The great kilts is a type of Scottish kilt that is much bigger and more voluminous than the traditional kilt.The belted plaid, philabeg, or breacan an fhéilidh is another name for it. People commonly wore this type of kilt in the Highlands of Scotland before the introduction of the modern kilt in 1822. If you’re curious about this traditional garment, keep reading to learn more!
The great kilts is a long piece of fabric that individuals can wrap around their bodies and belt at the waist. It usually measures from four to seven yards in length, with the average being about five yards. The material used for this garment is typically wool or tartan plaid. The traditional colors of the great kilt are blue, green, red, and white, although modern variations may include other colors. People can wear the great kilt with various accessories, such as a sporran, sgian dubh, and clan badge.
Traditional Highland regiments still use the great kilt today for ceremonial occasions or parades, and Scottish culture and traditions often associate it. Modern re-enactors, folk music enthusiasts, and those who enjoy dressing in traditional Highland attire also popularize the great kilt. It represents pride and heritage passed down through generations.
A Brief History of the Great Kilt
Highlanders have been wearing the great kilt for centuries, believing it originated in 16th century Scotland. Originally, they made it with a single piece of cloth that they could drape around their bodies and hold in place with a belt or brooch. They would also pleat and tuck a large portion of the fabric into the belt. The Scottish Highlanders know this type of kilt as a “belted plaid” or “philabeg,” and in Gaelic, they call it a breacan an fhéilidh. The great kilt remained the traditional form of dress for Highlanders until it fell out of favor after the introduction of the modern kilt in 1822.
The modern kilt is much more tailored than its predecessor and typically features a pleated front with an A-line shape when worn. The designers aimed to make it less cumbersome, enabling greater freedom of movement. Today, people mostly observe the great kilt in ceremonial contexts or at Highland Games events; however, there has been a resurgence in recent years as part of the increasing interest in traditional Scottish culture.