Thoughts on the Maple Leaf Tartan

[ProudGrandsonofClanGrant]

I will be graduating from university in May and would like to have a pair of tartan trews made for the occasion. I am originally from Massachusetts and my first job will either be in New England or in Canada. I have always loved the maple leaf tartan from an aesthetic point of view. I have also always enjoyed spending time in Canada (go Raptors!). I feel a close connection to all things maple from growing up in an area that produces many maple products. My wife has some Canadian family members as well.

My main question is: how would you feel if I wore the maple leaf tartan being a non-Canadian? Is a connection to Canada or maple sufficient? How protective of the maple leaf tartan are our Canadian members? I understand that the tartan is not restricted, but I would like to know if wearing it would cause offence to some, and if so why. I look forward to any opinions on the topic. Thank you.

Nick

[Father Bill]

With few exceptions, a tartan is a tartan. Period. Having said that, it's also a nametag. You might have to do a bit of explaining.

I know a lot of Americans sew Canadian flags onto their backpacks when travelling because they say they get a better reception. I wouldn't know whether they are right or not, but that is certainly dishonest. Is there a similarity here? You'd have to decide on that.

[Steve Ashton]

OK, a couple of thoughts from an American who lives and works in Canada. (I'm actually a full dual citizen)

If you feel an affinity to Canada and the Maple Leaf Tartan speaks to you emotionally then go for it. It is a nice Tartan.

But Trews in Maple Leaf would not be my first choice.

Trews are not just a pair of Tartan pants. They are a specific style of trouser.

There is no outside seam to the legs. The waist is worn quit high and they are laced up the back so must be worn with some sort of jacket. The back of trews (called fishtail) cover the kidneys. The bottom cuffs may, or may not, have angled, "West Point" cuffs to fit over riding boots.

To me this style of trouser looks best in darker colors.

The Maple Leaf Tartan is also asymmetrical. This means you must plan the cutting of the fabric so you do not reverse the direction of the fabric of the two legs. The Tartan pattern would be notably upside down on one leg.

As has been mentioned, The Maple Leaf Tartan is not restricted. Anyone may wear it. Just be prepared to answer, when asked, why you chose to wear another country's Tartan.

[Macman]

Nick, I have no problem with you wearing the Maple Leaf Tartan. Your post got me thinking about whether or not I would wear another country's tartan, and under what circumstances. I don't think that I would personally, but I certainly don't mind you wearing mine.

[Liam]

Nick, I have no problem with you wearing the Maple Leaf Tartan. Your post got me thinking about whether or not I would wear another country's tartan, and under what circumstances. I don't think that I would personally, but I certainly don't mind you wearing mine.

My thoughts are much the same. I wouldn't wear another country's tartan unless invited to by a high ranking official of that country, or if you have some personal connection with that country. Now as to trews, I personally don't like the look of them and have no interest in having a pair.

[ProudGrandsonofClanGrant]

Thank you everyone for the responses so far.

Father Bill:

I did not think of it as a nametag; I thought of it more like a district tartan. As far as your other point, I do not approve of such dishonesty and am not trying to be deceitful in any way. I am just a Canada-loving American who may wind up moving to Canada for work/visiting Canada regularly anyway.

Steve:

Thank you for your input about the trews. I am now considering regular tartan trousers. I didn't realize that the maple leaf tartan was regarded as "Canada's tartan" as much as it is. I thought of it more as a district tartan. Like someone wearing Isle of Skye tartan because they enjoy spending time there. I appreciate the information.

Macman:

Again, thanks for clarifying the maple leaf tartan's status as a "Canada's tartan" rather than a district tartan. And thank you for your blessing to wear it.

Liam:

I was under the impression that I did have the sort of personal connection to Canada you speak of, given that I have enjoyed spending time there in the past and will continue to spend a lot of time there in the future, if not move there permanently. Thank you for your perspective, it is much appreciated.

Keep the opinions coming!

Nick

[Father Bill]

Actually, not only "Canada's Tartan" but "Canada's Official Tartan" by Act of Parliament:

http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1444070816842

http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=594259

[Tarheel]

Different tartans are better looking for trews, in my opinion, than the Maple Leaf. I prefer the look of greens and blues with smaller setts. I do like the Maple Leaf in a kilt but can't think of any reason for me to wear one.

Unless...
It would have to be a special event (invitation of importance) where I would don that tartan, paying homage to the Host, Hostess or memorial.

[CDNSushi]

The bit about it on Canada's official government website is: "A symbol of national pride, the tartan was designed to be worn by Canadians from all backgrounds – regardless of their ancestry – especially on national days like Canada Day (July 1) and Tartan Day (April 6)."

The INTENTION is for Canadians to use it, but that doesn't mean the statement is prescriptive... (I.e. it does NOT state that it is ONLY for use by Canadians, and no one else may, or may not)...

As such, I would view it as a matter of personal conscience, and a result of whether you felt that you had sufficient ties to Canada or Canadians to justify it in your own mind.

[ProudGrandsonofClanGrant]

Tarheel:

Thanks for the opinion about how the maple leaf tartan would look in trew form. I hadn't really considered that this tartan may not be the best for this application. I understand your stance on wearing the tartan.

CDNSushi:

I thought much the same thing when I read that portion of the website. I suppose I now feel that I probably shouldn't wear it unless I live in Canada. Thanks for your input.

As always, useful and thoughtful advice from the forum. Thanks!

Nick