Allowed tartans

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 20th July 06, 01:24 PM

I would also admit to the same feelings as Matt's MacIntyre customer - because I really like the Oliphant/Melville tartan, but would not feel comfortable wearing it.

Actually, it wasn't that he didn't feel comfortable wearing his mother's tartan. He told me that he really wanted to wear her tartan, but was told once by the proprietor of another kilt shop that he was not allowed to wear it. He had to wear his father's tartan.

I clarified things for him, and I think he eventually ended up in a kilt in his mom's tartan, and very happy with it.

M

**Macman** · 20th July 06, 01:42 PM

Actually, it wasn't that he didn't feel comfortable wearing his mother's tartan. He told me that he really wanted to wear her tartan, but was told once by the proprietor of another kilt shop that he was not allowed to wear it. He had to wear his father's tartan.

Matt, I have been told the same thing. Over the years I can think of a couple of local stores where the proprietors would have been quite adamant about this (that only Dad's tartan could be worn). At the time I took that as gospel! I'm glad he ended up with what he liked and felt good about it.
I guess I tend not to think of tartans as my mother's or father's, but as my own (but not in the exclusive sense). For example, if I had been born to a single mother named Oliphant, and that was my surname too, then that would be the clan tartan I would want to wear.

**Prester John** · 20th July 06, 02:20 PM

You guys are funny.

Ever hear the saying "He who pays the piper calls the tune,"?

He who pays the tailor gets what he wants. It is your money, after all.

Now, I am completely supportive of Clan ID with tartans, but I cannot think of a higher compliment for a non-clan member than to wear the clan tartan!

If I'm spending my exceptionally scarce money on clothing, I'm gonna wear what I want to wear. Period.

Now go and do likewise. And if anyone gives you any trouble about it, just tell them Fr. John said it was okay.

**Ruanaidh** · 20th July 06, 02:27 PM

So, Father, I have your blessing to buy a new kilt???

**Sir Robert** · 21st July 06, 01:26 PM

I too have a connection to a sept of Gordon. However I love the fact that I can buy Clan Gordon kilts inexpensively. Get real $100 is better (for Gordon)than $500 for an obscure tartan.

I served alongside the Black Watch in Iraq so I have a connection to them too, I love the low prices.

**James** · 21st July 06, 11:31 PM

In view of the length of this chain, and the many variant views, I have decided to start a new one, with what I know will be a contentious post, but here are some things which must be said.

James