I also feel there is an element to this discussion that bears note. Tartans all have different visual elements to them. Colors, stripe width, sett size all contribute to very different looks. So trying to determine a hard and fast rule for all tartans for what should or shouldn't be worn above the waist or not doesn't quite work. Take a look at this photo of Alan Cumming that Matt Newsome posted

Quote Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome View Post

Now I like this outfit a lot (except for the boots) and would happily wear it.

But instead of this lovely green based tartan (Clan Cumming I assume) lets imagine that this outfit was made in Mcleod of Lewis, Barclay, or Buchanan. I don't think that I would like it nearly as much. In fact while it might work on stage at a rock concert I think it would be clown-like in person. Sort of like how some tartans really lend themselves to working with trews but others don't.

So the tartan itself, as well as how it is worn and along with the other attributes of an outfit is just one more factor to consider.

Cheers

Jamie