Kilt and sporran

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Made of leather or fur , the ornamentation of the sporran is chosen to complement the formality of dress worn with it. The sporran is worn on a leather strap or chain, conventionally positioned in front of the groin of the wearer. Since the traditional kilt does not have pockets, the sporran serves as a wallet and container for any other necessary personal items. It is essentially a remnant of the common European medieval belt-pouch, superseded elsewhere as clothing came to have pockets, but continuing in the Scottish Highlands because of the lack of these accessories in traditional dress. The sporran hangs below the belt buckle ; and much effort is made to match their style and design. The kilt belt buckle may be very ornate, and contain similar motifs to the sporran cantle and the sgian dubh.

Kilt and sporran

But where did the sporran originate and what was its purpose? Kilts of that time were very basic garments that required no tailoring and comprised a single piece of tartan cloth some two yards in width by four or six yards in length. It fell down to the knees and was secured over the left shoulder with a brooch or pin and a tight belt gathered it all around the waist. Such dress was ideally suited to the climate and terrain of the Highlands. It allowed freedom of movement, the tightly woven woollen cloth was warm and waterproof, unwrapped it could provide a voluminous cloak against the weather or a comfortable overnight blanket, it dried out quickly and with much less discomfort than trousers. But unlike trousers, the kilt could not provide pockets and so the sporran was born out of necessity. Early sporrans were made from leather or skin, both deerskin and calfskin proved particularly popular. They were simple in design and usually gathered at the top by basic drawstrings or by thongs with small tassels. The Highlanders of the Western Isles often wore cloth pouches known as trews. Original sporrans dating from the fourteenth century and onwards can be viewed at many Scottish museums. The history and evolution of the sporran can also be traced through early British military paintings and portraits of Highland soldiers; these later sporrans start to show more elaborate decoration. From the late seventeenth century and early eighteenth century sporrans were generally fitted with metal clasps, usually made from brass, or for clan chiefs, occasionally silver. The elaborate metal workings of some of these clasps are indeed miniature works of art. The goat-haired, sporran molach or hairy sporran was introduced by the military in the eighteenth century.

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But where did the sporran originate and what was its purpose? Kilts of that time were very basic garments that required no tailoring and comprised a single piece of tartan cloth some two yards in width by four or six yards in length. It fell down to the knees and was secured over the left shoulder with a brooch or pin and a tight belt gathered it all around the waist. Such dress was ideally suited to the climate and terrain of the Highlands. It allowed freedom of movement, the tightly woven woollen cloth was warm and waterproof, unwrapped it could provide a voluminous cloak against the weather or a comfortable overnight blanket, it dried out quickly and with much less discomfort than trousers. But unlike trousers, the kilt could not provide pockets and so the sporran was born out of necessity. Early sporrans were made from leather or skin, both deerskin and calfskin proved particularly popular. They were simple in design and usually gathered at the top by basic drawstrings or by thongs with small tassels.

Kilt and sporran

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Sporran, also known as a pouch or purse, is an essential accessory to complete the traditional Scottish attire. The sporran is worn with the kilt and serves both as a functional and decorative item. At Kilt Master , we offer a wide range of sporrans that are perfect for any occasion. Our sporrans are handcrafted using the finest quality materials, including genuine leather, suede, and fur. We offer sporrans in various styles, including classic leather sporrans, dress sporrans, semi-dress sporrans, and hunting sporrans. Each style is designed to complement the kilt and enhance its overall look. Our classic leather sporrans are perfect for formal occasions and are available in different designs, including plain, Celtic, and embossed.

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The Telegraph. Here are the dress regulations to indicate; the dress sporran was not to exceed eleven inches in length, and the badger-skin sporran no more than thirteen inches. A regimental sporran badge was then attached to the front. The Great Clans of Scotland. Pewter or silver cantle is also carved on the sporran. The cantle may contain intricate filigree or etchings of Celtic knots. In general, it is one of the most dramatic and biggest of dress-sporrans with a very formal style. The sporran-belt when on the man is to be cut to three inches from the buckle, and to be cut to a point in the shoemaker's shop—it is not to be doubled into the keeper; one keeper will be sufficient—and the point of strap will be in the direction of the right hip, and the buckle will be worn exactly over the spine and not to one side. Belt pouch traditionally worn with men's Scottish Highland dress. Free UK Returns. Designs may decorate the leather flap of this style, or a silver clan symbol or other insignia may adorn on the flap.

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This style concentrates on practical function more than aesthetic value, it only keeps the Regimental badge without six tassels and another decorative pattern. They are often embossed or hand-tooled with Celtic, thistle, or other designs on the flap and body, and fasten with a stud or hook closure. To have enough comfort for a soldier to be able to walk, the sporran usually would be worn as high as possible. Horsehair sporran was normally worn by pipers and drummers of the Regimental music band. The dress sporran was not to have more than six tassels. This style was only worn on limited occasions and did not replace the swinging six sporrans or the other plain leather one, both of which continued to be worn throughout this period. For example, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders regiment used six tassels on sporrans to differ with other highlanders' regiments. Hidden categories: CS1 maint: location missing publisher Articles with short description Short description matches Wikidata Articles needing additional references from September All articles needing additional references. Categories : Highland dress Bags fashion. The top of the cantle may have a set stone, jewel, or emblems such as Saint Andrew , a thistle , Clan , or Masonic symbols. For most highlander regiments, they used different number of tassels to distinguish their own unique symbol. As sporrans are typically made of animal skin, their production, ownership, and transportation across borders may be regulated by legislation set to control the trade of protected and endangered species. The Telegraph. Early sporrans were made from leather or skin, both deerskin and calfskin proved particularly popular.