The Evolution of the Kilt -- Highland Women's Dress

by admin
The fact is that although many descriptions are given, nothing but the Highland woman's veil is ever described in detail.  In the late 1500s, Highland women were much abused by the accounts, legislated against for wearing silk, and called whores for veiling their heads. The plaid is forbidden (under penalty of 40 shillings) to be worn out of doors as early as 1580 "lest they be taken for loose women or suspected persons."  It is confusing why the wearing of a plaid was associated with harlots.
Buy the rest of this splendid article on Scottish Historical Dress by clothing historian Kass McGann:
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