Hi

The term philabeg is the anglicized version of the Gaelic term feileadh beag, which means "little kilt". A traditional feileadh beag is what we think of as a modern kilt, as opposed to a great kilt (feileadh mor), the traditional Highland dress of the 18th century. A great kilt is simply a huge rectangle of tartan that is pleated loosely and belted each time the kilt is worn. By contrast, a feileadh beag has stitched and pressed knife pleats and was developed in the 18th century in the British Highland regiments.

So, a "philabeg", or little kilt, is a traditional kilt. What characterizes a traditional kilt? Lots of fabric (typically 8 yards, although it can be more or less depending upon the sett and the size of the person), hand-stitched pleats, pleating either to the sett or stripe, a rise above the waist of 2" or so, apron opening on the right (as viewed by the wearer), and a length to the top of the knee cap. That's a traditional kilt or philabeg.

By contrast, a kilted skirt typically has much less material and is not pleated to the sett or stripe, has machine stitched pleats, and, commonly, opens on the left. Lengths are variable.

What I've said reflects _traditional_ Scottish kilts and kilted skirts and might help someone who wants to choose a traditional kilt. There are lots of kinds of kilts in the world, if one views the definition loosely. Even the short pleated garments worn in Ancient Egypt are commonly referred to as kilts. So, lots of things can be and are called kilts.

Cheers,

Barb