In 1747 the English government passed the "Dress Act" forbidding clothes commonly associated with Scotland. People caught wearing these Highland clothes were imprisoned for six months. A second offense would result in panishment for seven years to an oversea work farm in the new colonies. This included any form of plaid, philbeag, belted plaid, trews, shoulder belt, or little kilt. Even the Bagpipes were outlawed, being considered an instrument of war. Only those individuals in the army were permitted to wear the plaid, and as a result, it is told that many Highlanders enlisted simply to be allowed to wear their more comfortable traditional dress. (Cassin-Scott 61)

Below a Gentlman and his Lady display the Highland costume

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