A kilt sash is a traditional part of the kilt outfit that is primarily connected with women. If we look back into its origin, it sounds like it was invented in the 19th century because women started wearing kilts in the same century. While the history of fly plaid (sash for men) is as traditional as the men’s kilts. Today, this important part of Scottish outfits is a member of both formal and casual events. This article will help you find out its different types, how to wear it, the modern adaptations, and more.
Types of Kilt Sashes
As stated above, kilt sashes are worn by both genders, and they exist in different forms. Ladies wear kilt sashes having different sizes. We’ll begin with the different types of kilt sashes, followed by tips on how to wear and secure them using kilt accessories.
Traditional Ladies’ Sash: As the name represents, ladies tartan sashes are the conventional form of the plaid that women have been wearing for centuries. These fabrics are specific to the traditional, cultural, or formal events. Their length is 90 inches, while their width is 11 inches.
Mini or Fashion Sash: Mini sashes are the modern edition of women’s kilt sashes, and their smaller size makes them get this name. This apparel is almost half the size of the traditional ones, and its width is 5 while its length is approximately 42. Its association is not specific to formal events.
Clan or Family Sash: This particular sash resembles the traditional ones in size and appearance. The pattern selection is not restricted to the conventional sashes, while clan or family sashes have the same patterns that traditional tartan kilts have.
Official or Royal Sashes: Official or royal sashes are the ones that are specific to official use or those that only royal families use. To wear a royal sash, a female should seek permission from the authority. Likewise, official sashes are reserved for those who are formally part of the group or institution they represent.
How to Wear & Secure a Sash with a Brooch or Pin
When it comes to wearing a tartan sash, the process is simple. The right shoulder is the ideal place to wear a sash. A woman may also drape the sash over her left shoulder, but only if she is the wife of a clan chief, colonel, or another high-ranking regimental officer. Before a woman drapes it, she must know what height she has and choose the size accordingly. When adorned over the arm, the next step is securing it with a pin or a brooch.
A kilt pin is usually attached to the button of the kilt to prevent it from blowing. So, the ideal accessory here is a kilt brooch. Drape the sash around your waist and gather the fabric just below the right shoulder to prepare it for pinning. When you have decided on a point, pin the gathered fabric together with the brooch.
Symbolism Behind Different Kilt Sash Styles
Do you know what the most important thing is when you are wearing traditional apparel? It is to wear it appropriately and maintain a connection to the past in the right way. Traditional sash patterns serve the same purpose as kilts: honoring heritage and ancestral ties.
Expression of Heritage and Ancestry
You may have worn traditional tartan kilts to represent your ancestry and admire your heritage. Sashes usually have the same patterns and serve as an ideal way to express your feelings. It means tartan plaid fabric needs the same protocol as kilts.
Marital Status
Another symbol behind the tartan sash is disclosing the marital status of the wearers. Often worn on the right side, those wearing it on the left side explain that a woman wearing it is married and that it is to a higher-ranked individual of the clan.
Clan Pride and Allegiance
A majority considers it to showcase connection with the Scottish clan, but they might be unaware of the fact that sashes also represent clan pride. Ladies also wear sashes adorned with Scottish symbols to express pride in their clan.
How to Choose the Right Kilt Sash
Here comes the time to discuss the practical part, which is choosing the right kilt sash. There are a few steps, or better to say considerations, that you must keep in mind while choosing the right product for you.
Event Formality: Check the event’s formality first of all. If participating in a formal event, choose a family tartan with a symbol of clan pride that has actual length. Otherwise, you can go with a modern one that has a different pattern.
Gender and Role: The next point is choosing according to gender. Ladies wear sashes, while men wear fly plaids. They are different in size and design as well. So, choose according to your gender. Similarly, you must know the role of fabric. If needed for cultural representation, choose one with family tartan and traditional size.
Clan Affiliation: Do not keep your clan aside when you need a sash for cultural identity. Clan affiliation holds significant importance, particularly for those with Scottish heritage. This practice connects the wearer to their ancestral roots and family history.
Premium-quality Fabric: Prioritize the quality of fabric when wearing traditional attire. This should be a primary consideration when purchasing a sash. So, choose an excellent piece of fabric because it enhances your silhouette.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Wearing a Sash
Everyone deserves to wear traditional attire in a way that flatters their appearance. However, some unintentional mistakes can be bothersome. So, knowing them is as important as wearing the right tartan in formal events. So, we highlighted a few yet major mistakes to make things easier.
Wrong Side Placement
Many women don’t know about the actual shoulder to dress up a sash, and they wear it on the wrong shoulder for the occasion or tradition. It not only looks awkward but can also create confusion.
Wearing Too Loose or Tight
Undervaluing the exact size has been a problem for many, and they let the sash hang too loosely or ride up too high on the body. Besides impacting the outfit, this negative practice also compromises the comfort.
Clashing the Shades
For formal events, tradition and coordination often take precedence over personal style preferences. Many ladies are seen wearing a sash with the color or fabric clashing with the outfit. Choose your clan tartan preferably; otherwise, match patterns appropriately.
Not Securing Appropriately
There are a few mistakes or practices that equate to disrespecting the attire. A common mistake is failing to secure the sash properly, causing it to fall out of place.
Modern Adaptations and Contemporary Fashion
The traditional way of attaching a kilt sash is to drape it over the shoulder and then pin it using a brooch. The fashion statement has made things different, and sashes are worn in different ways nowadays. A few of these adaptations are given below:
Belted Sash Style
A popular way to do so is to use the belted sash styling technique. Women take a longer fabric of tartan and wrap their waist just above the hip bone. As a next step, they tie a knot on the prominent side and pin it with the brooch.
The Plaid Pinning Style
This style is suitable for those who want to use a broader fabric to cover their body with a sash. They drape tartan over the shoulder and pin it in a way the fabric falls exactly to the fall of their tartan kilts. The size of the brooch is pretty significant compared to standard ones since they have to secure a large piece of fabric.
Buy Exceptional Kilt Sashes at Utility Kilt UK
We’ve done our best to provide comprehensive information about kilt sashes. We discussed multiple points, from their types and symbolism to avoidable mistakes and modern tips to wear them. Hopefully, no query should be left in your mind, and you should take a step and buy a kilt sash. We recommend you approach Utility Kilt UK for buying the kilt accessories, including tartan sashes. We sell all of our products at affordable prices and made with premium-quality fabric. Visit our reliable online store today to fulfill tartan requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tartan Sashes
Do Scots consider it disrespectful to wear another clan’s sashes?
No, wearing a tartan of another clan does not mean to disrespect it. Therefore, seeking permission is a good gesture. Most importantly, respect their identity by wearing a clean sash appropriately.
Can I wear a kilt sash without wearing a full Highland outfit?
While kilt sashes and fly plaids are the traditional parts of the traditional Highland dress, it’s okay to wear them even without a full Scottish outfit.
Are there unisex sashes, or are styles strictly gendered?
Kilt sashes are a traditional part of the women’s Scottish attire, but in the contemporary fashion trends, unisex fabric has become an appealing entity.
Can sashes be worn over jackets or capes?
Yes, sashes can be worn over jackets. In fact, they are made to be worn over jackets or coats at modern or formal events. Regarding the capes, yes, women now wear them over the cloaks as well, thanks to the fashion trends.
Are there seasonal differences in sash fabric or design?
Yes, the fabric of the tartan sash plays an important role in different seasons. As sashes are made with acrylic wool, which naturally has a warm impact, they are suitable for winter. For summer, people are seen using poly viscose fabric that resembles tartan but is lightweight and breathable. Similarly, fabric’s design impacts seasonal use as well.
