The wearing of hunting, muted or ancient kilts.

[Reiver]

I've searched with no joy.
Wondering if a proper 8 yard muted, ancient or hunting Kilt would be proper wear for formal/informal events or just informal?
This in lieu of, say, the most predominant modern sett/color.
Thanks.

[Jock Scot]

I think that you are overthinking this. In the days when some clans had a dress(formal) tartan and when dress(formal) tartans were really in some ways almost a complication to dressing formally, we need to remember that only the "modern" colours in tartan were the alternative. We do also need to remember that formal attire was not for the multitude anyway.

The "ancient" and "muted" options are a fairly modern idea-------I can well remember my father causing absolute consternation within the family when he had a new kilt made with that "new fangled ancient" hue----- and I think the "muted" hue was an even more recent introduction. Basically its just another way for the weavers to sell more cloth. There are no rules on which tartan hue can/should be worn for formal events and even Clan dress(formal) tartans are not as often seen as they once were. The only thing to consider is the aesthetics of the tartan and that is down to the eye of the beholder to a great extent, however, I am not at all sure that all "muted" tartans will pass the aesthetic test for formal wear.

[Reiver]

Not trying to overthink it Jock...just wondering about the modern acceptance or usage of these new 'colors' in a formal setting.
Is it seen in a formal setting and if so often or the odd duck?
This question revolves around a purchase as I do not plan on multiple 8 yard kilts, just one, so it must do all so to speak.
Thanks Jock.

[ASinclair]

I have just one kilt, Sinclair Hunting in Old Colors. Since we convene for our clan, I wear it to about a half dozen Highland Games every year and 3 or 4 black tie affairs. I think it looks fine for formal wear. Here is a picture.

[Reiver]

Looks very smart Allen. I do like the hunting colors for their earthier tones.

[ctbuchanan]

I recently purchased an 8 yard in the Buchanan Ancient specifically for more formal occasions. While I love the brilliance of the Buchanan Modern that I've worn for years I felt that the more muted tones of the Ancient fit better in a more formal setting.

[Reiver]

To illuminate a bit more.

This will most likely be worn in Scotland at a formal affair when we attend the 5 year Clan gathering.

If in ancient or hunting would that be a faux pas or a who cares?

Jock indicates a might look out of place in a formal setting......

BTW Jock am considering an ancient or hunting not a muted.

[ASinclair]

To illuminate a bit more.

This will most likely be worn in Scotland at a formal affair when we attend the 5 year Clan gathering.

If in ancient or hunting would that be a faux pas or a who cares?

Jock indicates a might look out of place in a formal setting......

I think Jock was saying that the non-modern coloring schemes might not look right in formal attire depending on the tartan. I'm sure Jock will correct me if I have put words in his mouth.

[Mike S]

To be frank, some tartans look better in the ancient and weathered color options. If for no other reason than that, they are often the preferred option aesthetically.

Since many (really most) of the tartan related "regulations" are of recent manufacture like the patterns themselves, I think that if it looks good, you will do just fine with your preference.

[Cygnus]

As many others have stated, it really doesn't matter the actual hues in the tartan. There are often colour differences in "modern" tartan cloth, sometimes even from the same mill. If the tartan represents what you want it to (clan/family, organizational affiliation, a charity or cause, etc.) and the colours work well for a formal setting to you and maybe a handful of others (your significant other typically being the most important), then go for it.

I do agree with Jock that some weathered tartans wouldn't pass muster as they look a bit dusty, drab, and/or dirty, but I think most other tartan colour schemes can hold their own in a formal setting.