Kilt Etiquette

[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

[TheOfficialBren]

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]

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]

Even in Scotland itself, They Will Never Know.

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

[Chas]

"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]

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

[Chas]

I have probably expressed myself badly. Sorry to come across so forcefully. What I am trying to say is that the average Scotsman will know quite well the tartans that are associated with him, his family, his environment and his own history.

But no one would expect him or anyone else to know all the nuances of all the tartans of clans in far remote parts of the country. Our OP is in California and I would expect the general public there to have a far lesser knowledge of tartans in general and individual ones in particular.

Regards

Chas

[Nik]

With repect to swk. What kind were you thinking of getting? I own two by them the wool economy and a trifty. I will tell you right now for your first don't get the thrifty. I would encourage you to get a standard, economy wool or a hw (heavy weight) wool. Reason being you'll get better quality and the difference in price is nothing to scoff at.

While swk is great to start out you will hear from many here that a personally tailored kilt is the best way to go. For that there are places like USAK (USA Kilts) who can cover a good range with their PV tartans. If you dont plan to get one as your first you may want to for a custom tailored one later.

Last note about the kils from swk. The Standard is made of acrylic so you may need to learn yo press pleats as they tend to loose their crease after awhile. The economy wool is a 5 year kilt so is a bit lighter then most wool kilts. The HW are about 7 to 8 yards and a lot of peole say they are the best price for an 8 yeard kilt. Some facts to keep in mind when choosing.

And welcome to the rabble.

-Nik

[Father Bill]

To me, it sort of depends.

If you wear a shirt woven in Black Watch, you're not making any claim to military connection. If you wear a shirt woven in MacOnion tartan, it may be that you just liked the look. My pyjama pants are woven in a fashion tartan. That doesn't mean that my backside is fashionable. (Far, far, far from it!)

BUT

To me a tartan in a kilt isn't just because it's pretty; it's sort of a nametag. Would you wear somebody else's nametag?

[David Thorpe]

What I am trying to say is that the average Scotsman will know quite well the tartans that are associated with him, his family, his environment and his own history.

And, IMHO, therein lies the rub. People of the clan who's tartan is being worn will likely recognize it and be curious about the (assumed) kinsman who they have not yet met wearing it. An innocent and friendly inquiry could very likely ensue. It would be good to have an answer for such a question which shows respect for the tartan and to those who hold it in high regard.

There are hundreds of tartans not associated with a specific clan in virtually every color combination imaginable from which to choose, as well as tartans that, while having a connection to a clan, are considered to be "universal". Black Watch and Royal Stewart are two which fit this category.