Tartan flashes?

[Steve Barclay]

Looking at this forum, I get the impression from some posts reading between the lines that at certain times tartan flashes matching the kilt are a big no no and plain ones must be worn. When are these occasions please?

Thanks

[Jock Scot]

If you like them, then wear them on any occasion you wish. There are those that do not like tartan flashes, me for one!

[davidlpope]

I believe that opinion (sometimes fervently held) on tartan flashes is divided between those who think they are attractive/proper and those who think they are not attractive/proper. I do not remember encountering anyone who based their predilection on them being worn for a particular occasion.

My prediction is that you'll get varied opinions on their propriety and will ultimately be heartily encouraged to "wear what you like".

Cordially,

David

[Rex_Tremende]

It's one of those ru--- erh, guidelines -- that show you to be a more sophisticated stylista, like never wear a pocket square that exactly matches your tie, lest you look like you picked up and wore a shirt kit from the discount store. I may look unsophisticated at times, but not having solid colored flashes in a vast array of colors, I sometimes can't find a combination to suit me, so my default will be the tartan flashes that I usually order with my kilt, and a devil-may-care attitude.

Regards,
Rex.

[thescot]

The occassiona under which you should not wear tartan flashes would be:

1. Casual attire
2. Black tie events
3. formal attire
4. dog fights
5. Mud wrestling event
6. Any even at which you would see another human being.



You can see that, although I own a pair and have worn them, I do not care for them. But they don't really offend me, so do what you want. But just consider that if you wear standard flashes or ties, no one will object.

[billmcc]

I believe that opinion (sometimes fervently held) on tartan flashes is divided between those who think they are attractive/proper and those who think they are not attractive/proper. I do not remember encountering anyone who based their predilection on them being worn for a particular occasion.

Nicely stated.

[JolyStNicholas]

Me friend Jim has left out a few occassions from his list, but I won't add to it. I use both types of FLASHES depending on the mood I am in and the kilt hose I am wearing. As others have said "Wear What Ya Want"!

[MacLowlife]

A few years ago, I was in Aberlour and wandered into a country outfitters sort of place. I bought a tub of Dubbin leather preservative and (I believe) a package containing two garters and several sets of flashes. A quick check on the Dubbin lid says C A GAMMACK, but I may have mixed up purchases from two different stores. I am fairly certain it was Aberlour.

At any rate, the garters run through several colors in both bright and subdued shades: red, burgundy-brown, gold, bright blue, forest green and kelly green. There may be more or less. I am not looking at them right now, but I like the idea that the set covers almost any color.

A few weeks ago, I was warned about mixing tartans. I think if you had more than one tartan for your clan, a nice place to show the variety might be some small flashes, but when you have just the one, I think the risk is that you are going to look like someone hit you with the Royal Stewart Stick, or the Black Watch one, or whatever.
Kilt, flashes, plaid, necktie, sporran flap, tam, pencil case, dog leash?
Oh, yes, and matching thermos bottle.

[Nighthawk]

I use both types of FLASHES depending on the mood I am in and the kilt hose I am wearing. As others have said "Wear What Ya Want"!

That was my thought as well. When I wear a solid color kilt, I tend to wear tartan flashes, and when I wear a tartan kilt, I tend to wear solid flashes. However, if it's a formal occasion, I will match my flashes to my kilt (meaning that I will wear tartan flashes to very formal occasions, like Christmas Eve midnight mass at my mom's church.) However, even then I mix things up just a little- my Clergy tartan kilt is the Clergy modern, and my tie and flashes are the Clergy ancient pattern. They look almost alike, but give just enough variation to be interesting.

[Nighthawk]

A few years ago, I was in Aberlour and wandered into a country outfitters sort of place. I bought a tub of Dubbin leather preservative and (I believe) a package containing two garters and several sets of flashes. A quick check on the Dubbin lid says C A GAMMACK, but I may have mixed up purchases from two different stores. I am fairly certain it was Aberlour.

At any rate, the garters run through several colors in both bright and subdued shades: red, burgundy-brown, gold, bright blue, forest green and kelly green. There may be more or less. I am not looking at them right now, but I like the idea that the set covers almost any color.

A few weeks ago, I was warned about mixing tartans. I think if you had more than one tartan for your clan, a nice place to show the variety might be some small flashes, but when you have just the one, I think the risk is that you are going to look like someone hit you with the Royal Stewart Stick, or the Black Watch one, or whatever.
Kilt, flashes, plaid, necktie, sporran flap, tam, pencil case, dog leash?
Oh, yes, and matching thermos bottle.

That's my point exactly. I've been told also by a million friends/reletives/etc that mixing tartans is a no no- unless they're variants of the same tartan.