Scottish plaid is the cardinal recognition of Scotland. Not only the country’s identity, but it is what helps people from other countries to locate Scots, and people from one clan to another. However, the role of plaid in Scottish dress has been remarkable in shaping the culture too. Started as the origin of the great kilt, now Scottish tartan plaid is highly recognizable. All the tales narrated till now are our primary concern today. So, let us dive into the details of its role!
Early Highland Dress
The origin of tartan is quite different from each other. Kilt became part of Scottish attire in the 16th century while tartan’s history dates a far way back than it. The first recorded evidence of plaid dates back to the great kilt which was a long piece of tartan. A specific part of which was used to wrap around the body while the rest of the fabric was to be utilized as a cloak or a blanket during the harsh winter days. This plaid variation lasted till the 17th century.
Transition of Plaid to the Small Kilt
Scots then realized that great kilts are too long to control while working and warfare. Pleats on the back side of kilts were their great companions during activities that they thought could not be ignored. So, maintaining the existence of pleats, they shorten the size of apparel. They brought it to the length we see today, known as tartan kilts.
The weight of fabric was reduced which still was quite helpful for easy movement. During the 17th century, they felt that they must have something to carry their belongings. This is how the existence of sporrans came into being. Then an evolution in kilt’s aesthetics started and tartan started becoming popular worldwide.
Plaid in Post-Culloden Dress
The tartan fabric was not so popular till the middle of the 18th century. However a brutal event known as Highland Clearances occurred, which scattered the Scots in other countries where Scots moved because of the current circumstances. Tartan started getting popular and then the Jacobite Rebellion took place which made kilts out of sight for almost 40 years. The British Monarch banned Scottish entities like wearing tartan and Highland games.
Victorian Influence
After the ban was lifted, Scots made hard efforts to make the world aware of their traditional tartan fabric. While they were struggling for their plaid, the era of Queen Victoria arrived, to whom the Scots must be thankful today. She was very kind to Scotland, Scots, and Scottish entities like their tartan. She along with Prince Albert popularized tartan as a fashion entity.
Clan Tartan and Formal Dress
Scottish clans already used to have their specific tartan. The conditions changed during the ruthless events discussed above but Queen Victoria’s kindness brought tartans back to the clans. They reallocated the tartan to the clans and restored their identity.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert purchased Balmoral Castle in 1852. In the same year, they created the Balmoral tartan, which is still worn by the Royal Family today. Similarly, their role in popularizing the tartan ware and decorating wooden items with tartan fabric is one of the greatest milestones.
Modern Highland Dress
Queen Victoria’s era was the time responsible for proposing a new life to tartan. People started wearing tartan kilts and other garments proudly. If we talk about today’s circumstances, in modern Highland dress, tartan plays a central role as a symbol of Scottish identity and heritage, representing clan affiliations, family traditions, or even specific events.
Today people wear tartan as their identity at different types of events from formal events like weddings and Black Tie events to casual events like musical nights and Highland games. The journey of tartan as a modern wear continuously touches the sky. Therefore, the involvement of tartan does not limit itself to the kilts.
Plaid Beyond the Kilt
Today the role of plaid in Scottish dresses has become more significant than ever. Once it was limited to kilts and fly plaid, but the evolution in fashion statements has altered the situation. Today, many other accessories of modern Highland dress are made with tartan including:
- Scottish hats
- Kilt ties
- Fly plaid
- Tartan sashes
- Kilt socks
- Kilt flashes
- Tartan plaid fabric
- Tartan pants
- Scarves
Buy Scottish Plaid Products at Utility Kilt UK
The role of plaid in Scottish dress through the ages might have inspired you to buy tartan kilts or the complete kilt outfit. If it is so, you do not have to scroll through different platforms to find high-quality kilts and other accessories. UTK UK offers everything at cheaper prices without compromising the quality. Along with these features, we provide excellent customization services and excellent return policies. So, do not wait and order your desired plaid products today!
