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Cousins Links Ladies' Sashes
The Wearing of Ladies' SashesFrom the Creag Dhubh (1970's) By R. G. M. MacPherson |
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At a Highland Ball, one of the most colourful items of evening dress is the tartan sash worn by ladies. An observer will notice that some of the ladies wear sashes on the right shoulder, others on the left shoulder, while some wear it tied around the waist. If you were to ask them why they wear it as they do, you would hear a variety of rules as to what is correct and not all versions would be in agreement with the others. Since we have received a number of enquiries as to the correct method of wearing a tartan sash, we thought our readers would be interested in the illustrations showing the most common methods of wearing them in different circumstances. These three versions are based upon the study of old portraits and traditional practices as well as having the authoritative approval of the late Sir Thomas Innes of Learney, Lord Lyon King of Arms. These rules are also accepted by Frank Adam in The Clans Septs and Regiments of the Scottish Highlands as well as by MacKinnon of Dunakin in his book Tartans and Highland Dress.  No. 1 Style worn by clanswomen (women of the clan surname by birth or marriage, and wives of clansmen, i.e. clan septs). The "right hand rule" is followed as the sash is worn over the right shoulder across the breast and is secured by a brooch on the right shoulder. No. 2 Style worn by lady chiefs, chieftainesses, the wives of clan chiefs and chieftains, and the wives of colonels of Highland regiments. The sash is worn over the left shoulder and secured with a brooch on the left shoulder. No. 3 Style worn by ladies who have married out of their clan but still wish to use their original clan tartan. The sash is worn over the right shoulder and tied in a large bow at the waist on the left. |
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