Kilts were first mentioned as the battlefield dress of the clans of the Scottish Highlands in 1538.

The kilt and accompanying shoulder sash were originally a long, continuous piece of fabric. A leather belt would be placed on the ground, and the fabric would be pleated or folded on top of the belt. Then the man would lie down on top of the fabric and belt. He’d reach around, fold more fabric over to cover his front, then fasten the belt tightly around his waist. He’d loosen the sash fabric at his back and bring it over his left front shoulder, where it would be secured with a large brooch or pin. And that’s how a kilt was built!

Each Scottish clan has its own kilt colors, which are known as tartans. Colorful tartans were woven with yarns dyed from native plants, mosses, berries, and seeds. As new designs for tartans were developed, they became associated with certain areas of Scotland. Later, specific clans chose their own tartan designs to identify their clans. Today, there are over 4,000 tartans. 

In the 18th century, kilts grew in popularity after being chosen as the uniform of Highland regiments in the British Army. Around then, the kilt began to evolve from its previous form (known as a great kilt or belted plaid) into a more manageable “walking kilt.” Walking kilts were shorter and lacked the sash. In the mid-1700s, someone (exactly who it was is a source of controversy) had the idea to sew the pleats together, and the modern kilt was born. 

England’s Queen Victoria and Prince Albert first visited the Scottish Highlands in 1842 and fell in love with it. The royal couple eventually purchased Balmoral in 1848, making it the royal family’s Scottish “home away from home.” Queen Victoria, known for being a trendsetter, began dressing her sons in kilts, and before long kilts were all the rage.