Quote Originally Posted by David Thorpe View Post
"Dress" has become, at least in some circles, the term used to describe tartans with white fields most often worn by Highland dancers. A perusal of "Dress" clan tartan listings will bear this out. Our small clan has not had an official dress tartan for over 150 years, so MacTavish (and many Thompson) girls have had to choose another clan's tartan for competition. Our Chief has remedied that, with my thanks on the girls' behalf.
David , I like this tartan , I will have to admit that some dress tartans don't appeal to my eye and some do , ( just personal preference) but I do like this one .

Also , I get where you are coming from . You are letting us know that Clan MacTavish now has a dress tartan which was approved by the Clan Chief .

The fact that dancers often wear " dress tartans " was just a side note . MacTavish dancers now have a choice .

Other than that , I don't think there was a " trans-Atlantic divergence of definition " .

It didn't appear to me that you misunderstood the definition of " dress tartan " . Only pointing out that the MacTavish Clan now has a " dress tartan " and that it can be used by dancers if desired .

You can rest easy Jock , I don't think there is a muddle here .