Tartan is a key symbol of Scottish clan identity. Its use in various components of Scottish Highland dress reveals its importance. These accessories include tartan kilts, hose, fly plaid, and tartan sashes. The rest of the components are suitable for both genders, while tartan sashes are for women only. They are narrow and long pieces of tartan fabric wrapped over the left or right shoulder and secured at the hip or side with sash brooches. This piece of fabric is our center of attention today, and we will talk about its history, types, wearing etiquette, and much more.
The History: Journey Through Time
Interestingly, the history of tartan sashes is somewhat obscure. According to studies, the idea of sashes was taken from “Feileadh Mòr,” one of the earliest forms of kilts, which was divided into two parts in the 18th century. The exact year of tartan sashes’ invention is not clear in history. Therefore, its invention during the 19th century is more solid evidence because it was the time when women started wearing kilts. It became standardized in the era of Queen Victoria.
Wearing It Right: The Art of the Sash
People consider tartan sashes and fly plaids to be the same thing, but for opposite genders. They need to clear this misconception since both components are quite different. A fly plaid is a square piece of fabric worn over the shoulder, while a sash is a longer and narrower piece of fabric wrapped around the shoulder. Other than their visual appearance, their dressing style also clarifies this difference. Let’s talk about how women should wear sashes appropriately.
Proper Placement
Like other accessories of Scottish kilt outfits, the accurate placement of tartan sashes is also essential. Women can typically wear them on the right shoulder. One end passes around the left hip and the other is secured with a pin or brooch on the right shoulder. The flexibility in the shoulders is possible but it depends on the rank of wearers. For example, ladies chiefs, wives of clan chiefs, or wives of Highland Regiment colonels can wear sashes over the left shoulder.
Women’s Styling Tips
Women can wear sashes with different styles depending on the occasion. In other words, there is significant versatility in styling.
- For stylish aesthetics, women can drape it over one shoulder and secure it with a brooch or pin at her side.
- If participating in any formal event, a sash can be tied around the waist, creating a draped look with loose ends.
- Furthermore, when the occasion is less formal, a mini rosette sash is possible to secure on the upper chest that drapes down the back.
Types of Sashes: Styles & Significance
While the types of tartan sashes do not have a proper number, some of them are pretty common worldwide, especially in Scotland. The variations significantly depend on patterns, styles, and embellishments. Here are some popular types of sashes:
Regular Sashes: A regular sash is the traditional piece of fabric that women wore first. It is primarily suitable for formal occasions including weddings. The dimensions of this variation are 28cm x 228cm.
Mini Rosette Sash: The next variation is the mini rosette sash which is the shorter form of the traditional one. It is worn over one shoulder while it drapes on the back. These sashes generally measure around 12-14 cm in width and 68-110 cm in length.
Pre-printed Sashes: Traditional sashes are made with tartan using woolen fabric. Therefore, a type of convenience has been part of the industry now and manufacturers print tartan patterns on any fabric. Such sashes are not common in Scotland but in other countries.
Customized Sashes: Last but not least, the final variation of this particular fabric is customized sashes. As the name reveals, they are customized ones. It clearly means that one can create their own tartan patterns, set the length and width accordingly, and add further embellishments like tassels.
Tips for Choosing the Right Tartan Sash
Choosing a tartan sash requires a bit of knowledge to make a perfect pair of sash and other accessories. Though it is not a challenging task, still having information matters for women. Some effective tips are below:
- Choose the right fabric type according to the event. If wearing a sash in formal settings, go with woolen sashes.
- They are pairable with all types of kilts for women, so choose the color wisely that complements the kilt’s shade.
- The size (length and width) might be the priority according to the event’s theme.
- Decide the embellishments prior, but go simple in formal events.
- The tartan pattern must be the one that your ancestors wore. In other words, you must prefer wearing family tartan on strict formal occasions.
Explore the Best of Scottish Heritage with Utility Kilt UK
Wearing traditional attire is an ideal practice in Scotland to admire the heritage. So, whenever it’s time to do so, you must consider wearing the best you can. If your wardrobe already does not have what you need, consider buying from Utility Kilt UK, an online, reliable kilt brand. We offer a range of kilt sashes with all essential parts of kilt outfits. So, visit us today, and find exceptionally made sashes for the next event.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Kilt Sashes
What is the difference between a fly plaid and a ladies’ sash?
Many aspects differentiate them from each other. Fly plaids are men’s accessories while sashes are for ladies, as the name represents. The other thing is the style of fabric. Fly plaids exist in square shape while sashes are longer and narrow pieces of fabric.
What sets kilt Sash apart from a tartan Sash?
A kilt sash and a tartan sash are not the same thing, even though they look similar. A kilt sash has direct association with a kilt and is commonly made by tartan cloth. A tartan sash, at the same time, is a decorative accessory that is typically a part of traditional Scottish Highland dress.
Am I allowed to wear a tartan sash even if I do not have Scottish ancestry?
What is the ideal way to choose the right tartan for my sash?
Is it essential to attach a brooch with fly plaid I wear?
Yes, pairing them both collectively is a basic necessity. A brooch holds the fly plaid and prevents it from blowing in the wind and falling down. Other than being a functional part, the brooch also serves as a cultural symbol since they usually have traditional Celtic or Scottish designs on them.
Can women wear the same type of sash as men?
Yes, both genders can wear the same types of sashes. The thing that matters here is wearing the right type of sash. Similarly, wearing it in the right way is another point.
