Tartans that non-clan/non-scot can wear

**BrianGinQC** · 25th April 17, 08:07 AM

Greeting everyone! I'm new to wearing kilts and I was wondering if there are set rules to wearing specific tartans if you're not a clansman or scot for that matter, save for the Black Watch and Hunting Stewart.

I know enough not to wear the Royal Stewart and the Balmoral.

Thank you very much and cheers!

**McMurdo** · 25th April 17, 08:27 AM

You can always wear the Scottish Wildcat Tartan which I designed, there is a facebook page for it and you can wear the Royal Stewart it is perfectly acceptable, below is from the Scottish Tartan Authority:

Tradition has it that those who have no tartan of their own can wear the Black Watch (The Universal or Government Tartan) or the Hunting Stewart, but not the Royal Stewart without the express authority of the Queen. However, commercialisation in recent times has rather blurred this. The one tartan which cannot be worn by anyone unless the Queen's permission has been granted is the Balmoral.

Below from wikipedia

The Royal Stewart tartan is the best known tartan of the royal House of Stewart, and is also the personal tartan of Queen Elizabeth II. It is appropriate for all subjects of Elizabeth II to wear the Royal Stewart tartan,[1] in much the same way that clansmen may wear the tartan of their clan chief. The sett was first published in 1831 in the book The Scottish Gael by James Logan. Officially, the tartan is worn by the pipers of the Black Watch, Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, and the Scots Guards, as well as a select few civilian groups. The 5th Bolton Scout Group and the 5th Potters Bar Scout Group wear the scarf, (neckerchief/necker) officially, with permission from the Queen, and the Queen's Bands (of Queen's University) wear the tartan as part of their official uniforms. So too do the Winnipeg Police Pipe Band. The tartan may also be worn by members who took part in a patrol leaders training course.

In addition to its use in clothing, such as skirts and scarves, Royal Stewart tartan has also appeared on biscuit tins for Scottish shortbread.[2] In the 1960s the tartan became well known in motor racing circles, as British three-time Formula One World Champion Jackie Stewart from Scotland used a distinctive band of Royal Stewart tartan around his crash helmet.[3] In the late 1970s the Royal Stewart tartan became popular in punk fashion.

**Jock Scot** · 25th April 17, 08:54 AM

There are cases where there are restrictions or exceptions, like the Balmoral, one of the Cameron and one of the Campbell tartans(where the Clan Chief does not accept it even exists!). However, you can wear nearly any tartan you wish. Whether you should or not, is entirely another matter.

**Tarheel** · 25th April 17, 10:29 AM

The two tartan kilts I own, are the US Army tartan and the Confederate Memorial tartan. I was born into the clan Colquhoun and am setting aside the funds to procure a proper 7 yard "heavy" for my own. I have yet to decide which I want (modern, ancient, etc.)

I substituted the term "heavy" for the weight of the cloth. I'm leaning toward 11 oz. instead of 16 oz. As I am overly fond of my box pleated 4 yard, I may change my mind again.

To the point of the OP's question, there are many tartans you may be attracted to that call (more attractive to your tastes) to you. I suggest you do the window shopping and imagine the colors and patterns as your kilt.

**Dughlas mor** · 25th April 17, 11:12 AM

Here`s a link to the District and Universal section of the tartan gallery at USAKilts. There are many to choose from. https://www.usakilts.com/gallery/13-...ancient/refine

**BrianGinQC** · 25th April 17, 04:33 PM

Thank you all for the assistance, I am always learning something new about kilting everyday! A follow-up question if you'll indulge me. What kind of kilt should I purchase if I'm living in the Philippines? We have a warm tropical climate much like Sinapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. I would like something that allows me to walk around comfortably and not sweat too much.

**McMurdo** · 25th April 17, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by BrianGinQC

Thank you all for the assistance, I am always learning something new about kilting everyday! A follow-up question if you'll indulge me. What kind of kilt should I purchase if I'm living in the Philippines? We have a warm tropical climate much like Sinapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. I would like something that allows me to walk around comfortably and not sweat too much.

If it were me a 4 yard box pleated kilt would be my first choice.

**Bamamedic** · 25th April 17, 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by BrianGinQC

Thank you all for the assistance, I am always learning something new about kilting everyday! A follow-up question ex if you'll indulge me. What kind of kilt should I purchase if I'm living in the Philippines? We have a warm tropical climate much like Sinapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. I would like something that allows me to walk around comfortably and not sweat too much.

Might I suggest a Sarong?

**BrianGinQC** · 25th April 17, 06:04 PM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

If it were me a 4 yard box pleated kilt would be my first choice.

Why a box-pleated kilt sir? Please enlighten me. Does the design make it lighter or roomier?

**Terry Searl** · 25th April 17, 06:05 PM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

If it were me a 4 yard box pleated kilt would be my first choice.

McMurdo, What about a P/V kilt for the tropical climate....it's easy to wash and dry.....I'm thinking a heavy or even lighter wool kilt that takes special care when cleaning might not get the proper attention when it is cleaned.......I'm new to kilting as well and have a P/V kilt for my first kilt and am now having a 16oz wool kilt built , but our weather has as many cool days as warm and sometimes more.......you always seem to give good and valuable advice and do so without being too opinionated or arrogant