The minds behind Outlander have spilled some intriguing details about the character Jamie Fraser, played by Sam Heughan.

Showrunner Ronald D. Moore and costume designer Terry Dresbach delved into the importance of the Highlander’s kilt on the Starz show. Dresbach remarked: “A lot of people are asking me about the kilt and its significance when he wears it.”

She emphasized that there’s no secret symbolism in its use. On the Official Outlander Podcast, she commented, “We always knew we wanted Sam to go in and out of his kilt, it’s just questioning what scene is the most appropriate.” Dresbach also reflected on season two’s portrayal of the Frasers in France, noting how Jamie’s clothing, especially a certain coat, mirrored their Scottish representation. Discussing the coat’s design, Dresbach noted: “I thought how wonderful it would be to do a stag hunt, something very, very Jamie and very Scottish.”

She continued, “It was important to us at this event, Jamie could really feel like Jamie.” She revealed that Sam Heughan was quite pleased with the coat’s design.

Jamie Fraser opted for a kilt in Outlander during his visit to Versailles(Image: (Image: STARZ))

In a conversation with Moore about why Jamie dons a kilt at Versailles, Dresbach said: “Because, again this was a place where we felt it was appropriate for him to be really very Scottish. Again, like the coat.

“We wanted to have him really represent his country here, the way an ambassador from another country would.

“They’re going there not as the English, they’re going there as the Scottish.”

The controversial scene saw Jamie Fraser in a dramatic duel with his nemesis Captain ‘Black Jack’ Randall amidst the lavish gardens of Versailles.

Interestingly, Captain Randall was subjected to ridicule and disgrace by Louis XV, as England was entangled in a conflict with France at the time, creating an atmosphere of polite hostility.

Jamie and Claire’s acceptance into the Royal court was largely due to their Scottish identity, which stood in stark contrast to Black Jack’s representation of English nationalism, evident in his Redcoat uniform.

Throughout Outlander, Jamie’s kilt has been symbolic, particularly after the Battle of Culloden when the English banned tartan, imposing harsh penalties for those found wearing it.

As a result, the importance of the kilt within Outlander increased post-Culloden due to the risks associated with it.

As Outlander moves to the New World, the prominence of the kilt diminishes, but it remains a powerful symbol for Jamie, who carries his heritage with him wherever he goes.