Special-order just for you. Please allow 4-10 weeks for delivery. Please click for important information about special-order items.
Hand crafted to your measurements by skilled kiltmakers in Scotland. Made from medium weight (12/13oz) 100% premium wool tartan, woven in Scotland.
Formal Kilts have hand-stitched pleats, with lots of attention to detail, making these the nicest kilts available. Made with at least 8 yards of tartan, and constructed to last a lifetime.
Our phillabegs (little kilt) are made in the USA from our medium weight premium wool tartan that is woven in Scotland. The Phillabeg is an early predecessor of today’s modern kilt, dating back to at least the late 1600’s. It is simply a length of tartan about 25″ wide and about 4 yds long, loosely bunched or pleated, and held about the waist with a belt. Perfect for Renaissance festivals, Renaissance weddings, casual wear, Irish fairs and Highland games.
If you have questions, we have answers. Many people are interested in kilts, and all things Celtic, but are unsure of the history of this famous garment. Read on for some answers to our most commonly asked questions.
While kilts are most commonly associated with Scottish culture, people of Irish ancestry have been wearing kilts for a long time. The Irish celebrate their culture and history with kilts. The traditional kilt associated with Irish history is called the Saffron kilt. Today, the Saffron kilt is mustard yellow with shamrocks on it.
Yes, an Irish man can most definitely wear a kilt! It is quite common to celebrate Irish culture with an Irish kilt. While people in Ireland haven't worn kilts as long as their Scottish brethren, there is a long and rich history of Irish men wearing kilts.
In short, yes, the Irish play bagpipes and wear kilts. While there is much scholarly debate, it is widely agreed upon that bagpipes were originally Irish, and kilts were initially from Scotland. However, these two traditions go hand in hand and are celebrated in Ireland and Scotland today.
It’s not uncommon for Irish to wear kilts to weddings. However, it is more common for Scottish people to wear kilts to a wedding. Wearing a kilt to a wedding ceremony might lead to the assumption the wearer is Scottish. There are kilts in Irish tartan to wear to any event.
Just like in Scottish tradition, Irish people can choose what to wear underneath their kilt. However, it is more common for people not to wear anything underneath their kilt. Today, you will likely find wearers being 50/50 on going commando.
While Scottish kilts can be traced back to the 1600s, kilt-wearing in Ireland did not become common until the mid-1800s. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that kilts became synonymous with Gaelic heritage.
The Irish wear kilts today to represent their identity and heritage. Initially, the Irish wore Saffron kilts, a mustard yellow kilt with a shamrock embellishment. The Irish military wore these Saffron kilts first while serving with the British Army in the 1900s. The Saffron kilt is still worn throughout Ireland today.
Today, an Irish kilt is similar in style and appearance to a Scottish kilt. In Scotland, tartans represent clans while in Ireland, tartan represents counties. If you are from County Cork, you will wear the Cork tartan. Initially, Irish kilts were Saffron kilts, a mustard yellow kilt that represented the Emerald Isle.
Calling a kilt a skirt might be offensive to some kilt-wearers. However, the kilt is a form of a skirt, like it or not. The problem arises in what the word skirt implies in America and much of the westernized world, as skirts are generally associated with ladies' clothing.
Anyone can wear a kilt, but take caution in what type of kilt you choose to wear, namely the tartan. Tartan is used to represent clan or county heritage. There are, however, universal tartans to wear for your kilt, or you can choose a utility kilt in a solid color.