Tartan Sash vs. Kilt Pin: Choosing the Right One for a Kilt Outfit
A Scottish outfit is only complete if you wear all accessories properly from a tartan kilt to a pin and a tartan sash. All attachments have a specific history and particular use. In this guide, we will highlight two of them: the tartan sash and the kilt pin. We will be discussing different points, including their descriptions, purposes, events, ways to wear, and their various types. So, let’s begin with comprehending how essential kilt accessories are in traditional Scottish dresses.
Importance of Kilt Accessories
Kilt accessories are important, as they not only complete the traditional look but also add an elegance and cultural flair to the Scottish dresses. Tartan kilts are the central parts, while other accessories offer personality and cultural meaning to keep the inner Highlander on his feet. In addition to cultural aesthetics, they have practical uses guaranteeing comfort and usefulness. In short, all embellishments are as important as a kilt itself.
Tartan Sash vs. Kilt Pin
Now that you are familiar with the importance of all accessories, let’s discuss tartan sashes and kilt pins now. First we should have a look at the details of sashes, then pins will be explored briefly.
<h2What is a Tartan Sash?
A tartan sash is a piece of fabric that is specific to women’s kilt outfits. These fabrics are often made with the same fabric that makes kilts and worn with the same patterns. Common women wear them at the right shoulder, while the wives of clan chiefs and high-ranked ladies drape them over the left shoulder to highlight their status.
<h3When and How It’s Worn
Being a part of formal outfits for women shows that sashes are specific to formal settings such as Highland games, educational ceremonies, and more. However, selecting the type of sash significantly depends on the event’s formality. At strictly formal events such as weddings and formal dinners, ladies often wear full-size fabric stripes, while small or modern ones are suitable for casual events.
The traditional way to wear kilt sashes is straightforward. Women drape them over the shoulders and fasten their ends with brooches. They have different variations today, and all of them are worn in different ways depending on their lengths, styles, and the formality of events.
Types of Sashes
When it comes to the types of sashes, they are available in various types. Their sizes are the primary things that classify them in different variations. Some popular ones are
Traditional Sashes: These sashes are 90 inches long and 11 inches wide and worn at formal events.
Mini or Fashion Sashes: As the name represents, they are smaller than traditional ones and come with a width of 5 inches and a length of 42 inches.
Clan or Family Sash: These sashes are the same size as the traditional ones but have clan- or family-specific tartans. Women attach this particular one to show their connection with a specific tribe and to admire their forefathers. Those who do not have Scottish ancestry often wear universal patterns such as the “Women’s Royal Stewart Tartan Sash.” Moreover, stores like The Utility Kilt provide sashes made with all patterns.
What is a Kilt Pin?
Another major part of Scottish outfits are kilt pinsthat are the smallest attachments but have equal importance to the sashes. They are placed at the bottom end of the kilt’s apron and are meant to prevent it from flapping. Pins are usually made with metals such as silver and brass and have different designs.
he Purpose
The kilt pins are mostly used as weight to prevent the front apron of the kilt from flying up and exposing the wearer’s lower body. Their use as ornamental pieces to show off one’s national identity, clan, or personal flair is also common. In addition to fastening the kilt, they historically serve as a status symbol for the wearer.
When They are Worn
Identifying the right occasions to attach the kilt pins is important. Their use is common in formal events such as weddings, black-tie events, andScottish festivals. In addition to strictly ceremonial settings, pairing them at semi-formal occasions is also possible. In actuality, they pair well with traditional tartan kilts and they suit both types of settings.
Types of Kilt Pins
Kilt pins also have various types, and this classification relies on their design and events to pair. All designs engraved on their crests specify them to any tribe or rank. Here are some common types of pins.
Traditionally Designed Pins
Traditional designs of pins are the most common type worn at formal events. They often have traditional patterns such as thistles, representing the Scottish national flower and Celtic designs to signify the connection of wearers with Celtic culture. The widely adapted examples are the Highland Scottish Rampant Lion Kilt Pin Chrome Finish and a Scottish Thistle Kilt Pin.
Clan-Specific Pins
The next edition is the one that reveals the connection of a wearer with his clan. These pins often have clan crests. People prefer wearing them at events where they find their family must-to-highlight.
Can Men Wear Both?
Kilt pins are gender-neutral accessories that are worn by both men and women. Sashes are specific to one gender only, and men do not wear them. Men wear fly plaids that look like sashes but are different in terms of size and design, as they are rectangular fabrics. However, fly plaid is a broader term, so people confuse it as the sashes as well, but in reality they are different things.
Where to Buy Authentic Accessories
Whichever accessory of these you want, do not overlook checking its authenticity. Many stores claim to provide authentic kilt attachments, but all are not accurate. So, you must consider The Utility Kilt as a trustworthy store. We have a wide collection of kilt pins, tartan sashes, and other accessories at our store that are available at cheap prices. Moreover, we deliver them all to your doorstep. So, visit our store today and buy whatever you want.
