Mixing Similar Tartans?

**Cinnabar** · 22nd July 06, 10:22 AM

Now that I have and wear my Hunting Stewart tartan kilt I thought it would be cool to get some matching flashes but wasn't sure where to get them and was concerned about cost. However I noticed that Stillwater Kilts was selling Macleod tartan flashes for ~$10. They are very similar tartans:

Hunting Stewart:

Macleod:

The flashes are such as small piece of fabric there's no way you can tell the difference, so I picked up a set. The yellow tones between the kilt and the flashes are a little different but given the spatial separation between them, it's hard to tell and I think it looks pretty good.

Has anyone else tried mixing similar tartans before? Just curious.

**Tattoo Bradley** · 22nd July 06, 11:13 AM

Hmm. I think there's a cardinal being broken here

**Andrewson** · 22nd July 06, 12:14 PM

Each to his own taste, of course, but I wouldn't want to wear tartan flashes of any kind whether they "theoretically" matched the kilt tartan or not. I say "theoretically" because to show the pattern on such a small area, the sett size has to be greatly reduced and that alters the appearance.

But then, for the same reason, I never wear a tartan tie with a kilt either since I've given up trying for a match there too. And in any case, I now don't want to spoil the impact of the kilt tartan by wearing eye-distracting patterns elsewhere.

**macwilkin** · 22nd July 06, 12:55 PM

Moved thread to heraldry & tartans section.

TJW

**O'Neille** · 22nd July 06, 04:12 PM

It's not bad but a solid navy would be nice too. I don't have any matching accessories but Kathy Lare ordered some extra tartan for my fly plaid and flashes. I figured that if I was going to dress up I'd wear the matching or just go with solids for casual and day wear. I also have a nice collection of solid ties. They can be hard to find given the saturation of inexpensive chinese silk patterns. I've done well at charity shops, mostly because I can't find them in retail stores. O'Neille

**HeathBar** · 22nd July 06, 08:11 PM

I'd say go for it. Mixing tartans has been a highland fashion since the 18th century(maybe before). They are not so dissimilar that people would notice unless you pointed it out.

**Riverkilt** · 23rd July 06, 12:23 AM

Guess I can admit this while Ham is off line...

I, uh, once wore my Macdonald of the Isles Hunting flashes with my Ireland's National tartan kilt...similar....

Figured the locals here in the boondocks wouldn't know...

I did though...

Ate away at me....

Probably won't again....

Ron

**Tattoo Bradley** · 23rd July 06, 01:07 AM

Hehe. It'd eat at me as well. Ya should've had Rocky stitch you up some matching flashes for it Ron. I went ahead and had him make me a pair for my upcoming Ireland's national. Man... I can't wait... can't wait... can't wait!!