Kilts, the iconic pleated garment associated with Scottish Highland culture, were not invented until the 18th century. The Battle of Stirling Bridge and the Battle of Falkirk, which are depicted in the film, took place in the 13th and 14th centuries, respectively.
The original costume designs for the film featured tunics and leggings, more representative of the period. However, director Mel Gibson insisted on the kilts, believing they would be more visually appealing and resonate with audiences. To address the historical inaccuracy, some scenes were re-shot to avoid showing the kilts, particularly in battle scenes.
Despite this effort, the use of kilts remains one of the most widely criticized historical inaccuracies in "Braveheart."