Outlander tartans: Questions

[figheadair]

Also, the actual MacKenzie tartan is similar to the Armstrong and Davidson tartans, and the Fraser tartan has a lot of red, blue, and green. I know that the tartans weren't necessarrily associated with clans until later than what Outlander is set (I think. I can't remember the years), so I see no need to order these tartans other than 1) supporting a business, and 2) being a fan of the show.

Whilst the MacKenzie has overall similarities with the Armstrong and Davidson tartans it is technically quite different; it is in fact simply the Government (Black Watch) tartan with a red and white over stripe.

The concept of clan tartans began around 1800, some two generations after the events depicted in the Outlander series.

[OC Richard]

Seems to me that they just took out the brown line in the middle of the grey block, to transform Weathered MacKay into the generic Outlander tartan.

Then they added coloured lines here and there to create different tartans for their various clans, which have nothing to do with the actual tartans of those clans, seems to me.

[dcommini]

Seems to me that they just took out the brown line in the middle of the grey block, to transform Weathered MacKay into the generic Outlander tartan.

Then they added coloured lines here and there to create different tartans for their various clans, which have nothing to do with the actual tartans of those clans, seems to me.

Instead some of the thread where Terry the costume designer from Outlander was so gracious to talk to us and saw where they were wanting to go with more of an earthy feel for the garb. I understand well where the design team is coming from, however I do wish that the tartans could be a bit more vibrant and closer to historically accurate. I understand that it is a TV show, not a documentary, and it is ultimately up to the designers to bring the show together.

It doesn't stop me from enjoying the show, but what does is how when I wear my GK (which I do plenty in the winter) people assume it's because I am a huge fan of the show even though I've been wearing a kilt for 10 years.

[dcommini]

Whilst the MacKenzie has overall similarities with the Armstrong and Davidson tartans it is technically quite different; it is in fact simply the Government (Black Watch) tartan with a red and white over stripe.

I didn't mean to imply that the tartans were the same, just that they had similar colors.

The concept of clan tartans began around 1800, some two generations after the events depicted in the Outlander series.

Ah, thank you. I was thinking it was towards the end of the 1700's, but still after Outlander was set.

[Katia]

The concept of clan tartans began around 1800, some two generations after the events depicted in the Outlander series.

I had wondered about this while reading it, but wasn't sure if I was mixing up my history.

When did the modern style of kilt come into play? That was the other thing I wondered as I went, and forgot to look up.

Then they added coloured lines here and there to create different tartans for their various clans, which have nothing to do with the actual tartans of those clans, seems to me.

Which seems strange to me, because I recall Gabaldon describing different tartans (whether they were accurate to the actual clans she was writing about, I don't know, as I didn't bother to check it out at the time, and didn't want to find the specific pages again later-- though it was at least the Fraser tartan that this particular edition had on the cover jacket) and you would think they might make an effort; it's not like it's that difficult. (The clans would not be able to withhold permission to use their tartans for the show, right?)

[Dughlas mor]

There are others here who know much more than me, but to my knowledge there were few (if any?) recognized clan tartans at the time of the "45." The philabeg, or small kilt existed then, but the modern 8 yard, knife pleated kilt didn`t come into existence until at least a hundred years later, probably more. If you want to learn the history of kilts and tartan, first thing is forget about "Outlander."

[freep]

There are others here who know much more than me, but to my knowledge there were few (if any?) recognized clan tartans at the time of the "45." The philabeg, or small kilt existed then, but the modern 8 yard, knife pleated kilt didn`t come into existence until at least a hundred years later, probably more. If you want to learn the history of kilts and tartan, first thing is forget about "Outlander."

I've not seen any philabegs or modern kilts on the show, they've all been great kilts. It's my understanding they wanted tartans but specifically didn't want clan tartans since as you note, there weren't any at that time. It's also my understanding the different tartans don't actually represent clans, they just didn't want everyone wearing the same to avoid the look of 'uniforms.' In the course of filming, the tartan costumes worn by various characters lent the names to the tartans they wear.

[figheadair]

It's my understanding they wanted tartans but specifically didn't want clan tartans since as you note, there weren't any at that time.

What's so sad, from an historical perspective, is that they chose to invent tartans using colours that were not typical of those favoured by mid-18th century Highlanders. This of course was not the only departure from traditional dress .

[OC Richard]

Yes sad, in a way, because there are quite a few paintings clearly showing the dress of that period which could have been used as "inspiration" for the show costumes.

As far as the colours go, of course they're simply appropriated from Reproduction/Weathered colours, and were chosen because they agreed with the muted earth-tone palette which had been chosen for the show. (Saying that the tartans were "invented" for the show is being generous in my opinion; in music, Hollywood calls it a "comp".)

In like manner a quite un-military tartan was chosen for Tunes Of Glory probably because of the brown tones which created a smooth overall effect with the khaki tunics etc.

But otherwise Tunes Of Glory followed military uniform (AFAIK) and Outlander could have followed mid-18th century Highland Dress.

[DWFII]

It's my understanding they wanted tartans but specifically didn't want clan tartans since as you note, there weren't any at that time. It's also my understanding the different tartans don't actually represent clans, they just didn't want everyone wearing the same to avoid the look of 'uniforms.'

Pretty sure that in the film at least Jamie is determined to be "marrit" in a Fraser tartan. Not sure where exactly he gets it..maybe Murtagh?...but I do seem to remember a scene in the stables(?) where he remarks on it.

FWIW...