Top Tips: How to Wear a Tartan Sash

First things first, you have to get the right sash. Traditionally these are made in wool and we make ours in our Lightweight 10oz Pure Wool Tartan Fabric in over 500 clan and generic tartans meaning we have a tartan to suit everyone! Remember to keep in mind whether you will be looking to tie a bow or rosette in your sash when choosing the length of your Sash.

There is some debate over the rules and reasoning of how a lady should wear her sash. This was first mentioned by J. Charles Thompson in So You’re Going to Wear the Kilt which was written originally in 1979. In this guide he says that the Lord Lyon had recently introduced a code for how women should wear their sash.

Customarily, unless you are a Lady Chief, the wife of a Clan Chief or Chieftan, or the wife of a colonel in the Highland Regiment, then you would always wear your sash over your right shoulder. Clanswomen traditionally wore their sash across the breast and secured by a pin or small brooch on the right shoulder, while ladies who married out of their clan, but who still wish to use their original clan tartan would usually wear their sash secured with a pin and fastened in a large bow on the left hip.

Chieftainesses, wives of clan chiefs and wives of the Colonels of Scottish Regiments' sashes are usually rather more full in size and are worn over the left shoulder and secured with a brooch. If you are looking for a wider sash, we would recommend ordering our Wool Tartan Stole which is slightly shorter but looks lovely and full.

If you're struggling with fashioning the bow for your sash, we've put together a handy step by step guide:

Step 1: Fold the end of your sash once.

Step 2: Fold the sash again so you have multiple layers.

Step 3. Gather the folds of fabric in the centre and secure with an elastic band.

Step 4: Add a brooch or pin over the elastic band. There you have a big bow!

Step 5: If you would like more of a rosette style then simply pull out the folded layers to form a more circular shape.

Another, less well known style, is that worn by Scottish country dancers (or where any lady desires to keep the front of the dress clear of the sash). This style is similar to the belted plaid, and is really a small arisaid. It is buttoned on at the back of the waist, or is held by a small belt, and is secured at the right shoulder by a pin or small brooch, so that the ends fall backwards from the right shoulder and swing at the back of the right arm.

These rules however are merely a suggestion and while there is currently no legal significance to them, they are usually observed as a due respect for tradition and custom. While most agree with reserving the wearing of a sash on the right shoulder unless worn by a chief, it is interesting to note that even the shoulder preference has changed over time.

In The Kilt: A Manual of Scottish National Dress, by Loudon M. Douglas in 1914. He writes, “It is desirable that ladies who wish to encourage the Scottish National Dress should wear sashes of tartan, with evening dress. These should be preferably worn over the left shoulder and fixed by a circular brooch. Other applications of the tartan in connection with ladies’ costume must be left very largely to personal taste.”

If you're struggling to choose a 'circular brooch' to secure your sash we have a selection of traditional style pewter brooches to choose from.

Our Clan Crest Badge is useful not only for securing your sash, but also for adding an extra layer to your clan pride. My personal favourite is the Oversize Celtic Knot Brooch which is simple but bold and great for gathering up larger folds of fabric. However, if our Oversize Celtic Knot Brooch is a bit much for you, we have a smaller more intricate option in our Celtic Brooch and an even smaller option with a bit of sparkle is our Machair Brooch with 3 small purple stones and thistles.