Difference between Scottish and Irish Kilt

A kilt is a knee-length skirt-like garment popular in both Scotland and Ireland. The main difference between a Scottish and an Irish kilt is the tartan.

Scottish kilt tartans are associated with families as each tartan represents a clan. The Irish tartans that do exist are designed to represent the counties and districts of Ireland.

Scottish Kilts

The Scottish skirt dates back to the sixteenth century. The Fleadh Mor was a long, thick piece of cloth thrown over the wearer’s shoulder and served as both a skirt and a garment.

The Fleadh Mor was initially designed as a protective piece of wear-like armor to protect the wearer from the unpredictable Scottish weather.

In the early nineteenth century, they became a symbol of Scottish identity and ancient Scottish dress. After the Jacobite Rebellion of 1746, the government restricted its citizens from wearing kilts and tartans.

The main reason was that they were afraid of revolution and the rebellion of the Scottish clan.

Then, fashionable Scottish kilts were introduced in the late nineteenth century, complete with pleats and a buckle. It can be the skirt we all tend to understand and recognize today.

Scottish kilts are famous worldwide, and people love to wear this manliest garment. Scottish kilts are considered sacred in the country and are the national dress of Scotland.

Various tartans are available in the Scottish kilt and each tartan represents the wearer’s clan.

Since each tartan is associated with a particular family, people would easily recognize each other. But Scottish kilts for sale have continued to evolve, and modern kilts are now available.

The best thing about this highland dress is that even non-Scots can wear it to show their love for Scotland.

Irish Kilts

Many believed that the Lein-crotch was the prior version of the Irish skirt. However, this was an elongated tunic in black and not a standard Irish skirt.

Irish national material was introduced as a logo of the Gaelic tradition during the rise of Irish nationalism and as a reaction to the ongoing Anglicization of Ireland.

Saffron skirts are the traditional skirts of Ireland. It is mustard yellow, usually with shamrock patches on the fold.

During the 20th century, the Irish Army introduced the Saffron Kilt as part of the British Army. It is the most widely used skirt in Ireland today. Similarly, Feileadh Mor was also introduced by Scottish troops on the battlefield.

The Irish tartan kilt has a much-disputed history, but it was an essential part of Celtic culture. During Irish nationalism, the Irish kilt was introduced as a symbol of Gaelic tradition.

The difference between a Scottish and an Irish kilt is the color of the tartan. Scottish kilts are available in hundreds of tartans, but Irish tartan comes in saffron or mustard yellow.

Conclusion

Kilts are popular in both Scottish and Irish cultures and are worn with pride and respect by people in both countries. You can still rock a kilt if you’re neither from Scotland nor Ireland.

You have to get your body measurements right and do a little research. It will help you save money, and you won’t waste it on a poor-quality kilt that doesn’t fit you.

FAQs

What is the purpose of wearing a kilt?

Wearing a kilt shows respect for Celtic culture, so wear it according to etiquette. Your aim must not be to offend, as it is a sacred symbol of honor.

What is the difference between a saffron kilt and a Scottish kilt?

So, as the Saffron Kilt is the most popular Irish Kilt, both kilts differ in the tartan they use. Every Scottish kilt tartan in existence represents a Scottish clan. Each Scottish surname has its tartan or checkered design unique to its birth name.