The most original men: why skirts became part of the Scots national costume

The sight of a brutal man wearing a skirt causes some bewilderment. But all the desire to make a joke disappears if you have a Scot in kilt. This wardrobe item is still very popular in Scotland, and men dressed in a plaid wool skirt can often be seen at national holidays or special occasions. How did this wardrobe detail unusual for men come about, and why has it still not moved into the category of museum exhibits?

It turns out that the Scottish kilt is not a skirt, in its classical sense. This is a section of woolen fabric 4-8 meters long, which is wrapped around the waist and secured with special straps. According to the researchers, the custom to wear a kilt dates back to the 7th century, although the first written mention of it dates back to the 16th century.

It is noteworthy that not all Scots wore a kilt, but only residents of the mountainous part. This is due to the peculiarities of the climate: constant rains, dampness and mountainous terrain with its unpredictable weather prompted the Scots to create such a kind of clothing unusual for men. The first convenience of a kilt, compared with trousers, is that it is indispensable when traveling in bad weather. And if the pants get wet from below the grass or when crossing mountain streams and rivers, then the kilt stays dry.

The second important advantage of a kilt, in comparison with traditional clothes, is its size. After all, a kilt is not only the likeness of a skirt and a substitute for trousers. This is six (or even eight) meters of woolen fabric, which can be used as a warm cape or blanket, sheltered by it on a cool night. In addition, the straightened kilt dries very quickly, which is also much more practical than traditional trousers and is very important for traveling highlanders.

Since the Scottish kingdom lost its independence in 1707, its proud people have been constantly struggling with their more powerful neighbor, England. In this regard, the kilt from national dress turned into a symbol of resistance.

When, in 1746, the British government, desiring to humiliate and subjugate the Scots, issued a decree to wear pants without fail, a threat of extinction loomed over the national symbol. But the harsh highlanders showed a subtle sense of humor: they wore pants with them, while they themselves were dressed in a kilt. Since then, the kilt has become synonymous with Scottish pride and unwavering spirit. Largely because of this, he lived to this day.

Despite the fact that outside the window is the 21st century, a kilt is a popular attribute of Scots men's clothing. Not a single national holiday is complete without bearded highlanders dressed in a checkered woolen kilt.

In addition to mass events, this attribute of a Scottish man is a frequent guest at family celebrations, and celebrities of Scottish descent are not averse to flaunting cameras in a fashionable checkered kilt.