Buchanan Mess

[Joshua]

Meh... I have tartan envy... there is Davidson or Davidson of Tulloch, in ancient, modern and weathered. There are a handful of unauthorized Davidson tartans as well but for the most part I have about 3 different tartans, in about 3 different shades.

*of readily available, non-custom weave

[ctbuchanan]

Not withstanding all the choices - and believe me I know that there are many - if your goal in wearing the Buchanan tartan is to be recognized as a member of the clan then you should limit your choice to one of two.

The most commonly worn Buchanan tartans are the ancient and the modern. These will be instantly recognized by your fellow clan members and by others as well. (Perhaps the two most easily recognized Scottish tartans are Buchanan and Macleod (yellow)). Which weaver you choose is a matter of taste on the actual hues (which shouldn't differ that much) and width of the sett.

The ancient with it's more subtle colors requires a careful touch when matching jackets, vests, hose etc. The modern with its bold navy blue, forest green, red etc obviously lends itself to a much more dynamic palette. The choice is yours.

The hunting (modern) is another popular choice especially among younger men in our family especially those who have been in the military for some reason. They like the dark green etc. But it is less easily recognized as a Buchanan tartan.

While the weathered and reproduction have started to gain in popularity, my experience is that it is a 3rd or 4th kilt choice. When attending a clan event, especially anything formal, the ancient or modern is the better choice. But, that is strictly my opinion.

If you are simply attracted to the tartan and are not concerned with the clan affiliation aspect, then you can certainly choose whichever of our wonderful Buchanan tartans you prefer.

[Vegan Scot]

Wonderful answers all, especially paulhenry and Matt for the links as a refresher course. To be honest those responses were probably more what I was looking for anyway instead of many answers to all the "particulars" I listed.

The ancient with it's more subtle colors requires a careful touch when matching jackets, vests, hose etc. The modern with its bold navy blue, forest green, red etc obviously lends itself to a much more dynamic palette. The choice is yours.

This is my lack of experience showing but in what way are subtle colors more difficult to match (what would Jock say? ) with jackets, hose, etc?

[Geoff Withnell]

Meh... I have tartan envy... there is Davidson or Davidson of Tulloch, in ancient, modern and weathered. There are a handful of unauthorized Davidson tartans as well but for the most part I have about 3 different tartans, in about 3 different shades.

*of readily available, non-custom weave

Clan Davidson Society USA lists also a "Davidson Double", "Davidson Half", and "Davidson of Tulloch Blue" beyond the usually ancient/modern/weathered variations. I'm not sure who would "authorize a tartan. The Davidson Double dates back to 1847, so it is hardly a new thing.

http://www.clandavidsonusa.com/our-tartan/

[piperdbh]

I'm not sure who would "authorize a tartan. The Davidson Double dates back to 1847, so it is hardly a new thing.

http://www.clandavidsonusa.com/our-tartan/

From what I've read, the Chief decides which tartan will be the "authorized" one. If a clan has no chief, it seems to me that any of them would be alright to wear. Moreover, my clan's tartan dates to 1996, and has the modern, weathered and ancient colors available. I like to see all three of them together, not just everybody wearing the same one. It's more interesting that way.
If it were me wanting to wear the Davidson, I'd get a kilt made in one of the less-famous ones, such as the "half".

[ctbuchanan]

"This is my lack of experience showing but in what way are subtle colors more difficult to match"

I only say that because I am fashion challenged! The ancient has more natural colors, say a moss green, pale orange, a pale blue etc. It is only to my eye, perhaps, but I find it more difficult to find complimentary colors to go with that. The colors in the modern are more straightforward I guess.

But that being said - there are many tweeds from Scotland that do go with the ancient, it just takes more forethought on my part. You may find that not to be the case.

[Vegan Scot]

"This is my lack of experience showing but in what way are subtle colors more difficult to match"

I only say that because I am fashion challenged! The ancient has more natural colors, say a moss green, pale orange, a pale blue etc. It is only to my eye, perhaps, but I find it more difficult to find complimentary colors to go with that. The colors in the modern are more straightforward I guess.

But that being said - there are many tweeds from Scotland that do go with the ancient, it just takes more forethought on my part. You may find that not to be the case.

Hm, earth tones and natural colors are my fortè! I might put some thought into the Weathered.

Of course if your vegan beliefs exclude any animal products you're are left with only one choice

Meat, dairy, eggs (and usually leather) are still out. Scottish wool might get a one-off pass.