Scottish Kiltmaking Design Process

Abstract

The kilt is one of the most recognizable garments in the world and is an important element in Scottish national culture, and although the Scottish kilt has existed for approximately 500 years, there is scant literature available that documents Scottish kiltmaking design and production processes. Due to this lack of attention it is important to understand kilts and kiltmakers more deeply. Therefore, the purpose of the present research was to understand common skills and production techniques used by Scottish kiltmakers. The present study utilized interviews with kiltmakers (n = 17), observations and video recordings, and creation of a kilt prototype to document the kiltmaking process. Emergent themes included indigenous knowledge, skill set, planning, sewing processes and techniques key to the process of kiltmaking. The research successfully explored: (a) the learning process that kiltmakers undergo, (b) the unique aspects of the Scottish kiltmaking process that differentiate it from other forms of tailoring and apparel professions, and (c) the salient design and production process utilized by Scottish kiltmakers. Limitations and future research are outlined.

Keywords:

• kilt
• kiltmaking
• Scotland
• design process
• indigenous knowledge

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the National Museum of Scotland and all of the participating kiltmaking firms and professionals that participated in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1 A video of the drafting process is available at https://youtu.be/81z6lLZ1BXE 

Additional information

Notes on contributors

David Loranger

David Loranger, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Fashion Marketing & Merchandising at the Welch College of Business and Technology at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut where he teaches courses in merchandising, luxury, design thinking, and makerspace innovation. Dr. Loranger's research foci are on cultural apparel products and generational marketing and consumption. [email protected]

Eulanda Sanders

Dr. Eulanda A. Sanders is chair of the Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management at Iowa State University. Sanders also holds the Donna R. Danielson Professorship of Textiles and Clothing in the Apparel, Merchandising and Design program. Sanders has taught over 300 classes in fashion and textile design at the university level for 30 years. [email protected]