Scottish National Costume

Posted by admin on Sep 13, 2012 in European | 0 comments

Every country has its own national costume and one place where the wearing of such is still prevalent is in Scotland. However even though most Scottish people tend to only wear the Scottish National Costume on special occasions there are some who still choose to wear it all the time.

The wearing of certain parts of this costume became prevalent during the 1720’s when certain Scottish military regiments chose to adopt it as their formal attire it first appeared back in 1575. Of course it isn’t only the men who wear such a costume so do they women. However as you will see their costumes do differ in a number of ways.

When it comes to Scottish men wearing their national costume you will find it is made up of several different components. The most important of these being the kilt (trews) that looks very similar to a skirt. They will also wear with theirs a sporran, a Sgian Dubh and on their feet they will wear shoes known as Ghillies.

The shoes (Ghillies) worn by the men are quite unusual in that they do not have any tongues and are tied up using long laces. The reason for such long laces is that this would enable the wearer to tie them up around their ankles so when walking in them across mud they would not get pulled off should their feet become stuck in it.

As for the women their Scottish national costume is made up of an ankle length tartan skirt rather than a kilt. Plus they are required to wear a tartan sash or shawl that is of the same pattern as the skirt being worn. Just like the men they wear Ghillies. However although they tie up around the legs the soles of these shoes are much thinner as they are only meant to be worn indoors and for dancing.

There are several forms of Scottish national costume that can be worn today. Each outfit differs in a number of different ways. When it comes to wearing what is classed as the morning dress this tends to include a Sporran that has a very simple design on the face and is made from black leather. This is also the same for the Sgian Dubh, which is generally made from either antler or horn.

Whereas for those who choose to wear what is known as the Black Tie version of this particular national costume the sporran worn may be simple in design but is held around the waist with a silver chain. As for the Sgian Dubh this tends to be black in color but is mounted on silver.

Finally when it comes to the most formal Scottish National Costume known as the white tie both the sporran and Sgian Dubh worn are much more elaborate. As well as being silver mounted the fur that is set behind it tends to be made from animal hair or fur or from sealskin. Plus the belt from which it hangs is made of silver. As for the Sgian Dubh this is not only black mounted on silver but may be further decorated with jewels.