Selecting the “right” tartan version

[Bruce Scott]

I’m looking for guidance/collective wisdom on how to select the “right” tartan from amongst the various versions available.

I am specifically concerned with Clan Hamilton. The Tartan Registry shows three versions (Hamilton, Hamilton hunting, Hamilton green hunting). If I go to someplace like USA Kilts, they list twelve different variants!

Some specific questions:

- Are hunting versions of a tartan appropriate for any occasion - or should they be reserved for “casual” attire?

- Is there a provenance for various alternates (like “ancient”, “modern”, or “muted”) - or are they just variations created by different weavers?

I want to try to stay “authentic” but I definitely have some personal preferences among the various options that I’ve encountered (and I’m sure there are more!). I’m just looking for some “best practice” when it comes to choosing.

Thanks!

This Tartan Terminology article by Matthew Newsome may be of interest:

https://albanach.org/tartan-terminology-a1089ca81ad8