Anothers tartan

[Andrews Son]

Hi everyone,

I have found a tartan i like but i have a questionable connection with the clan. My nans sister married a Thompson and had a child with him, so my uncle is a Thompson. And i really like the thompson camel, is it a yay or a nay as to whether i can wear this tartan?

And in generality if you like a tartan and have no affiliation with the clan is it ok to wear it?

Im saving up for a anderson tank, but i found this on ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HANDMADE-6...item5403d27840

I probably wait for a wool version as this one is mixed fibres, unless anyone has experience with a mixed fibre kilt and recommends one, otherwise i'd like a woolen one.

And what is in a mixed fibre kilt anyways?

[Father Bill]

The general opinion seems to be that you can wear whatever you like, but you better have a good back story and not over-explain. "Yes, the tartan is in my family" will likely do you much better than trying to explain what you have here - overdone somewhat.

On the flip side, there are those (among whom I group myself) who say "Why would you wear somebody else's name tag?" Your tartan is your tartan - it's not a matter of liking it or not, it's who you are or claim to be. Under this school of thought, I'd personally no more wear another clan's tartan, no matter how somewhat affiliated, than I would wear my uncle's name-tag. I'm not him.

Now, over to the Rabble.

[rondo]

There are two schools of thought on this that you are likely to get here:
1. If you like the tartan, and wear it with honor and respect, go for it. There are no kilt police.
2. One should only wear a tartan to which they have some connection.
My first kilt was in Robertson red, next was a Holyrood [non-restricted], then a Spirit of Scotland [non-restricted], my clan Dunbar, and finally a US Navy Edzell [call it regimental]. The Robertson is an historic philabeag style kilt and only gets worn to Ren Faires. The US Navy is my "go to" kilt from USA Kilts. Dunbar Ancient is my fancy go to meeting kilt from Matt Newsome. The SoS will probably be given to someone needing a first kilt, don't wear it much anymore it is a Celtic Croft economy. The Holyrood needs the straps and buckles taken in, until I can do that it hangs in closet.

I have a legit connection to only two of my kilts, Dunbar and US Navy. Wear whatever kilt you get/have proudly...if you have no strong connection to the clan, at least know the history of the clan. Very likely, no one will ever ask if you are connected.

Rondo
P.S. Obviously I am from the first school, others will chime in from the second school...giving you the opportunity to weigh the pros and cons. Good luck and happy kilting.

[Phil]

It's nice to have an affiliation with whatever tartan you wear and there are some who would insist that you should only wear whatever tartan you have a "right" to wear by virtue of the name you were born with.
There really is no reason why you should not wear any tartan you choose, however, apart from a few family or corporate ones where the design is protected. As Father Bill says, you may wish to have a few words of explanation at the ready when asked about your tartan to forestall any self-appointed "kiltpolice".

[rondo]

Father Bill and I must have been typing at the same time. There you have it... two schools of thought.
Rondo

[Andrews Son]

Thank you very much. if i did wear anothers tartan i would do it out of respect.
And i would keep it simple and just say "its in my family" i just thought ill give you all the full story on how its in my family to get better feedback.
If someone wore an Anderson kilt and not being associated with the clan but only liked the tartan, i wouldnt be offended ill be happy at the fact someone would choose that tartan and honour it.
Thank you both for helping me.
Gavin

[Father Bill]

Good of you Gavin, so long as you realize that not all clansmen are as generous as you in their interpretations. There are some who would be... "miffed."

[Andrews Son]

Sorry what about mixed fibre kilts are they any good or stay away from them. Im happy to wait a few months but the money for my Anderson kilt is burning a hole in my pocket.
Im jonesing for a kilt i havent ordered yet

[Father Bill]

Very good. Browse around the site and you'll find many opinions about the various fibres, yardage, pleating styles etc. You're in Great Britain, so the original selection (wool) would be extremely comfortable there... as it is (in my opinion) just about anywhere, but the choice is very much your own.

Please do yourself a favour however, and don't get so excited that you buy something cheaper than you might want and then have to start saving from scratch when you realize that you'd like something more traditional.

I'm a firm believer in wool - cool in the summer, warm in the winter even when wet, and full recovery from just about any situation. If you really want to go with something more affordable, consider a "5-yard" traditional or a box-pleated historical kilt. Either one should be a shade cheaper because of the reduced purchase of cloth. Polyviscose is considered by many to be a fire hazard, and other materials tend not to stand up as well.

Again, the choice is yours but the bitter taste of low quality remains long after the sweetness of a cheap deal and speed are forgotten.

[Andrews Son]

Your right father Bill i really want a wool kilt i have cheap kilts to get me started.
Ill just have to wait another two weeks before i can order my tank.
Just need to keep strong.