The fact is that although many descriptions are given, nothing but the Highland woman's veil is ever described in detail.. The description of the female plaid was called an arisaid, possibly related to the Gaelic word ársa or ancient.  It traditionally was a cloak that extended to the heels.  It was usually made of the tartan of the woman's family Clan or after she married her husbands tartan .  It was fastened at the breast with a metal brooch and around the waist with a leather belt.  In essence, it was the female version of the Brecan Feile or Great Kilt .