What's Your Favorite Universal Tartan?

**PiperChick** · 5th August 13, 07:39 AM

I don't even have the order placed for my first kilt yet (waiting on swatches of Douglas Grey before placing my order with Rocky), and find myself drooling over several universal tartans for a second kilt. I feel an addiction coming on - a really expensive one!

I sort of have a tartan to call my own by birth, but not quite. Creighton/ Crichton doesn't have their own, and they wear the Edinburgh. I can't say it appeals to me, based on photos I've seen, so I'm kilt-dreaming over the MANY gorgeous universal tartans out there. St Andrews, Spirit of Scotland , Scotland Forever and Isle of Skye have been favorites that I've seen so far (I also liked Highland Graphite, but I'm already going with a grey).

So what's your favorite universal tartan? Do you have a kilt made up in it? What made you choose it in general, and what made you choose it instead of a clan tartan? Is there tartan etiquette for a universal? Pictures please!

**Father Bill** · 5th August 13, 07:52 AM

You'll probably find that the discussion will take a slight detour into "What does 'universal' mean."

I have always felt strongly that your tartan is your tartan, so I'm not much into the idea of picking any tartan based on aesthetics. It's a nametag, and I won't wear somebody else's nametag, nor a lapel pin for an organization to which I don't belong, even if I like their lapel pin.

Live and be well!

Bill+

**artificer** · 5th August 13, 07:56 AM

Earl of St. Andrews and Holyrood are probably two of my favorites.

ith:

**Tomak** · 5th August 13, 08:04 AM

I'm glad you opened this thread. My first (U.S. Army) should arrive from Rocky tomorrow, but I'm already looking ahead to my next one as well. I'm familiar with Isle of Skye, since a good friend wears one, but I will have to look up the other you mention.

**New World Czech** · 5th August 13, 08:13 AM

Isle of Skye & Holyrood are two of my favorites. If you like more red in you tartan Rocky's Celtic Nations tartan is very nice.

**moggi1964** · 5th August 13, 08:16 AM

I like my Scottish National Modern. I also like the earthy tones in the Holyrood though I don't own one.

**Couper** · 5th August 13, 08:17 AM

I, too, like Rocky's Celtic Nations tartan. I was in his store late last Fall and that one caught my eye on the rack. A bit later I walked out of the store with one around my waist.

**ronin6290** · 5th August 13, 08:36 AM

I really like the Isle of Skye and the Holyrood myself.

**Grizzly** · 5th August 13, 08:41 AM

There are many "universal" or "district" tartans but amongst the foremost would have to be Isle of Skye, Maple leaf, Holyrood, Black Watch and Royal Stewart. One of my particular favourite district tartans is Lochaber weathered.