What Scots used to wear Before Kilts?

Every one of us has seen traditional Scottish people and Highlanders sporting kilts. Still, there’s always interest in learning what Scots wore before men’s kilts. We must review Scottish clothing history in order to clear up this question and ambiguity. References to 1500s kilts or belted plaids imply that there existed something else before kilts.

According to history, Braveheart and other Scottish fighters used to dress differently prior to kilts. Though still fascinating, it was not a kilt. Should you enjoy wearing contemporary kilts, our utility kilts range may be of interest. Before kilts, however, what did the Scots wear?

Scottish Clothing History

Should you enjoy wearing contemporary kilts, our Utility kilts range may be of interest. Before kilts, however, what did the Scots wear?

The Yellow Dye

You might have wondered why Scottish clothes consisted in yellow shirts. Early on, mediaeval Scots used horse urine as a common dye. In battles or big meetings, yellow shirts or tunics predominated the scene.

Should you be feeling “eww,” you will be relieved to learn that other dyes were used. The Scots also used saffron to color their shirts, but only the wealthy could afford this expensive hue. Less rich Scots colored their cloth with grease.

The tunics, known as leine croich, were worn with a belt across them. Sometimes one wore a close-fitting leather jacket known as a jerkin alongside the yellow tunic. Up until the 16th century, the leine croich was a staple garment; kilts started to appeal then. The Great Kilt is one of the first designs of kilt.

Painted Bodies

Early Scots stained their bodies as well as their clothing. Roman reports of the early Celts’ fighting note some blue Celts. One plant known as woad produced the blue paint. Derived from the Latin “pingere,” meaning “to paint,” the Romans dubbed the blue Celtic people to their north a moniker.

Roman rule was also opposed by the coalition of indigenous northern Celtic tribes known as the Picts. Though different from the Scots, the Picts lived north of Hadrian’s Wall and were contemporaries of the Scots. In the ninth century CE, the Picts joined with the Scots to guard against Viking raids. Modern Scots can follow their ancestry to the Picts as well as to ancient Scottish people.

Which accessories do they choose to wear?

The ancient Celts were quite discriminating in accessories. Men wore belts matching their tunics, and women wore gowns fastened with brooches. High-status tribal members wore torcs, a semi-circular ring worn as a necklace with great embellishment made of gold, silver, or iron. View the fly plaid brooch here.

On Head

Considered the most recognizable Scottish headgear, the tam o’shanter. But old Celtic fighters also wore elaborate bronze helmets. The helmets featured ornamentation, including horns or other animals. The Celts used lime to form their hair into white spikes when they went to fight.

Highland Dress in the 18th Century

Outlander shows the highland dress, which first emerged in the 18th century. One can rely on this film’s authenticity and accuracy. Many other films and shows, meanwhile, are based on fiction and fail to fairly portray Scottish history.

What are non-traditional Scottish garments?

Many Scottish clothing items that seem traditional are actually modern-day innovations. Clan chiefs often sport feathers in their headdresses or caps. Inspired by American Indian headdresses, some argue Scots embraced this custom during Victorian times. You could have also heard of the shorter kilt most people associate with Highland attire.

Still, Thomas Rawlinson invented a modern style. You should be aware of these few facts. What, therefore, did Scots wear before kilts? Not very much, truly! Men as well as women wore yellow tunics or leines. Still, the most potent emblem that represents the Scottish legacy has always been a killet. Those who wear kilts should celebrate since they value Scottish history and culture.

Remember also not to forget to share this with others! We suggest trying our Tactical Kilt if you wish to enjoy a modern-style kilt. You will really enjoy it.