The male sash ... that old chestnut.

[MacCathmhaoil]

Actually, tartan sashes are traditionally worn by men of Clan MacErroney, a fine example of which is shown below.

I believe that the "err" in Clan MacERRoney should be capitalized, seeing the photo this should require no further explanation!

[TheOfficialBren]

Good call Mr Bren, I think you are absolutely right that there is spill over - probably exacerbated by the frequency and volume of cheap Celtic/Fantasy/Costume stores online and people wanting to approximate certain historical clothing, without having to actually commit to the real thing. I had only wondered if history itself left some room for something legitimate besides in what I was seeing with the tartan baldric of the 45 and some of the tartan sashes worn within the British Army in the 19th Century.

I'm not personally suggesting the womans sash as worn by ladies is traditional or desirable for men folk but I was curious to explore these other seemingly related examples within the cultural milieu. I'll leave it there ... thanks to all who shared their input.

It happens, my friend.

[O'Callaghan]

The thing is, George IV was widely reported at the time to have dressed incorrectly in highland dress. By all mean wear a tartan sash to emulate him, but don't forget the pink tights he is said to have worn. Maybe you should wear those with your kilt as well?

[mookien]

The thing is, George IV was widely reported at the time to have dressed incorrectly in highland dress. By all mean wear a tartan sash to emulate him, but don't forget the pink tights he is said to have worn. Maybe you should wear those with your kilt as well?

Excellent idea! But, don't forget to post pics.

[Sir Didymous]

A theory I have on the subject on men wearing tartan sashes (particularly here in the states) is that it stems from the film Braveheart. I have no problems pointing out technical errors with that movie as I portray English Nobility from that era (King Edwad I at an event this June). It seems that the costume department dropped the ball on more than one point. First the kilt in any form being used in that period is a big goof up, but also the method used in making it. According to the Celtic Croft ancient kilt description (based on the ones used in said film) the kilts used were basically philabegs with some extra yardage. I think the wardrobe consultants happened across the "Whole 9 yards" factoid but forgot to go any further with their research. The nine yards of single width material was cut half way down the length and sewn to make a double width piece of 4.5 yards. But by not doing this they ended up with what looks like a philabeg that wraps up and around the body. So, to emulate this look men began using a sash with a modern kilt. This is sort of the ugly cousin to using the fly plaid to hint at the great kilt. I think the reason why it's become popular in the States and other countries with less true highland influence is because the traditions aren't as direct.

[Tobus]

No doubt Braveheart has led to some erroneous interpretations of Highland clothing (see what I did there?), but the tartan sash has been around for much longer than that as a costume accessory. Google photos of the stage costumes for Brigadoon, which has been going for over a half century by now, albeit the costumes vary widely.

I seem to recall someone posting a photo recently of a family member here in the U.S. from the early 20th century who was also wearing a sash, though it's possible I'm remembering wrong. At any rate, I do recall seeing them long before Braveheart came out.

[ASinclair]

<snip>
I seem to recall someone posting a photo recently of a family member here in the U.S. from the early 20th century who was also wearing a sash, though it's possible I'm remembering wrong. At any rate, I do recall seeing them long before Braveheart came out.

Tobus, I saw that thread, and you are remembering correctly. I believe the consensus was that the gentleman had donned a costume for a special occasion and had the photograph taken to commemorate it. So it would appear that Clan MacErroney does predate the Braveheart movie.