The kilt is a knee-length garment associated with Scottish culture, traditionally worn by men as formal wear. Its history dates back to the Celts, and it was banned by King George II in 1746. Modern adaptations have made it popular for a wider audience, and it is often worn at weddings, in the workplace, and at sporting events.
A kilt is a non-forked knee-length garment that is closely associated with Scottish and Scottish culture, although similar garments are worn in other parts of the United Kingdom and the world at large. A classic kilt is easy to identify with its tartan, aka check, pattern, and deep pleats. In Scotland, the garment is treated as men’s formal wear, although men may also wear it on more casual occasions. In the 1990s, various modern adaptations such as the Utilikilt began to emerge, popularizing this garment for a wider audience.
The history of the garment is quite complex. It may help to start with plaid, a garment traditionally wrapped around the waist and thrown over the shoulder by the Celts. Over time, Celtic communities developed their own styles and fashions for wearing these garments. Pleated versions were also worn by other northern European cultures, presumably because they helped keep wearers warm in inclement weather.
The word “kilt” means “to fasten clothing around the body,” and this was exactly how the early versions were worn. The modern form emerged around the 1700s, as a wraparound pleated garment that buttoned, rather than being buttoned. This garment was much easier to manage than previous variations, and it quickly became popular.
In 1746, King George II outlawed the wearing of the kilt, along with other traditional aspects of Highland dress, in an attempt to control rebellious Scottish tribes. As often happens when something is banned, the ban popularized the garment and many people began wearing the kilt in solidarity with Scottish tribes, or as a sign of rebellion. By the time the ban ended in 1782, the garment had become closely associated with Scottish culture and heritage.
Full Highland dress includes a kilt, sporran or bag, and a variety of other items including a special hose, a type of knife called a sgian dubh, a formal shirt, and a jacket. Many people create their own variations for comfort and style, although when the garment is worn as a uniform, certain restrictions may apply. Some military brigades include the kilt in their formal uniforms, and they are also worn by bagpipers. Kilts can be seen at weddings, the workplace, sporting events, and parades, along with many other places.
This wiseGEEK author declines to comment on the subject of underwear and kilts.
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