Advice on MacDonald "Lord of the Isles" Tartan

[CollinMacD]

Thank you so much Peter, I was waiting to hear that. I just love the tartan, so you advise wearing the red with black, can you put an illustration of what you mean? Thanks

One other question, what is the meaning of the muted colors, I really don't understand about the background, is this just a personal preference of a person who does not want to wear bright colors, or is there a purpose or reason behind it. Just don't understand the muted or weather looks? Again thanks, I learn so much from your posts....

[Liam]

Your other comment regarding the MacDonald dress tartan ..... yes it probably can be worn by all, but these tartans IMHO are better suited to the lassies.
Others here may have a different opinion.

[CollinMacD]

Your other comment regarding the MacDonald dress tartan ..... yes it probably can be worn by all, but these tartans IMHO are better suited to the lassies.
Others here may have a different opinion.

I agree, for some reason if I got a kilt with the MacDonald Dress tartan, I would constantly think I was wearing a winters scarf, as it has been commercially produced so much in hats, scarves, mittens, sweaters, shirts, flannel pajamas, and such. Like the Stewart, Campbell Blackwatch, and several others.

I think, because of Peter's comments I will go with MacDonald, the two older examples he depicted in his last post, depending upon how much it would cost to weave. Just love the simplicity, and colors of that tartan, little different than the Modern Dress Clanranald that I normally wear, that looks like so many others.

[figheadair]

Thank you so much Peter, I was waiting to hear that. I just love the tartan, so you advise wearing the red with black, can you put an illustration of what you mean? Thanks

Here's Stewart's 1893 plate.
1. The Lord Of The Isles-2.jpg

One other question, what is the meaning of the muted colors, I really don't understand about the background, is this just a personal preference of a person who does not want to wear bright colors, or is there a purpose or reason behind it. Just don't understand the muted or weather looks? Again thanks, I learn so much from your posts....

Muted colours are just another commercial colour range. They, or any other range, are a matter of personal preference - see my paper The Use of Color in Tartan. Personally I'm not really a fan of any of the commercial ranges because they break the traditional practice of counterbalancing colours rather than going for a uniform range of each in an individual range. Just look at any of my papers that discuss historical specimens.

Given your background I wonder why you are not considering one of the older red based tartans associated with the Clanranalds branch such as MacDonald of Belfinlay or MacDonald of Glenaladale? Both would need to be a special weave but that’s not an outrageous expense and has the benefit of you being able to choose the colours/shades and importantly, the sett size.. If you’re considering a new kilt why not take the time to get the tartan you want in the colour range you’d prefer.