A kilt is a garment resembling a knee-length skirt that has pleats at the back. It is the national dress of Scotland and has been associated with Irish heritage for centuries. However, most people don’t know that Irish wear kilts do not have an ancient pedigree.
Evidence suggests that they became part of Irish heritage in the 1800s. Irish kilts are still an essential part of Irish culture and are still worn by the Irish today.
History Of The Irish Kilt
The true origins of the Irish Kilt are somewhat disputed. Some believe that the Irish in the Middle Ages wore kilts in the form of long tunics known as Lein-Croichs.
Historians believe these long tunics are depicted in art throughout history, from stone carvings to 16th-century battle art. Irish men wore saffron yellow Lein-Croichs to war.
It confused art and historical analysis, as some later mistook them for Scots because their legs were barren during the battle.
What Do Irish Kilts Look Like?
The first Irish kilts were blue, the patron color of St. Patrick. These were the kilts given to children in schools and were known as a symbol of Irish national pride.
However, by the time of the First World War, Irish soldiers were serving in saffron yellow kilts to perform in Pipe bands. These uniforms, which include unique Irish kilts, are still used today and are most popularly recognized as Irish wear kilts.
However, in more modern times, Irish tartans were created and increased in popularity. From the late 1990s, counties in Ireland got their tartan.
Although unofficial, unlike Scottish clan tartans, these tartans are very popular at weddings and Irish events as a way to show pride in where you come from in Ireland.
These tartans are also particularly popular with families who have ancestors in Ireland but have since immigrated to places like America and Canada.
Dublin County, Cork County, and Kerry County are the most famous Irish plaids. At the Scotland Kilt Company, we offer several tartans in our men’s 8-yard Irish county tartan mid-weight 100% wool kilt, which is traditionally hand stitched.
Accessories you can wear:
Here are the accessories you can wear with your Irish national tartan:
Ridge:
It is a tradition to give a coat of arms at weddings. It is a symbol of acceptance into the family. The host family attaches it to the groom’s tartan.
Sporran:
The sporran is an essential part of traditional Celtic clothing in Scottish and Irish cultures. Iris sporran comes with shamrocks and green details.
Jackets:
In both Scottish and Irish cultures, people wear jackets. But different jackets are worn. For formal occasions, the Irish wear the Brian Baru jacket. The Kilkenny jacket is worn on less formal occasions.
Socks and shoes:
Traditional people wear long socks and shoes to complete their whole look. Ghillie Brogues are perfect for wearing under a kilt. Scottish people wear white socks, but in iris culture, they wear black socks under their saffron kilts.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a way to include some Irish pride or representation from your home county at a wedding or overall formal event, Irish kilts for sale are a great way to do it.
The importance of choosing an Irish kilt is in the tartan you want to include and the details of the accessories.
FAQs
What is an Irish kilt?
Saffron kilts were first worn by the Irish Army in the British Army during the twentieth century and are today the most common kilt in Ireland. Similarly, the Feileadh Mor was also worn by Scottish soldiers on the battlefield.
What kind of kilt do the Irish wear?
The Irish National tartan kilt is also famous. This premium kilt is not only worn by the Irish but also appreciated by Scottish and other non-Scottish accents. Like Scottish kilt, Irish kilts were also made from various fabrics such as cotton, denim, and leather.
When did the Irish kilt become popular?
Similar to the “Feileadh Mor” kilt worn by Scottish soldiers on the battlefield, the Irish wear kilts was worn as protective clothing at this time. Despite the belief that Irish kilts became popular in the 18th century, in 1956, a farmer uncovered a tartan piece of kilt fabric believed to date back to 1590.