National Dress Galore!

Celebrating National Dress: A Global Expression of Culture

From the romantic stripes of Venetian gondoliers to the vibrant Indian sari, national dress expresses pride, identity, and belonging. These traditional garments are more than just clothing — they hold deep cultural, ethnic, and symbolic meaning.

Across the world, people wear traditional dress both in daily life and for festivals and special occasions. Each outfit tells a story of heritage, history, and local craftsmanship.

Diversity in National Dress

National dress varies not just between countries, but within them. Different regions, tribes, and cultures often have their own unique versions. These garments reflect their distinct histories and traditions.

Take the Herero women of Namibia as an example. Their national dress is based on Victorian-era clothing worn by German colonists. Despite the painful history behind it, the Herero community has transformed the dress into a proud symbol of identity.

The Materials of Tradition

Each culture uses different fabrics to tell its story. From the smooth silk of the Japanese kimono, to the durable leather of German lederhosen, and the rich wool of the Scottish kilt, these materials showcase local creativity and craftsmanship.

Recently, @firstpiper Ross — known for travelling the world in his Scottish kilt while playing the bagpipes — visited Switzerland. There, he explored traditional Tracht dress, common in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Guided by Flurina, Ross experienced everything from pom-pom hats to modern interpretations of the costume — all set against the breathtaking Swiss Alps.

(see pictures here).

Kinloch Anderson: Six Generations of Kiltmaking in Scotland

At Kinloch Anderson, we proudly preserve and promote Scottish national dress. For six generations, we've handcrafted kilts in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Since 1868, when William Anderson and his sons first opened a tailoring shop on the North Bridge, we’ve grown into one of Scotland’s most trusted names in Highland Dress.

Our history is rooted in tradition, but our craftsmanship keeps evolving to reflect modern style with timeless quality.

The Craft of the Scottish Kilt

Our traditional Scottish kilts are the centrepiece of our collections. Each kilt is made with 100% worsted wool, woven in the UK and sewn with exceptional care by our expert kiltmakers in Leith.

Every stage — from chalking and cutting to hand-stitching and pattern matching — is done with precision. We are one of the few remaining companies in Scotland still offering a fully hand-stitched kilt, ensuring each piece is made to last for generations.

Keeping Scottish Tradition Alive

Our kilts represent more than clothing — they represent Scottish heritage. By offering a wide range of tartans and tweeds, we keep the tradition alive and thriving.

If you’re looking to wear a kilt with pride, elegance, and authenticity, explore our kilt collections today. Book an appointment (in person or virtual) with one of our expert Highland Dress consultants and find your perfect fit — handcrafted, just for you.