Kilt Etiquette

**HighlandMike** · 1st February 13, 07:46 PM

Evening all,

Finally buying my first kilt soon, but I'm facing a bit of a dilemma. Is it poor form to sport the tartan of a clan other than one's own? If so, I'll go with Black Watch, because frankly, I can't at the moment afford my clan (£600 being a wee bit difficult).

Also, I'm looking to buy from Stillwater; any feedback on them?

Cheers,

Mike

**TheOfficialBren** · 2nd February 13, 04:08 AM

It is considered dicey. Some people get uppity, some don't.

Which is your tartan?

Others are more knowledgeable than me here but that's my tuppence.

**Chas** · 2nd February 13, 04:15 AM

This has been debated here backwards and forwards many times, but it comes down to this -

If you do not tell anybody They Will Never Know, what tartan it is.

Even in Scotland itself, They Will Never Know.

So, don't tell them!

Regards

Chas

**neloon** · 2nd February 13, 04:38 AM

Originally Posted by Chas

Even in Scotland itself, They Will Never Know.

"Never" is a bit strong, but we will seldom care.
Alan

**Chas** · 2nd February 13, 05:31 AM

Originally Posted by neloon

"Never" is a bit strong, but we will seldom care.
Alan

With all respect, Alan, most Scotsmen can only recognise about six different tartans. Two of which would be Black Watch and Royal Stewart. Add in Loud MacLeod and their own tartan. Their own school, college, university, town or district and the Burberry and that is it.

There are over well over 4,000 different tartans which can all be produced in modern, weathered, muted and reproduction colourways. Why should a Scotsman know all of them. Why should they know more than the half dozen that appertain to them.

You probably can recognize more tartans, but I would argue that you would be the exception that proves the rule.

Regards

Chas

**neloon** · 2nd February 13, 05:40 AM

I wouldn't disagree with "half dozen", Chas, but that doesn't quite seem to equate to "They Will Never Know". Of course, none of us can keep up with all the bumbee tartans.
Alan

**Panache** · 2nd February 13, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by HighlandMike

Evening all,

Finally buying my first kilt soon, but I'm facing a bit of a dilemma. Is it poor form to sport the tartan of a clan other than one's own? If so, I'll go with Black Watch, because frankly, I can't at the moment afford my clan (£600 being a wee bit difficult).

Also, I'm looking to buy from Stillwater; any feedback on them?

Cheers,

Mike

Mike,

I have been wearing kilts on a weekly basis for eight years and I have collected a number of kilts in that time. Some of them them are universal (Black Watch, Black Stewart, Isle of Skye, etc), some are solid color (black, green), some are my family tartans (Galbraith), some are tartans from my wife's family (Mcleod, and MacNicol), and some are other clan's tartans (Lamont, MacNaughton, and now Anderson)

In that time I have never received any....ANY negative comments about the tartan or color of the kilt I was wearing from ANYONE.

My MacNaughton friends were thrilled when Walkerk and I bought MacNaughton tartans from USA Kilts. I have had proud Mcleods and Lamonts approach me in stores so happy to see their tartan.

If you would like proof that you will not offend anyone my wearing a tartan other than your own clan please look at this thread

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...sh-kilt-77837/

I was generously given an Anderson tartan kilt and please read the reactions of all the proud Andersons!

Pretty positive.

I do recommend that whatever tartan you choose you take the very small amount of time needed to look up the clan or origin of the tartan so you can answer questions when people ask about your handsome colors.

Cheers

Jamie

PS: I have 4 Stillwater heavyweights and think they are grand!

PPS: Rocky over at USA Kilts has the Galbraith tartan and it is a handsome one, well worth considering! (so says a proud Galbraith)

**llyd** · 2nd February 13, 12:10 PM

Long and short, wear what you want, after all, the kilt is about freedom....if you don't believe me, go watch Braveheart..lol....

Very few people will get upsett (hehe) those that do are perfectly welcome to urinate elswhere/ preferably up a wet rope.

**HighlandMike** · 2nd February 13, 07:31 PM

Jamie,

Thank you, the posted link was good to read. I have to ask: are those the perc ponds off of San Tomas Expressway, near Campbell? SJ native here!

**HighlandMike** · 2nd February 13, 07:34 PM

Guys,

Thank you all for the great advice and info; it seems I'll be able to get a economy-priced kilt in my wife's tartan after all, which came as a very welcome surprise! I appreciate the spirited discussion and look forward to becoming more active here.

Mike