Romantic Tales - Scotland

Highland Dress: The Belted Plaid

The early Highlanders wore the belted plaid. The plaid, which in Gaelic is a blanket, was a large rectangular piece of material. In order to wear the plaid, the clansman didn’t simply slip it on. The plaid was placed on the ground with a belt beneath it. The fabric would be pleated, then he would lie down on top of it. He would fold the material over him, buckle the belt and stand up. Once he put on his coat, he would loop the fabric over his left shoulder and tuck it in the belt. Trews, or a type of trouser, could be worn in conjunction with the belted plaid.

The advantage of the belted plaid was the ability to wear the material in several ways. The fabric could be worn over the shoulders like a cloak for added warmth. In addition, Highlanders could wind the extra fabric over their left arm while fighting. The thick material acted like a shield for added protection during battle. The plaid could also be used for the warrior’s bedding when away from home.

The plaid was large and heavy. As a result, wearing the plaid during hand-to-hand combat could be extremely inconvenient. Some warriors would toss their plaids aside and fight in their shirts. Following battle, the warriors would walk through the battlefield to recover their plaid.

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