Ghillie Suit History

Ghilie or “gille” is a Old Scottish(Gaelic) phrase meaning subject, liegeman or servant. Land Holders employed bodyguards known as wardens to help ease the poaching that was prevalent during that time. A popular technique the ghillies would use would be to hide in nearby bushes wearing clothes made from rags typically draped down and frayed, eventually these suits became known as Ghillie suits. Today’s Ghillie Suits are made from many types of material including Jute / burlap, netting some of the more expensive materials used are synthetic and lightweight, some even have patents. The burlap type ghillie suits are the heaviest to wear and are usually worn in colder climates, netting suits are made more for warmer climates or where movement is essential.