of the kilt can be knife pleats or box pleats as used by the clan. The kilt is fastened at the waist and covers half the knees and is now worn by men on formal or ceremonial occasions. It is fascinating to know that 7 to 8 yards of tartan cloth in single width is required to make a kilt for a full grown man.
The kilt is fastened at the waist with straps and buckles. The loops on the waist can carry a kilt belt but it is more of an ornamental nature than to hold up the kilt. Kilt belts are made of black or brown leather and could be 2 to 2 and inches in width. In olden times, when unstitched kilts were worn, the kilt belts perhaps had more utility and held up the skirt. The sporrans or the leather pouches that hang down the side of kilts, are attached to slimmer kilt belts .
The tartan pattern on the kilt is called a sett. Traditional plaid tartan weaving is used in heavier woolen fabric for a kilt however finer and lighter wool is used to make the traditional tartan scarf . The tartan scarf has become a popular fashion accessory and is largely exported all over the world. Many tourists who visit Scotland take back the tartan scarf as a souvenir if not the Scottish kilt. The tartan scarf is not necessarily worn with the kilt but can be worn with any contemporary dress in the colder climes. A tartan scarf is a good gift for men and women alike, reminding them of your visit to Scotland.