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  Modern Kilt - Philabeg

The last Jacobite rising in 1745 caused the Hanovarian government to ban the kilt and tartan so as to stamp out the culture that was the power base of the House of Stuart. The ban, imposed by an Act of Parliament of 1746, was called the Disarming Act or 'An Act for the more effectual disarming of the Highlands in Scotland and for more effectual securing of peace of the said Highlands; and for restraining the Use of the Highland Dress'.

However, the ban did not apply to high-born people or to soldiers, and so the tradition survived until the ban was lifted in 1782. In the mean time, William Wilson had been busy designing and supplying tartans for the military and for the gentry, and in fact the traditional Scottish culture was well loved by the Hanoverians (under their control).

After 1782 the kilt and tartan were recovered as symbols of the Scots culture. The kilt has become very popular for formal occasions such as weddings and is often worn with black tie. Kilts have also become more frequently seen as casual wear, both in the town and among country walkers.

The modern tailored kilt is box-pleated or knife-pleated, with the pleats sewn in and the lower edges reaching not lower than the centre of the knee-cap. Nowadays a lighter weight of cloth tends to be used.

Films like Braveheart have given a wider audience more appreciation for the kilt and its various presentations and history. Kilts can be bought in many countries outside Scotland, and even over the Internet since the fit is not very problematic.

Various forms of kilt can be found nowadays to satisfy all requirements, whether formal dress, historical dress, re-enactment, and even modernised kilt forms in plain colours and new fabrics.

The modern kilt is worn with several accessories.