A traditional dress represents a sense of connectivity of the people towards their culture and their belongingness towards their country. A Scottish Highland dress is regional and now has been reserved for ceremonies and occasions.
You might have heard of kilts, tartans, and bagpipes but a highland dress isn’t just a kilt or tartan, it comes with accessories such as a sporran, hats, belts, and chains of various kinds.
In case you are new to this experience and have no knowledge about the sporrans, this might be helpful!
What exactly is a Sporran?
The sporran is an accessory of Scottish traditional Highland dress for males known as a kilt. It is a pouch or purse which is usually made of skin with hair or fur on it, suspended from a belt in front of the kilt. It comes in various styles, sizes, and detailings like tassels, leather work, or beadings. It functions as a pocket on a pocketless kilt.
Essential Factors to Consider When Purchasing Sporrans
Material of Sporran
Originally, sporrans were of just a round shape of leather with holes around the perimeter through which a leather thong was threaded to tighten the neck of the pouch to bring it together.
Sporrans are usually made of a few materials only:
A leather-skinned sporran is wholly made of leather and covered with suede from the inside. The suede is smooth has a velvet finish and is fabricated from the undersurface of the animal skin.
Leather could be obtained by many animals including rabbits, seals, and calfskin but cowhide is thicker and stiffer and is ideally used for products such as shoes, purses, belts, and other similar items. The material can breathe, release, and absorb moisture. The products retain their shape and last longer than the products of any other material.
A fur or animal hide sporran is another popular option. It is made from animal skin or pelts such as rabbit fur, seal fur, or bovine fur. Usually, animal heads are used for the front of the sporran such as fox and musquash (fox skin is rare since it is only collected from road kill). The most in-demand sporrans were made of Scottish wild cat hide which is now an endangered species secured by law.
Horsehair sporran is made from the hair of a horse’s tail. The hair is collected at stables by combining the horse tail. The hair is then sent to check for disease and is washed with soapy warm water before it is sent for stitching to the manufacturers. The quality of the horse hair is checked by tying a knot to it. If it breaks easily, it’s an authentic one.
In dress and regimental tartans, the cantle is constructed of pewter, chrome, and silver (and gold if you can afford it). They are also used for the tassel's head, which is then linked to the chain that binds the tassel to the front of the sporran. The leather strap that secures the sporran around the waist is made with stainless steel links.
Choice of Leather
Leather products could be made of various quality types of leather. It’s wise to understand the basics of different leather varieties so you can choose the proper one.
Full grain leather
Full-grain leather is simply the one that goes under the tanning process after the hair is removed from it. It is a premium choice of leather because it is the strongest, most durable hide of an animal, and all its characteristics remain unharmed including its oil-absorbing quality.
The top layer is not shaved off which is why it has a more natural characteristics such as fiber strength, its durability, and the development of patina (a soft sheen that develops through use and exposure of the surface, giving personality to the product) as it ages. Full-grain leather comes with an aniline finish which helps the leather to continue breathing.
The full-grain leather product has fat wrinkles, lines, shadings, and natural grain textures.
Top grain leather
As the name signifies, the top layer of the leather is shaved off or it may also be referred to as splitting leather. The main causes of splitting leather are to get rid of surface imperfection and start with a fresh layer, making it more workable and thinner.
It is said to be second-top-quality leather. Stamping textures and forged finishes of alligator, snake, and ostrich are frequently applied to top-grain cowhides. This is also known as "corrected-grain" leather.
It should be kept in mind since the upper layer is removed, the leather has compromised over the strongest top layer of skin but it is still considered appropriate for luxury goods.
Genuine Leather
This is the third-grade leather which is left after the best quality layer has been removed from the goods. It has to be finished with spray paint due to its worse surface.
While comparing genuine leather and full-grained leather visually, they might seem similar but grabbing them can reveal the difference.
Bonded leather
Bonded leather is weak and of low quality. It is made out of the dust of refined leather or shavings.
Diving into Different Types of Sporran
There are different types of sporrans, each with a specific purpose, complementing different formalities or traditions.
Dress Sporran: The most formal sort of sporran, usually worn with a full Highland dress. It is frequently fashioned of opulent materials like fur (such as seal or bovine fur) or extravagant leather. Dress sporrans are often bigger and include ornate cantles (metal plates) on the front that can be embellished with complex patterns, jewels, or clan insignia.
Semi-Dress Sporran: This is a less formal variation of the dress sporran. A decorative cantle may still be present, although it is usually smaller and less ornamental. Semi-formal Highland clothing is usually paired with semi-dress sporrans.
Day Sporran: It also known as the casual sporran, is often made of leather or simple fur. Its design is less attractive and more functional, with a basic flap or zip closing. Day sporrans are typically used for less formal occasions or as part of ordinary Highland attire.
This guide will help you in buying a sporran of your choice since making the right choice of size, design, and material of the sporran is necessary before you purchase one.
You can definitely look for your favorite ones if you can access them near you or you can visit AllSafe Traders now to get your hands on high-quality kilts and accessories, all at equitable prices.