Quote Originally Posted by Woodsheal View Post
I don't understand what you're asking. Are you suggesting a more "Irish" version of the modern kilt, based upon the brat, as opposed to the highland belted plaid?
Interesting notion, but the kilt in modern (current) times is what it is (and besides, the brat was never worn pleated about the upper legs, being a fairly simple mantle).
Don't get me wrong - I love "period" clothes! But the brat, along with the belted plaid, has been pretty much relegated to the realm of historic costume, not part of current highland (or Celtic, for that matter) dress.
The kilt has achieved a measure of "Irishness" via a century or more of wear, and distinctive colors (including saffron) and tartans - even though it's basic configuration remains highland Scots. I'm doubtful the idea of a newly designed "Irish" kilt would fly....
I'm suggesting is that people of Irish descent can wear the belted plaid as a part of their heritage just as legitimately as the Highland Scots can, since some Irish brats were tartans. The brat survived in Ireland long after the traditional léine left both sides of the Gaelosphere. But the idea of skirting the léine seems preposterous, if we want to bring back the léine to modern times, why not do it the right way? Let's make saffron robes pleated from the waist, and collared at the neck. Upon which we may wear an updated ionar, which would consist of a modern waiscoat. Under the léine we might wear trews, and on the feet ghillies or pampooties.