why call it "The Kilt"?

[Kilt-alope]

Just wondering why any kilt is referred to as the kilt instead of a kilt. The only other times I can think of clothing being called "the" anything is the (insert blank) uniform. I assume that's because it is a defined set of clothing and the only set that fits that definition. ex: the uniform of the day tomorrow is the class A uniform. On the other hand when I describe a piece of clothing, like the shirt with red stripes and blue buttons, but not really just the shirt. just to me hearing "the kilt" makes me think "there must only be 1" sometimes.
again, just curious here

[MacBean]

I've heard "speak the Gaelic" too, so "the kilt" isn't alone.

[Nighthawk]

Good question. I always call mine "a kilt."

[Spartan Tartan]

I haven't noticed it to the degree that you seem to have. I refer to mine as "a kilt" or "my kilt". But not my "the kilt". Maybe it's a carryover from Gaelic or something...

Hopefully someone here can shed some light on the topic.

[Jordan]

"there can be only one!"

Where's that from, some film I think?

I can't say I've ever noticed a kilt being called The kilt before. When people ask me why I wear a kilt the usually use A not The but i can't say I've been paying that much attention before.

The only time i could think of off the top of my head would be the uniform for tomorrow is xyz

Could it just be an American thing?

[Jordan]

I've heard "speak the Gaelic" too, so "the kilt" isn't alone.

I've heard it's the drink talking does that count?

[Father Bill]

I'll wade in as a former English teacher - to refer to a specific garment hanging in front of you on either a man or a hanger, the indefinite article ("a") can be used to describe it, or in the case of a specific syntax such as "...the kilt you are wearing" the definite article ("the") is appropriate.

To refer to "the kilt" in general is to describe a mode of dress, e.g. "...to wear the kilt properly...."

There! Now it's all perfectly clear.

Or not.

[PEEDYC]

Just what I was going to say Padre.

[Spartan Tartan]

I'll wade in as a former English teacher - to refer to a specific garment hanging in front of you on either a man or a hanger, the indefinite article ("a") can be used to describe it, or in the case of a specific syntax such as "...the kilt you are wearing" the definite article ("the") is appropriate.

To refer to "the kilt" in general is to describe a mode of dress, e.g. "...to wear the kilt properly...."

There! Now it's all perfectly clear.

Or not.

Crystal! Nothing more simple and clear than English--especially when we Americans use it

Although, I understood the OP to suggest "the" is used as part of noun, rather than as a definite article. For example, "I will be wearing by blue shirt along with the kilt tonight." Or, "When wearing the kilt, I would prefer to wear a jacket and waistcoat..." etc... Whereas the second example might be usually stated as "when wearing A kilt..."

Again, I have not noticed this phenomenon, but that was my take away.

[The Barry]

I believe that it is indeed a carryover from Gaelic.

Kilt, if I'm not mistaken, is Gaelic for 'pleat'. So any mention of a "kilt" would refer simply to one of the many pleats in the back of 'the' kilt.

So it's along the same lines to what Father Bill mentioned above.