Not being Scottish or of any clan affiliation I have always had this question in mind when buying my kilts. There are ways around wearing tartans without the worries of clan affiliation. Regardless of the tartan or kilt I wear the main thing I do is wear it properly and with pride. After that I look for tartans and kilts I feel comfortable wearing. This brings me to list a few I have that are regional or considered universal. Ive 3 Blackwatch and feel they are one of my favorite due to the colours of the tartan. The green, blue and black go well with most anything I can wear from burgundy hose to ragg wool sweaters. My Hamilton Grey is dandy for dressing up, I think this is one Heritage of Scotland had made. My saffron kilt is excellent for a solid. My tank is German Heritage, designed by Rocky, and hand sewn by Bonnie Greene. I do have a weathered MacKenzie from SWK that is great. In the works, when I get them sewed, are two out of Xmarks Tartan, one brown hemp corduroy kilt and Canadian Maple Leaf(fantastic fall colours). I do plan to get two clan tartans because I really like the tartan. Those would be a Dress Gordon and Black Stewart. I know the Black Stewart is fairly universal and accepted for anyone. There are many state, national and local tartans out there too.

To sum it up, it is easy to find many colourfull and classy tartans without clan affiliation or the feeling you shouldn't be wearing it. But if you do chose a clan tartan, as I will with the Gordon and Stewart, just wear them properly and proudly.