List of Universal Tartans

**Woot22** · 8th October 08, 10:33 PM

I was wondering if there is a simple easy to use list of all the universal tartans you can have a kilt made out of. Also, would be interesting if the list contained who makes kilts from that particular tartan. I have recently found on this site that not every kilt maker uses every registered tartan. For instance Lochcarron might not make a kilt that is say the US Army tartan. I am sort of assuming that not every wool manufacturer has every tartan available. I could be wrong about that. I am still new to this forum and there is allot of information on here to try and sift through without asking for a little guidance first.

**Phil** · 9th October 08, 12:11 AM

Here in Scotland the universal tartans seem to be the red Stuart, dress Gordon, MacKenzie and one or two others, mainly because these are the ones the hire shops offer. There are lots of district and national tartans which are suitable if you don't feel you have an affinity to any particular clan. If you want a particular tartan then the kiltmakers will know where to get it for you (just pick a good kiltmaker, plenty of them here) and if it is an unusual one the weaver may have to do a special run for you (at an extra cost) so it is better to stick to a mainstream tartan which is always available.

**Colin** · 9th October 08, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by Phil

Here in Scotland the universal tartans seem to be the red Stuart, dress Gordon, MacKenzie and one or two others, mainly because these are the ones the hire shops offer.

Let's not forget MacKenzie was a Clan tartan and a military tartan before it was mass produced by the cheapo shops. Actually all three mentioned were military tartans are they not?

Great link Rocky, very well done.

**McClef** · 9th October 08, 11:33 AM

Would it not be correct to say that the most popular universal, at least on X Marks, is the Isle of Skye?

**Tattoo Bradley** · 9th October 08, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by McClef

Would it not be correct to say that the most popular universal, at least on X Marks, is the Isle of Skye?

I would have to agree with that.

**Panache** · 9th October 08, 12:09 PM

Originally Posted by McClef

Would it not be correct to say that the most popular universal, at least on X Marks, is the Isle of Skye?

I often joke and refer to the Isle of Skye tartan as "Hunting X Marks the Scot"

Cheers

Jamie

**Woot22** · 9th October 08, 06:58 PM

Lots of great info everyone, thanks for all the help. I will definitely check out the links you gave me.

**Highlander31** · 10th October 08, 06:01 AM

Originally Posted by Panache

I often joke and refer to the Isle of Skye tartan as "Hunting X Marks the Scot"

...

You mean the Isle of Skye is not the "Hunting X Marks the Scot"?

I also like the Arctic tartan.

**ChattanCat** · 9th October 08, 07:23 PM

Originally Posted by McClef

Would it not be correct to say that the most popular universal, at least on X Marks, is the Isle of Skye?

Working on that kilt right now. I love the purple in it.

**Balaamsass51** · 9th October 08, 03:55 AM

Since there are no Tartan Police, in actuality almost all tartans may freely be worn by anyone. There are of course many copyrighted designs- used by corporations or individual people. If you stay away from those (they probably will not be on any kilt manufacturers list anyway) you may wear what you like.

Matt H.