Kilts

With 200 photographs and illustrations covering every aspect of how kilts are made and worn, Kilts provides a compact, accessible guide to understanding this cultural garment and what it signifies about its wearer.

Kilts explores the renowned garment of Scottish Highland tradition. The kilt is an iconic symbol of Scottish and Celtic heritage, and its history is a fascinating subject. From its early origins to modern-day styles, the garment has continued to evolve into the 21st century. A kilt is a garment resembling a wrap-around, knee-length skirt, made of twill-woven worsted wool with heavy pleats at the sides and back, traditionally featuring a tartan pattern. Originating in Scottish Highland dress for men, it was first recorded in the 16th century as the "great kilt"—a full-length garment whose upper half could be worn as a cloak. The book covers the early origins of the kilt, its evolution over time, and its role in Scottish identity. Also featured are the techniques and traditions of kiltmaking, including the garment's history, development, and the various materials and methods used in its construction.
Demonstrating its continued significance, the kilt is still used today in the full-dress uniforms of several active Scottish regiments of the British Army, including the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, as well as others in Canadian and Australian armies. Learn more about the enduring cultural significance of kilts in Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond in this comprehensive introduction, which illuminates the key periods and themes of the kilt's history.