Talking Tartan: Armstrong vs. Davidson

[Joshua]

I've noticed quite a strong resemblance in these two tartans, Armstrong and Davidson.

I ask because I might be getting a new kilt for my son, and he really wants to wear Davidson like mom (sash) and dad (USAK Semi in Ancient Davidson). Sportkilt doesn't carry Davidson, but Armstrong is very, very similar from everything that I've seen. Considering most kid kilts are acrylic, in black watch or stewart variants - and he outgrew his first one in a year, I am not looking for anything special, hence the Sportkilt.

[davidlpope]

I don't think there's that much of a similarity:

Armstrong:


Davidson:


If you're just looking for a cheap kid's kilt, why not go with BW? It's blue, green, black, and universal...

[ElCabong]

Well, yeah, they are different. But they are close enough for your needs. You are not nit-pickin' here. If I were in the same situation, my son would have a brand new Davidson soon.
EDIT: After reading your post again, I have to say: Go for either one. They are close enough.
Ciao! From an Armstrong

[Highland Logan]

I see as much similarity as comparing the French and Italian flags. Never except a substitution.

Frank

[Jay]

I think they are very close.

At the same time, maybe let your son pick for himself from the list of tartans available from your chosen vendor. There may be another that he ends up liking more.

[OC Richard]

Thanks for posting those images.

It's interesting how the two tartans use exactly the same colours in the same percentages but they're arranged quite differently.

[Pleater]

If you aren't going to be mixing with Davidsons who are likely to know that the tartan is not theirs then you could suggest buying the Armstrong - but boys can be so sensitive to this sort of thing - not getting the right tartan could be very upsetting for him.

You could start by explaining that although you can afford this type of kilt, your tartan isn't offered, so would another one do - explain about the 'universal' tartans, show him the Armstrong one and say that is the closest in colour, and would that be OK. Young people can be really sensible if they get the information they need - but not always.

If your son really wants to wear the family tartan and is adamant on the matter then I'd advise either buy him a Davidson, or delay buying a Davidson until he is older and not growing so fast.


I have a length of Armstrong tartan which I bought simply because I like the colours and pattern - it seems a very strong and well balanced arangement of squares within squares, whilst the Davidson looks quieter and somehow more refined.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Joshua]

My comparison comes from looking at Lochcarron's samples (which, I admit, are too zoomed-in for a real comparison).

Armstrong:


Davidson:


Of course, I could pay a little more and get him a kilt from Rocky (and honestly, it the route I will go as I love both of mine). My issue is getting a 7-year-old a kilt he will outgrow in a year.

[Joshua]

If you aren't going to be mixing with Davidsons who are likely to know that the tartan is not theirs then you could suggest buying the Armstrong

After having my Caledonia tartan kilts called "Chattan" (slightly similar "noisy" pattern with red, blue, and green but still fairly different) every time I've worn them at the Games, I'm of the belief that an Armstrong tartan wouldn't even be noticed. That being said, I would know... and that would matter.

[davidlpope]

My comparison comes from looking at Lochcarron's samples (which, I admit, are too zoomed-in for a real comparison).

Armstrong:


Davidson:


Of course, I could pay a little more and get him a kilt from Rocky (and honestly, it the route I will go as I love both of mine). My issue is getting a 7-year-old a kilt he will outgrow in a year.

Are you part of the Davidson clan association? If so, contact them. We MacMillans have a baker's dozen or so of kid kilts in a wide range of sizes that are used as loaners. Kilts are expensive and kids grow quickly, so it's nice to have a way to recycle them throughout the clan. In a sense, this is the same thing that bona fide Highland families have been doing for years!