If you could only have one

[Farmer Jones]

I actually prefer greens as well. I can see that a green or brown would go eminently well with the Maple Leaf, but not at all with the other. If there was a bit of green in it, it would be my choice.

[creagdhubh]

I actually prefer greens as well. I can see that a green or brown would go eminently well with the Maple Leaf, but not at all with the other. If there was a bit of green in it, it would be my choice.

What I typically do when deciding on which tweed to go with in regards to my Highland Dress (besides ordering actual tweed swatches), is to download (by means of copy and pasting) and save onto my computer desktop an electronic version of the tweed swatch, along with an electronic version of the tartan (though I do realise that computer monitors will indeed vary, so in regards to overall tonality and hue, this is simply a rough guide/strategy), and place them side by side to determine what will work, and what won't. This is a rather quick and efficient way to get an idea if a particular tweed pattern/colour will work well with a particular tartan or not. Process of elimination is the name of the game.

So, with that being said, here are several other tweed samples (some louder than others) you may find interesting:

[ForresterModern]

What I typically do when deciding on which tweed to go with in regards to my Highland Dress (besides ordering actual tweed swatches), is to download (by means of copy and pasting) and save onto my computer desktop an electronic version of the tweed swatch, along with an electronic version of the tartan (though I do realise that computer monitors will indeed vary, so in regards to overall tonality and hue, this is simply a rough guide/strategy), and place them side by side to determine what will work, and what won't. This is a rather quick and efficient way to get an idea if a particular tweed pattern/colour will work well with a particular tartan or not. Process of elimination is the name of the game.

So, with that being said, here are several other tweed samples (some louder than others) you may find interesting:

This is one of my favorite tweeds, the olive green with navy windowpane check. That and a slightly lighter version with a tan windowpane check are my go to tweeds for just about any tartan I can think of wearing. With certain tartans they are a bit matchy matchy--like with my IOS or DFT kilts---and with others they are a bit clashy---like my Ancient Red Douglas, which is a very strong tartan. But your tartans, albeit from different "color seasons" (Maple Leaf in Autumn colors and the other tartan more of a Winter palette) should still be able to work with a lot of tweeds. As others have said let your kilt stand alone with whatever tweed you wear, then pull the package together with hose, flashes, tie, shirt, pocket square, and bonnet if you are going that way.
Or take the native Scots approach and grab this jacket (possibly your one and only), that waistcoat (may or may not be of the same tweed or not tweed at all), whatever shirt is most forward in your closet, then choose your best regimental tie and solid hose, with red flashes, and head out for the day.

[McMurdo]

A herringbone pattern may work well, as has been said from a distance it will look grey. Here is a photo of me in my Maple Leaf tartan with a Charcoal Grey Argyll and waistcoat combination.



While this is a fine look it is one that is almost as ubiquitous as a black argyll with chrome buttons or a P.C. As I have grown in kilt wearing my tastes have changed and become bolder and not as safe for lack of a better term. I think a Brown argyll is a wonderful way to go and I can tell you that you will not see a whole lot of other gents wearing one the same colour



Of course you can also go for a bolder tweed which either goes with everything or it doesn't but either way it doesn't matter

[Downunder Kilt]

I also like and favour the brown tweeds for a day jacket

Unknown Estate Tweed in light brown

[Nathan]

I think these pics might help you see that the same jacket can be worn with different tartans to equally pleasing effect:

Beige small houndstooth tweed with blue, black, brown, green and burnt orange worn in various configurations with three different tartans.

MacDonald of Clanranald ancient

B821669205Z.1_20140720135147_000_GJF19M41B.3_Portrait.jpg

Nathan MacDonald.jpg

MacDonald of Clanranald modern
10330242_645079495562902_6339265217817171360_n.jpg

MacDonald of Clanranald modern with MacDonald of MacDonald modern tartan plaid
20140524_112056_zps0e7a67a7.jpg

MacDonald of MacDonald modern tartan
IMG_20140323_094449.jpg

1385290_10152283327321041_127161819_n_zps9f4b5d5d.jpg

Now check out the same three kilts, worn with a lovat green jacket:

IMG_2438.jpg

bowfire.jpg

Scottish Festival - Rideau Acres May 25, 2013 - Nathan Bishop MacDonald in Highland Kilt.jpg

Nathan Michelle and Jim.jpg

It's the choice of accessories that make it all work.

[ASinclair]

You might consider brown, herringbone, Harris Tweed.

IMG_0123.jpg

[MacGumerait]

Wonderful pics gents !

The OP asked for some advice and voila ... he not only gets suggestions but some great pics that offer a wide range of visual aides .

Another perfect example of how XMark members try to share info and help each other out . Sorry , didn't mean to get off topic , just had to express this thought .

Back on topic .... Farmer Jones , I think you will be fine with a green based tweed or a grey based tweed . Either should go well with both tartans . It probably comes down to your own personal taste . My personal favorite is the brown / tan based tweeds .... they look quite smart with any red , blue , green or brown based tartan .

Best of luck on your selection .

Cheers , Mike

[Farmer Jones]

Thank you. As I alluded to in my question, the colour matching that is possible to make a suit presentable, is extensive with tartans. And I really do want a green. I, like ForresterModern, find the second from the bottom in creagdhubh's post, particularly appealing. I was not sure I was brave enough to select what I actually wanted, without asking first. I am particularly grateful to Nathan, who is, as a well dressed a gentleman, exactly what my mother would approve. I just need to know that if a situation does arise where I have to dress down this tartan, that it could reasonably be done with the same jacket.

[Wil]

I think that a hounds tooth goes well with everything. I have 3 jackets and my hounds tooth checked jacket and waist coat are my favorites and get worn the most. The base colour is camel with dark teal, chocolate and tan checks, make sure that your buttons are of quality (real elk horn not plastic). The waist coat makes for a more "formal" look but if you prefer just wear the jacket and on "special" occasions sport the waist coat.