Arisaid: The "Women's Kilt"

arisaid: noun:  a full robe or skirt of tartan gathered and girdled at the waist. 

Scottish Highland women did not wear kilts.  They had a beautiful garment all of their own called the arisaid.  (Other spellings: Earasaid, Erasaid, Arisaid, Erisaid, Arasaidh)   It is a large piece of cloth - sometimes the family tartan but more often than not just a striped wool- that is pleated and belted in the middle around the wearer's waist.  to the left are the most common renderings of the Scottish Arisaid : you can see the versatility of the garment - the top portion that folds over the belt can be left hanging down, can be brooch'ed around the neck, or can be worn over the woman's head.  It is basically the counterpart of the male great kilt (see image and description below).

Scottish Arisaid

 

Below is a good depiction of a Great Kilt - which serves men the same purpose as the arisaid serves for women.   It is plaid/tartan compared to the women's striped or plain fabric - but just like the arisaid, it is pleated, belted, and has plenty of extra fabric for warmth and protection.   A 1746 description reads: The garb is certainly very loose, and fits men inured to it to go through great fatigues, to make very quick marches, to bear out against the inclemency of the weather, to wade through rivers, and shelter in huts, woods, and rocks upon occasion; which men dressed in the low country garb could not possibly endure.

 

Both the great kilt and arisaid are believed to have come about in the late 16th century, but this is likely just the first recording of it.  And really - no sewing necessary - do you really think nobody thought of it before then?  I sure don't believe it was a novel idea in the 1500's.   Husband and I love our respective great kilt and arisaid - so comfortable, warm and practical.

 

-The Highland Wife