Premium Wool Irish Tartan Phillabeg
Step back in time with the Premium Wool Irish Tartan Phillabeg, a classic and historically inspired garment that predates the modern tailored kilt. Also known as the “little kilt,” the phillabeg is made from lightweight premium wool tartan woven in Scotland and skillfully crafted in the USA. Dating back to the late 1600s, this traditional piece consists of 5-6-8 yards of tartan that is pleated and belted at the waist, offering authenticity and freedom of movement.
Whether you're attending a Renaissance fair, Irish festival, Highland games, or a themed wedding, the phillabeg is a perfect blend of heritage and comfort—especially suitable for warm-weather wear. With several Irish tartans available, you're sure to find the right pattern to represent your Irish clan or personal connection.
The tartan is double width (54"–60"), meaning your kilt will have a center seam—easily hidden in the pleating. Each kilt includes pleating instructions, but for added convenience, Cheater Pleats™ can be sewn in for a small additional fee.
Key Features:
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Made in the USA from Scottish-woven lightweight premium wool
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Several Irish tartans available
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Traditional Phillabeg style dating back to the 1600s
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Ideal for Renaissance fairs, Irish festivals, Highland games, and weddings
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Includes pleating instructions (Cheater Pleats™ available as an add-on)
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Double-width fabric (54–60 inches) with a center seam, easily hidden in a pleat
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Available in 4-yard (fits up to 38" waist), 5-yard (up to 48"), and 6-yard (up to 60") options
Size Chart
5 yard Phillabeg will fit up to about a 44 inch waist.
6 yard Phillabeg will fit up to about a 54 inch waist.
8 yard Phillabeg will fit up to about a 72 inch waist.
**for deeper pleats, choose next size up
What is a Phillabeg?
The phillabeg (also spelled phille-bheagh or feilidh-beag, meaning “little kilt”) is the ancestor of the modern tailored kilt. It’s essentially the bottom half of a Great Kilt, made from a single-width length of tartan (about 30 inches wide) that is pleated and belted around the waist.
Unlike the Great Kilt, which uses double-width tartan (up to 60 inches wide) and includes extra fabric to drape over the shoulders, the Phillabeg has no upper half. That means no extra bulk above the belt and a much cooler, lighter garment.
You can add the optional Cheater Pleats™ (so you don’t have to pleat it fresh every time you wear it) and include straps and buckles for a secure fit.
Why Choose a Phillabeg Instead of a Great Kilt?
- Less Expensive – Requires half the tartan of a Great Kilt.
- Cooler to Wear – Perfect for summer weather, festivals, or warmer climates.
- More Comfortable – Lightweight, easy to move in, and less fabric to manage.
- Historical Look – Still very traditional, but without the extra drape.
If you want the full Outlander-style Highland look, the Great Kilt is the way to go. But if you live somewhere hot (say, Texas in July) or want a lighter, more practical kilt for reenactments, Highland Games, or summer Ren-Fests, you’ll love the Phillabeg.
