The main difference between a kilt and a great kilt lies in their construction, history, and how they’re worn:
- Kilt (modern or tailored kilt): A sewn, pleated garment worn from the waist to the knees. It’s fitted with straps and buckles and is easy to put on. This is the type most commonly worn today for both casual and formal occasions.
- Great kilt (or feileadh mòr): A large piece of untailored wool fabric (typically 4 to 6 yards long) that is pleated by hand and wrapped around the body, with the top half draped over the shoulder or used as a cloak. It was worn in the 16th to 18th centuries and served as both clothing and blanket.
In short, the great kilt is an older, more versatile garment, while the modern kilt is a tailored and convenient evolution of it.