Tartans other than your family?

**westy1970** · 6th October 10, 08:33 AM

I have an offer for a kilt though the tartan is not even close to any association to that family. What is the consensus on wearing tartans other than yours?

**Jock Scot** · 6th October 10, 08:40 AM

Originally Posted by westy1970

I have an offer for a kilt though the tartan is not even close to any association to that family. What is the consensus on wearing tartans other than yours?

Well, I would not do so.If I had served in a Highland regiment, or I was in a pipe band, then alright.

**JerseyLawyer** · 6th October 10, 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Well, I would not do so.If I had served in a Highland regiment, or I was in a pipe band, then alright.

Indeed, if you play with a band, then you wear what the band wears. Though I still wear the kilt I bought for a now-defunct band - it's in the Nova Scotia tartan, so I don't feel guilty about it. Coming from a family of pipers, and having played with a variety of bands, we probably have 12-15 kilts in the house, in a variety of tartans... none of which are of our clan affiliation. :P I could probably outfit an entire family of Robertsons, Macleans of Duart, or MacNeils (of Barra).

I plan to fix that, by the by, since I'm not playing so much anymore, and want my clan tartan for more general wear to Scottish events. Christmas is coming.

**xman** · 6th October 10, 08:40 AM

There are no Plaid Police. I will wear what I like, but I have plenty of choices that are 'close' to my heart.

**denmcdough** · 6th October 10, 08:45 AM

Some folks are very staunch about their kilts, and will only wear a family connected tartan. However, there's no law stating that you can't wear another family's tartan. I would, however, look into the history of that family's tartan so you can inform people about the kilt when you get asked, "Is that your family tartan," or "What tartan is that?"

Good luck with your choice. There are many!

**westy1970** · 6th October 10, 08:50 AM

Thanks for the imput, so far. My actual lines to Scotland are Jackson, which has only recently had a Tartan and Hannah. I usually wear Blackwatch because of my military background and our Division authorized it with Class B uniform when we were supporting Highland games. It's a nice tartan, though. I have some other research to do before deciding whether or not to get it.

**piperdbh** · 6th October 10, 09:09 AM

Jock has given you the traditional viewpoint. Others have given you the contemporary viewpoint. Now the choice is yours.

**CaseyB** · 6th October 10, 09:20 AM

If I only wore my family tartan I wouldn't have a single kilt! ;)

**Jock Scot** · 6th October 10, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by CaseyB

If I only wore my family tartan I wouldn't have a single kilt! ;)

No family tartan? Simple, wear a district, state, unit, universal tartan. Only one though.

**Ryan Ross** · 6th October 10, 09:31 AM

I'd personally rather not wear a random tartan, but if a really good kilt deal was in front of me... who knows? If you do what you're inclined to, you'll not go wrong, I'd imagine.

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

No family tartan? Simple, wear a district, state, unit, universal tartan. Only one though.

Not to get off topic, but I have to ask- Is it considered odd or bad form to wear both the "standard" and hunting tartans of your clan, would you say?