Gaelic clothing and fashion
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Despite common misconceptions, the common clothing of Gaels in the Middle Ages was not that of a kilt, especially as we know it today. Clothing generally consisted of a léine (a knee-length shirt, sometimes dyed with saffron), a brat (a very short cloak or mantle with plaid or other coloration), a belt, and sometimes trac or trews (tight trousers). Additionally, various types of coats, such as the padded iotar, robes, boots, and shoes were worn. There is evidence of the belted plaid (the precursor to the modern kilt) being worn in the Middle Ages, certainly by the 16th century. What women wore is less known; it is often suggested that it was similar, though 'dresses' existed, though these may have just been female versions of robes.
Trews or trousers were not often worn by the middle class and upper classes. These were considered appropriate for the poor, slaves, and others below the middle class. Additionally, colors on one cloak were limited to type and number by one's station in society; the more colors, the higher one's station. The aristocracy also had a habit of wearing artfully decorated robes, and most middle class and higher also wore a variety of both simple and complex jewelry, featuring various precious and semi-precious stones.
Cleanliness was extremely important to Gaels. They bathed daily and made it a habit to remove their body hair, to make themselves easier to clean. Facial hair was rarely more than a mustache, which would be worn in, what we call today, a handlebar style. Hair was worn long and styled with braids, or styles similar to cornrows, or other elaborate hairstyles that probably took a bit of practice to develop.
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