Quote Originally Posted by davidlpope View Post

This tartan, as portrayed by MacIan is described by Logan as "the full-dress pattern of the chief." According to D.C. Stewart, this sett first appeared in the VS and was first worn by the Chief in 1829. So, this is good evidence that in Logan's day (1845) there was an understanding of dress tartans being worn by men on formal occasions.
Well, yes and no. This is actually the "personal tartan" of the Chief, so it really wasn't intended to be a clan tartan. It was also, as I recall, predominately gray, not white, as is the modern "Dress" M'Pherson.

Although I can't speak to the antiquity of "dress tartans", I can reaffirm what Jock has said-- tailors always told their clients that the dress tartan was intended to be worn at formal gatherings-- by men. Now whether that was true, or just a ruse to sell another kilt, I wouldn't know. I've never thought it odd to see a gentlemen so kilted at a tartan ball, but always thought it looked a bit unusual to see a "dress tartan" worn with a hairy tweed jack at the Highland games.

But then I'd think it looked odd if I saw someone at a matinee performance of a ballet in white tie-- I suppose it is all down to dressing for the occasion.