Let's Hear It For The Ladies
While there is an abundance of information for men looking to show off their celtic roots there isn't much about highland dress for women
. Read on to find out more to about the past traditions and the current options available for lassies looking to show a bit of celtic flair.In times gone by there was a wide variety of dress styles worn by women; depending on their class, whether they were living in a city or in the country - the complexities of which are beyond this article! Here I will just provide an overview.
A popular form of traditional dress for women was called Arisaid, a garment that was worn as an everyday item by Scottish women until the mid 1700s. An Arisaid was similar to the Great Kilt worn by men; consisting of cloth gathered and belted around the waist. The top half was either draped over the right shoulder and pinned with a brooch or worn over the head like a scarf.
The Arisaid cloth was either tartan, check or plain. The brighter colours were reserved for men, women wore checked material - which was predominately white with thin coloured stripes.
The modern form of the Arisaid is worn by highland dancing competitors and is also popular at formal and ceremonial occasions
Today women have a wide variety of tartans to choose from,including their own clan tartans, their husband's clan tartans, 'district' tartans 'country' tartans or simply a favourite tartan.
For formal occasions where the men will be in full dress highlandwear a white gown (or a dress in a single block colour) worn with a tartan sash is the traditional choice. If the occasion is less formal, a longer kilted skirt worn with a jacket is a good option.
There are a number of different ways of wearing a tartan sash - however you should use points below as suggestions and go for the style you prefer.
For Clan Women, the sash is typically worn over the right shoulder and secured with a pin or small brooch. The style as worn by Wives of Clan Chiefs and by Wives of Colonels of Scottish Regiments sees the sash worn over the left shoulder and secured with a broach. For ladies who have married out of their clans but who still wish to use their original clan tartan it is worn over the right shoulder, secured with a pin, and then fastened in a bow on the left hip. A style popular with country dancers who need to keep the front of the dress clear of the sash, sees the sash fixed at the back then secured at the right shoulder by a brooch.
An alternative to wearing a sash is a tartan shawl, made of wool this is a great option for Games, Gathering and Festivals as it looks great and adds warmth.
Once you have decided on your tartan there are a number of ladies kilts styles available; knee length kilts, all round pleated kilts and mini kilts. While you will find a selection of these pre made in general a made to measure item will look and feel superior - made to your specific measurements, it will be fitted to your waist and hips and you'll be able to specify the length you require. A kilt made for wool is worth the investment for the warmth and also the way it will hang.
When buying a kilt check it has adjustable buckles, this will give you the option of adjusting the fit if you gain or lose weight.
The knee length kilt has a flattering a-line shape and a pleated back, means it hangs beautifully. The ladies all round pleated skirt - pleated all the way around as the name suggests. A full length kilt is a luxurious option, perfect for more formal occasions and a great choice for colder weather. For a contemporary fun look a mini kilt is a great option.
While wearing highland dress is a great way to display your pride in your heritage, the extensive use of tartan by fashion designers make it a stylish option that keeps coming into fashion. With sashes, stoles, dresses, and kilted skirts in 100's of tartans the ladies are spoilt for choice!
Copyright (c) 2009 Anna Murray
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