Kilts are often thought of as being a traditional garment worn specifically by men – but are Kilts gender specific? The answer is no, this is not the case. In fact, Kilts have been worn by both men and women throughout history.
In Scotland, Kilts were first worn as a garment of status by both men and women of the upper class; they are traditionally made from Tartan plaid fabric and are constructed with a pleated wrap around the waist, secured at the front with buckles or pins.
During the 18th century, the Scottish military adopted the Kilt as a standard uniform for their soldiers, this created the idea that Kilts are a symbol of masculinity, but this is not necessarily true. In modern times, Kilts are still seen as a symbol of masculinity and are usually associated with men, but they are not gender specific.
Kilts are a great way for anyone to express their personal style and show off their heritage, whether you are male or female. However, women may choose to wear a longer Kilt that is designed to be worn more as a skirt.
Kilts Worn as a Modern piece of Fashion
Gone are the days when the Kilt was viewed as being a piece of clothing that is solely for formal events, or as part of a military uniform. There are now many modern takes on the Kilt that can be worn by both men and women.
- There are even companies that specialize in making Kilts specifically for women.
- Some mix and match styles, wearing Kilts in different colors, fabrics and patterns to create their own unique look.
They are becoming an increasingly popular clothing item for women in America, from high fashion runways to casual streetwear. Women are embracing the Kilt because of its unique style, with its distinctive and eye-catching looks.
Many modern women also find Kilts attractive for alternative reasons, such as:
- They are a symbol of masculinity and strength, evoking a sense of power and confidence.
- They are also a unique way to express individuality and break away from gender norms.
However, while Kilts for women have gained popularity, they remain less common compared to other alternatives like tartan skirts or full-length evening gown. Though, unless you were close, how you would spot the difference between an authentic Kilt and skirt… I don’t know?
Famous Females Wearing Kilts
There are several famous women who have been seen wearing Kilts, according to various sources. Here are some of them:
- Princess Diana: The late Princess Diana, former wife of Prince Charles, was often seen wearing Kilts.
- Angelina Jolie: Angelina Jolie is one of the female celebrities who have been spotted wearing them.
- Sarah Jessica Parker: Known for her iconic role as Carrie Bradshaw in “Sex and the City,” American actress Sarah Jessica Parker has often been seen wearing kilts.
- Shirley Manson: Shirley Manson, the lead singer of the band Garbage, has been seen wearing Kilts on stage.
- Madonna: Madonna has been seen wearing Kilts in some of her music videos and performances.
- Emma Watson: Emma Watson, the British actress best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series, has been seen wearing Kilts.
In conclusion, Kilts are no longer a purely male garment and are now seen as gender-neutral clothing. They can be tailored to fit any body type, and can be worn by anyone regardless of gender. If you are a man or a women you can proudly wear a Kilt and be part of an ancient tradition.