American tartans

[Tobus]

I find it oddly ironic that the most popular tartan of all time, Black Watch (in modern colours), is even darker and more drab than the American Heritage tartan.

This thread does touch on a subject that seems to split opinions in the tartan-wearing world. Some folks really love bright, colourful tartans. Others hate it, and want something very dark which doesn't leap out of a person's outfit to slap people in the face. In the old days before tartan proliferation got out of hand, if someone were choosing a universal tartan along these lines, they often would opt for either Royal Stewart (red-based) or Black Stewart (primarily black). Rocky, one of the reasons I think your American Heritage tartan appeals to a lot of people is because it has the same general character as Black Stewart, while being a distinctly American-themed tartan. But obviously, it won't appeal to those who want a bright cheerful tartan. The American (District) and American Bicentennial tartans serve that purpose in their own right.