Quote Originally Posted by artificer View Post
Might it be that the kilt was a tweed (as suggested earlier). When patterned fabric needs repairs, they show pretty readily.

If I was wearing something out in the bracken and it might be (probably WAS) my only one, I'd prefer it to be easily repaired (or at least, to hide the repairs made).

The tartan items might be their 'finery' with the real work-horse made in a more plain material.

I don't have a ton of historical expertise in Highland wear, but it makes sense to me.ith:

BTW: This is a fascinating discussion, thanks again for posting this
No problem, and you can download the two digital texts at those PG links I posted; though Samuel Johnson does not describe kilts or tartan in his text, as far as I can tell. I'm trying to focus on those types of things, but there are lots of other very interesting things being discussed and described throughout. I suggest reading Boswell's journal because he seemed to be aware that future generations might be interested in it.

I don't know if it's a tweed like fabric being described here, it just doesn't sound like tartan.