A kilt is a knee-length skirt made of heavy wool fabric, traditionally worn by men in Scotland. Unlike typical skirts, kilts are wrapped around the body and fastened at the side, with pleats (neat folds) in the back that swing when the wearer walks or dances.

Most kilts feature a pattern called tartan, which consists of crisscrossing horizontal and vertical stripes in different colors. Historically, different Scottish clans (family groups) had their own unique tartan patterns, so you could tell which clan someone belonged to by looking at their kilt.

Kilts became popular in the Scottish Highlands hundreds of years ago because the thick wool kept people warm in the cold, damp climate, while the knee-length design allowed freedom of movement over rough, hilly terrain. Today, Scottish people wear kilts for special occasions like weddings, festivals, and Highland Games, where competitors toss heavy logs and throw hammers while wearing traditional kilts.

The word kilted describes someone wearing a kilt. Modern kilts have also influenced fashion around the world, inspiring designers to create similar garments that blend traditional Scottish style with contemporary clothing.