Facts About Kilts You Weren't Aware Of

Irish says that there were the one that first gave Scots this type of wearing. So do English people - they also see themselves as kilts inventors and give themselves a credit for this outfit. And what is the truth?

There are some evidence that shows Irish men and English men as the kilt first wearers. Even evidences from 11th centuries. Unfortunately, those evidence aren't written one but also pictures that are showing probably something else than kilts. So what was the first real document about kilt?

First mentions about feilidh-malo or balted plaid (type of woollen cloth) was found in "Life of Red Hugh O'Donnell" by Lughaidha O'Clery from 16th century. More specifically this cloth was a heavy shawl that was worn from the top to the bottom of the body, bounding it.

This shows that kilt couldn't be known in its first form in 13th century or even in 14th. This also means that kilt couldn't be worn by a great hero William Walace. So Irish men couldn't wear it before 16th century at first place.

Written sources from 17th centuries shows that belted plaid was universal outfit of Scottish highlanders. It was a very long piece of material cause it led from knees, to tail and on arms. It was not sawn, just a piece of long, strong and thick material. But when this plaid became present kilt?

First mentions about sewing kilts (not exactly as they look today) comes from 1792. Now this two hundreds year old piece of cloth belongs to Scottish Tartan Society. It is not exactly the same as we have today but it is sure that the kilt wasn't invented by English or Scots - today's kilt comes from Scottish belted plaid.