I think we can call the "belted plaid" a kilt in this context.
In that case, 1590ish is the earliest I've been able to document what I'd call a "kilt" or "belted plaid," thanks to a German woodcut from that era, although it's entirely possible that it's a kilted leine and not a wrapped and belted plaid.
(In this context, a "kilted" leine would be one that's been belted up at the waist and the hanging folds pleated by gathering them into the belt.)
In that case, 1590ish is the earliest I've been able to document what I'd call a "kilt" or "belted plaid," thanks to a German woodcut from that era, although it's entirely possible that it's a kilted leine and not a wrapped and belted plaid.
(In this context, a "kilted" leine would be one that's been belted up at the waist and the hanging folds pleated by gathering them into the belt.)
As I recall, the earliest documentable reference to kilt is in a book published in the 1590's. It probably fair to conjecture that the belted plaid existed before the 1590's but since it doesn't appear in any sort of writing until that point, that's when it exists. The earliest picture of any sort of a belted plaid was done in the 1600's. I should've been more specific about my dates but there is a woodcut or a drawing of 4 men in plaids and they are wearing them in extremely different ways. One has the bottom hem down 'round his ankles.
Originally Posted by Kiltman
Would love to see some of the woodcuts. Can you give references to them either here or in a private email.
As I recall, the earliest documentable reference to kilt is in a book published in the 1590's. (snip) For more info about early kilt wear, check this place out http://www.albanach.org/
We're not in disagreement about the dates.
I'm well aware of Matt's website - he's got my own website in amongst his reviews.
Originally Posted by Nick
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