Questions about Flashes and other "Accessories"

[rllewis]

First, I know that the kilt is not part of a uniform, and that there are no real rules about what to wear with it. I also know that there are traditions and fashion no-no’s that many take as sacred. It is because of the second statement above that I ask these questions. Especially since the only two kilts I wore previously to my new one was either as a uniform in a military honor guard, or one that all the “accessories” were purchased for me by my uncle and they all matched his traditional sense of what should be worn with a kilt.

The questions are: Is in considered to be okay by traditionalist and/or the fashion police to wear Flashes made in a different tartan that the kilt? Since several of us got the United Scots American tartan for our kilts, a few of us want to show a little bit of another tartan from our clans, professions or military background. Does it make a difference if they are similar or not?

The second question is this: My brother would like to wear a hat pin from one clan and a kilt pin of another to show the Scottish connection on both sides of the family. Is this considered okay?

Thanks.
Robert +

[Father Bill]

Hi Robert.

As you say, there are no rules, but for any traditionalists, mixing clans is a big, big no-no.

[Jock Scot]

For both of your questions the answer is, no. Why? In the long run, it causes less upset that way. Most times, I doubt that anyone will notice and those that do notice will probably not bother, BUT there are those that do care and they care a lot! Inter Clan histories and forgiveness only goes so far, particularly in Scotland, in the beer tent. So its just one of those social "niceties" that is observed by many not to mix tartans and insignia of different Clans.

By the way, welcome from Inverness-shire.

[Tobus]

On the first question, mixing tartans is a bit of a faux pas, even if they aren't two different clans (which yours wouldn't be). But to take it a step further, tartan flashes by themselves are a bit of an oddity. They are not really traditional. Red flashes (or better yet, red woollen garter ties) would be the safe bet if you want to have a traditional look.

On mixing clan crests/pins/etc., no. Just ...no.

[James Hood]

Personal preference in flashes is having a number of sets in solid hues and worn to complement the kilt and hose.

[creagdhubh]

For both of your questions the answer is, no. Why? In the long run, it causes less upset that way. Most times, I doubt that anyone will notice and those that do notice will probably not bother, BUT there are those that do care and they care a lot! Inter Clan histories and forgiveness only goes so far, particularly in Scotland, in the beer tent. So its just one of those social "niceties" that is observed by many not to mix tartans and insignia of different Clans.

By the way, welcome from Inverness-shire.

I agree completely. Excellent points raised, Jock. Go with plain coloured flashes, mate.

[Son of the Rock]

As has already been mentioned, tartan themselves are a little more of a modern thing, and plain flashes are considered more traditional. I'm still like them, though and like to have both plain and tartan flashes in my wardrobe, giving me the choice. I wouldn't however, choose to mix tartans in highland dress. As far as I know, this actually used to be done a long time ago with fly plaids, but is now considered by most in modern times to look off.

In this situation, it seems like it would difficult to acquire tartan flashes to match your kilt, though. Plain flashes that match on of your kilts stripes, would be good bet.

[Manxstralian]

For both of your questions the answer is, no. Why? In the long run, it causes less upset that way. Most times, I doubt that anyone will notice and those that do notice will probably not bother, BUT there are those that do care and they care a lot! Inter Clan histories and forgiveness only goes so far, particularly in Scotland, in the beer tent. So its just one of those social "niceties" that is observed by many not to mix tartans and insignia of different Clans.

Without wishing to hijack this thread, how would that apply to someone like myself; I have no clan affiliation, yet when I have gone kilted to formal events (weddings usually), my partner has insisted that I wear a MacLean kilt pin on my Manx tartan.
It slightly bothers me as I would never wear a MacLean tartan unless I married her, but after almost ten years of being together I'm as close to family as I could be with the exception of the ring. Generally, I put up some resistance, but occasionally accede to her wishes. Am I committing a faux-pas in this circumstance, especially from your traditional perspective Jock (and Kyle)? Something tells me I am, but then it could be argued that she is my common law wife and therefore I am technically part of Clan MacLean.

EDIT: The kilt pin in question was a gift from my "Mother in Law" at the MacLean Clan Gathering, so it carries extra sentimental value as well, however I'm just not a "if you can buy it, you can wear it" kind of guy.

Cheers,

Cameron

[Father Bill]

Umm. Yeah. One man, one clan. Pick one and stick with it.

[unixken]

Without wishing to hijack this thread, how would that apply to someone like myself; I have no clan affiliation, yet when I have gone kilted to formal events (weddings usually), my partner has insisted that I wear a MacLean kilt pin on my Manx tartan.

Our U.S. members will likely understand this more, but imagine that you lived on the West Virginia and Kentucky state line, in the USA, right after the civil war, and you wore a Hatfield crest with your McCoy kilt.

You, yourself, may not have the slightest problem with it. But rather than picking one or the other and only upsetting half of Appalachia, you mixed the two and angered both sides.