Is Standardization of a Clans' Tartan Fabric Important or Not?

[figheadair]

QUOTE=Braw Cathairneach;1377437]Can any of our SME’s please opine on tartan fabric standardization? Are variances in color and pattern between different mills an issue for clan tartan kilts? Should clans recommend, sanction, or recognize any particular mill as providing a clan standard? My quest includes a similar query to the Tartan Authority. Hopefully a reply is pending. My quest also includes requesting sample tartan fabric swatches from different mills for a comparative evaluation. It would be terrific to decide if or how important standardization of color and pattern may or may not be from various mills.[/QUOTE]

Your email to the STA will come to me but as I'm here.

Colour and pattern are obviously two different things. Colours; red, blue, green etc., are standardised, you are referring to the shade/hue, which are not. In historical terms, there has never been standardisation of shades or setting and some variation has always occurred because of local variations and preferences.

In terms of the pattern, which the overall impression (proportions) should be the same there have always been adjustments to fit the circumstances, for example; the setting is often reduced and the proportions altered for light weight material used for things such as ties. Conversely, weaving a tartan carpet might require a different configuration.

There is no standardisation, to try and impose it would be unworkable and would detract from the beauty and tradition of tartan. Other than pipebands, the military etc., there is no requirement for uniformity, tartan and highland dress should be able personal preference and individual taste.