By Emma Walker février 26, 2020

Top Tips: How to Wear a Tartan Sash Main

A sash is a great way to bring a little tartan to any outfit. Whether you are heading out on a Clan Walk, off to a Burns Supper or going to a traditional Scottish Ceilidh or dance a sash is something special and to add to any attire. But how do you wear it? I hear you ask! Well... here are some tips on how to wear your Scottish sash.

Finding the right 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.

Home Ancient Sash and Cummerbund Home Ancient Sash with Oversized Celtic Knot Brooch

Tartan Sash

Our traditional Wool Tartan Sash is a firm favourite of ours, it's light weight and most impressively versatile. Meaning it makes the perfect addition to any outfit, it can be paired with a matching Muckle Peerie Poak Tartan Clutch Bag or Tartan Rose Brooch

Home Modern Tartan Sash Home Modern Tartan Sash and Muckle Peerie Poak Clutch Bag

Mini Rosette Sash

Another option is our Mini Rosette Sash, again it is very lightweight but features a pre-tied bow, simple yet elegant.

Sash Mini Rosette Plain Wool Johnson Ancient02 Mini Rosette Sash in Johnstone Ancient

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.

 

Which Shoulder?

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.
 

How to create a bow with your sash

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

As easy as 1,2,3.

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.

If you are still a little unsure on this process check out our handy 'How to Tie a Scottish Sash' on our YouTube.

Sashes for Scottish Country Dancing

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.

Elegant and leaves the the front of the dress free of obstruction

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.
 

Ryan Beasley 1 Customers wearing US Air Force Tartan Sash and Kilt outfit

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.

Brooches to keep your sash in the perfect place

Home Modern Tartan Sash Home Mini Rosette Sash secured with a Celtic brooch


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.

Gael Mackie Customer wearing Lindsay Tartan Sash with Beaded brooch

 

I hope we've managed to answer your questions and give you some ideas for your next event. How will you be wearing your sash and to which glamorous event? Please share your stories and pictures with us as we love to see how you've styled your tartan.