subject: Scottish Woolens; Heritage And Business [print this page] The Fishermans cardigan worn by the primarily fishing community from the island of Aran has now become world famous after it has started being produced commercially. The Aran cardigan has many unique qualities apart from the style in which it is knitted. The Aran cardigan that was hand-knitted by the local women of Aran had typical complex patterns such as the cable, honeycomb, diamond which are textured knitting patterns evolved over centuries. In the olden times, the Aran cardigan was made of raw unwashed wool. The fishermen from these islands used these garments as they were partially waterproof since unwashed wool contained lanolin, a wax-like substance that repelled moisture.
Now, the Aran cardigan is commercially manufactured on machines from finer wool and is sold at a premium all over the world.
Cashmere wool is made into many articles big and small, such as jumpers, shawls and blankets and the smaller; Cashmere hats, scarves or even Cashmere socks are available. Cashmere socks are for either men or women and are made like other hosiery socks. Spandex could be used along with cashmere wool to give a good fit to the feet. Cashmere socks are soft and feel luxurious along with being comfortably warm. Undoubtedly, Cashmere socks are very expensive and need good care to give them a longer life.
The mens Kilt is the traditional dress of Scotland and is associated with Scottish pride for their heritage. Now, the mens 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 mens 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 mens 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 mens kilt is not made of plaid fabric but of a solid color. The construction of a mens 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 mens kilt is fastened at the waist and covers half the knees. 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 sporrans or the leather pouches that hang down the side of kilts, are attached to slimmer kilt belts.
