The kilt: traditional clothing or modern statement?
🧭 What you’ll learn today
In this lesson, you’ll read about one of Scotland’s most iconic items of clothing — the kilt. You’ll learn new vocabulary, explore when and why kilts are worn and practise sharing opinions about traditional dress and cultural identity.
📖 Reading: What does the kilt mean today?
The kilt is a piece of traditional Scottish clothing — a woollen skirt with pleats at the back, usually made in a colourful tartan pattern. It’s often worn with a sporran (a small bag at the front), knee-high socks and sometimes a jacket or waistcoat.
Many people think kilts are only worn for tourist photos but in Scotland they’re often used for special occasions — like weddings, graduation ceremonies or the Highland Games. The kilt has become a symbol of Scottish identity and pride.
Not everyone likes wearing one, though. Some Scots feel a bit shy in a kilt, especially when tourists want to take photos. Others wear one proudly — at formal events or at football and rugby matches.
So, is the kilt just a piece of history… or a living tradition?
🗣️ Useful vocabulary
- 1. symbolic = full of meaning
→ “The kilt is symbolic of Scottish culture.”
- 2. formal occasion = a special, official event
“Kilts are often worn at formal occasions.”
- 3. heritage = traditions and history of a culture
→ “Wearing a kilt is a way to show pride in your heritage.”
- 4. to stand out = to be different or noticeable
→ “He stood out in a bright red tartan kilt.”
- 5. to feel proud of = to have a strong positive feeling about something
→ “Many people feel proud of their family tartan.”
Watch the video about how to wear a full kilt outfit
After watching this video try and answer the questions below.
What item of clothing does the man start with?
What can you do in three different ways?
What small and important item comes in many different varieties?
💬 Speaking & discussion prompts - Use these in class or to practise with a partner:
- 1. Do people wear traditional clothing in your country? When and why?
- 2. What do traditional clothes say about identity or culture?
- 3. Would you like to wear a kilt? Why or why not?
- 4. Can clothes make you feel proud or connected to your history?
✍️ Optional writing task
Write a short description (100–120 words) of a traditional outfit in your country. Include:
- When it’s worn
- What it looks like
- Who usually wears it
- If people feel proud of it — or not
🎓 Study with ECS Scotland
Explore language, culture, and confidence in real conversations. Learn English in the heart of Edinburgh — the perfect city to discover new traditions and ideas.
