They were originally worn by soldiers in battle and by pipers that led units into battle. Early kilts consisted of a large cloth draped and fastened with a belt. Today, ladies wear kilts in a variety of lengths or long skirts for dress wear. Matching shawls with large brooches complete the costume. Gents often wear tartan kilts for weddings and parades.
Pipers wear their traditional clan tartan in a kilt or the tartan of the pipe band.
Black Watch and Royal Stewart tartans can be worn for formal dress by everyone. The range includes the new Irish National Tartan.