Women in kilts

[Elise]

I wanted to thank everyone who took the time to answer my questions. They were very helpful. I must say I was surprised at the response but pleased. I clearly have an understanding and respect for the custom of wearing a kilt now and feel that for me personally what fits me best would be a womens long skirt. Now, I am not of Scottish or Irish descent can I wear any plaid I want? What makes a sporran a mans and not a woman idem? (I'm just curious)I thought it was to hold things that would be in a pocket? Actually I thought it was the first made fanny pack, respectfully thinking the scots invented the original fanny pack. I warn you I have many questions, and enjoy learning more and more about the scottish customs, please don't grow tired of me. Thanks again, Elise

[slohairt]

I think length (for women) is fairly optional, based on personal preference. As for tartan, you can wear whatever you like. It does help, however, to know something about it if someone asks. As for a sporran being a man's item? While it is true that it basically serves as a purse, some historians suspect that it also acted as a codpiece for protection.

[beloitpiper]

Slohairt (wow, didn't recognize you with the new avatar!) has good advice. Wear the tartan you like, but it would be respectful if you know the tartan and what it means. Sporrans are mens purses, and women don't wear them because they carry over-the-shoulder purses.

[Spc. Scott]

The more questions the better in my opinion.

As far as the sporran, I feel that they just tend to have a masculine look to them. I have no reasons as to why a woman couldn't wear one. I just asked my self would my wife wear one? My first guess was no...but then I don't presume to know my wife's mind.

[Jerry]

Actually, the mini-kilts look very nice on young ladies. And I'll second, wear the tartans that appeal to you. Also if you are worried about wearing clan tartans, there are many generic tartans available.

[macwilkin]

Since your location is California, you might consider the California state tartan:

http://www.library.ca.gov/history/symbols.html#tartan

Yours aye,

Todd

[An t-Ileach]

... Now, I am not of Scottish or Irish descent can I wear any plaid I want?

Yes, whatever suits your fancy - but, as is said, you should know and respect the tradition of that tartan. The suggestion of the California State Tartan is a good one, and fits right in with the Scottish tradition of affiliates and area allegiances. And there are some Universal Setts - the Sutherland/Black Watch/'Government Sett' is one, the Royal Stewart (if you're a subject of Her Majesty) is another. As a quibble, and I know that many, many people use the word to mean 'tartan' but 'plaid' actually means a blanket in Gaelic and so probably refers to the tartan cloth used rather than the pattern of weave.

What makes a sporran a mans and not a woman idem? (I'm just curious)I thought it was to hold things that would be in a pocket? Actually I thought it was the first made fanny pack, respectfully thinking the scots invented the original fanny pack...

You're right, in a manner of speaking. It would be the original fanny pack (or 'bum bag' as it's usually known in the UK), seeing as the typical highlander carried all sorts of things in it - oat cakes, money, bits of wool for darning, talismans: a bit like a young boy's pockets, really.

It was basically the mediaeval 'scrip' or purse (and the Welsh equivalent of the sporran is called an ysgrepan, I discovered the other day).

With the fèileadh mór, or great kilt, it was/is worn from the broad kilt belt and offset to one side of the buckle [the movie Rob Roy has Liam Neeson (Rob Roy) wearing the great kilt and shows well the use of the sporran].

[The Wizard of BC]

THE OFFICIAL RULES AND LAWS REGARDING THE WEARING OF THE TARTAN.

Heed these laws or suffer the interest of the Tartan cops.

1) Pick a Tartan you like!

2) Know which Tartan you are wearing!

3) Wear it with Pride!


Submitted by 2nd Deputy Chief Constable C.S. Ashton Badge no. 115435466078329092129243865
Victoria Office - Department of Highland Security

[skruse]

Rather than invoking "taboos" of old, go with current uncommon sense: wear a kilt, wear it proudly, but ready to speak of the tartan and clan you represent. In reality kilts do not have gender - similar to bicycles and shoes. It is how it is worn, the provenance and respect it is worn with.

[Sionnach]

Keep the questions coming! Regarding sporrans- as I have searched the internet I have come across sites that offer more modern versions and more feminine. I sometimes use a black leather fanny pack- especially when I walk the dogs- because I can strap it on fast. I don't think it detracts from my overall casual kilted look, but I do keep an eye out for the kilt police behind every cactus and corner.