Wearing an army or marine tartan

[Steve Ashton]

By the standards of the 2008 Scottish Register of Tartans Act. The designs called US military names would not meet the naming conventions, so would not be able to be called what we call them today.

Only the US Coast Guard has officially recognized a Tartan. And even though it is recognized, it is not part of any USCG uniform.

For example when I designed the Dress Blue Tartan, the original name requested was USMC Dress Blue. This name was rejected as I did not have or present a letter from the Corp authorizing the use of USMC. So the name became simply Dress Blue with this in the description. -

The design should be recognizable to anyone who is familiar with the Dress Blue uniform. It may be worn by anyone who has served in the US Marine Corps, who has a family member who is, or was, a Marine, or who wishes to honor those who are, or have served as, Marines.

I do not, and would never wear this Tartan to represent the Uniform of the US Marine Corps as there are no US Marine Corps Tartans and a kilt is not, and never has been, part of a US Marine Corps uniform.



On the other hand the Black Watch Tartan is worn as part of a uniform as are the MacKenzie, and many others. Anyone may wear those designs and never raise an eyebrow.

So it comes down to the intent of the wearer. Is that person wearing a military uniform? If so are they a member of that unit?

And that, really is what it comes down to. Is someone trying to be something they are not.


As the US military Tartans are not part of a uniform, and are designed simply to honor that particular branch or unit, anyone who wears it with respect may do so. At least in my personal opinion.