What is a Kilt?

The Scottish Kilt displays uniqueness of design, construction thus making it the most distinctive men's wear in the world.

It is a tailored garment that is wrapped around the body at the natural waist (between the lowest rib and the hip) starting from one side, typically the left, around the front and back and across the front again to the opposite side. To fasten the Kilt to the wearer straps and buckles on both ends, the strap on the inside end usually passes through a slit in the waistband to be buckled on the outside, most traditional Kilts have 3 Buckles.

A Kilt covers the body from the waist down to just above the knees. The overlapping layers in front are called "aprons" and are flat; the single layer of fabric around the sides and back is pleated. A Kilt pin is fastened to the front apron on the lower corner (only through the top apron).

The uniqueness of the Kilt is in the weaving of the material called Twill, woven from worsted wool.

The Twill weave has a distinct diagonal weave pattern in the fabric, this is called the twill line.

During the weaving the material is done to pattern or Sett, once this sett is completed it represents the Tartan being woven.

Once the Tartan is woven then the Kilt can be made, the pleating can be done a few ways, the most common way it to the sett, this is a repeat of the tartan pattern. Another way is to the line, a common line in the tartan is selected and the pleating is done to the repeat of the this line.

Now pleats can be done as a knife pleat(most common) or a box pleat(typical for Regimental Kilts).

Related Guides

How To Wear Kilt Attire
What Kilt Is Best?
Kilts vs Pants
What Is Under The Kilt?
Highland Outfit Reviews