Interesting 1773 Description of Kilt

[artificer]

Once again, the kilt is not described as tartan. The hose are, in this and the other quote, specifically described as tartan. The "plaid" is also described as tartan etc, but not the kilt. Why would the kilt not be described as tartan if all these other items are described as tartan, unless the kilt were not tartan? Just saying...

I also note the long hair tied back.

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

[Bugbear]

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.

[figheadair]

The is no evidence that tweed existed until towards the middle of the C19th. It's much more likely that the overall hue of the cloth, plain or patterned, was being described.

Might it be that the kilt was a tweed (as suggested earlier). When patterned fabric needs repairs, they show pretty readily.

[Bugbear]

The is no evidence that tweed existed until towards the middle of the C19th. It's much more likely that the overall hue of the cloth, plain or patterned, was being described.

I would guess so, all of the references in the texts to tweed are discussing the river Tweed, and none describing fabric.

Thanks for pointing that out, figheadair.