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The simple answer to the question ‘Do Irish People Wear Kilts?’ is yes: Irish people wear kilts. However, it depends on the occasion. If you are a piper in an Irish pipe band, you might wear a saffron kilt or sometimes also a tartan kilt.
While kilts are not traditionally worn by the Irish, a unique form of kilt-like garment called the “féileadh mór” has been associated with Irish Highland communities. The féileadh mór is a belted, wrap-around garment that resembles the Scottish kilt in some ways.
The history of the modern kilt stretches back to at least the end of the 16th century. The kilt first appeared as the belted plaid or great kilt, a full-length garment whose upper half could be worn as a cloak draped over the shoulder, or brought up over the head as a hood.
Though the origins of the Irish kilt continue to be a subject of debate, current evidence suggests that kilts originated in the Scottish Highlands and Isles and were worn by Irish nationalists from at least 1850s onwards and then cemented from the early 1900s as a symbol of Gaelic identity.
The Irish do wear kilts, and it is an integral part of their culture, steeped in history and tradition. The tale of the Irish kilt brings together elements of pride, heritage, and a touch of spirited debate. So, buckle up as we journey through time, unraveling the story of the Irish kilt.
Today, the kilt is still worn in Ireland. It takes the form of a 6-meter-long woollen cloth, wrapped around the waist in a succession of deep folds. Lighter and more “ergonomic” than its predecessors, it has become more comfortable. Each kilt has a specific color to signify clan membership.
So, do the Irish wear kilts? Yes and no. While there are historical examples of Irish kilts dating back well over 100 years (certainly long enough for many people), the tradition is not as deep-rooted as it is in Scotland.
Many historians argue that the kilt was never a part of the history of clothing in Ireland. However, come the early 20 th-century, records suggest that many Irish people wore kilts as a sign of rebellion and solidarity with those who also wanted independence from England.
It is believed that Irish kilts were first worn as protective clothing on the battlefield. Contrary to the believe that Irish kilts came into popularity in the 18th century, in 1956 a farmer uncovered a tartan piece of kilt fabric assumed to date back as early as 1590. They think the Irish kilt fabric was from an Irish warrior.
The inquiry into whether the Irish wear kilts warrants a thorough examination of the origins and distinctions of this iconic garment. Contrary to popular belief, the kilt has a presence in Irish history, albeit different from its Scottish counterpart.