I know there are strong opinions on both sides of the argument, so I'll simply say that I have 45 +/- kilts, the majority of which are clan tartans. I know the name of every one (though I can not say I know the history of each clan) and wear them in a respectable manner... i.e. they're not ripped up with stains all over. In 8 years of wearing kilts (pretty much on a daily basis), I can honestly say that I have never had an awkward moment with anyone asking me about my tartan. Have people ASKED me "is that your family tartan?" Yes. My Answer: "No, this is the ____ tartan. I really liked the design and color shades the mill used and added it to my kilt collection." Generally, that is MORE than sufficient to answer the question and satisfy the inquirer.

I have worn them to many gatherings where there were clan societies present (highland games, Burns Suppers, etc) and have only had positive comments. Actually, if I happened to be wearing a clan tartan when that clan was present and they asked me about it, they are usually happy ("honored" is slightly too strong a word here) that I liked their tartan enough to wear it even without a clan association.

Some people are of the opinion that you may only wear the tartan of your Father's line. People at the other end of the spectrum will wear whatever tartan they like, regardless of name. Others fall somewhere in between and wear any tartan they can claim any kind of association with, whether clan, service or universal. Some wear their immediate family's (mother OR father) tartan(s).

Bottom line... YOU have to be comfortable with the decision.

Last $.02...

Generally, people are just happy to see a guy in a kilt, no matter what tartan he's wearing.