Wear of Clan Tartan by non-Clan Members

**Muddy** · 31st July 12, 09:50 PM

You know, in the end, a kilt is just a piece of clothing. I wear "plaid" shirts all the time and, I'd bet most of you do too.
I have never once, chosen my shirt, or more to the point chose NOT to buy and wear a shirt because it's "not my tartan".
I realize the ethos of kilts is somewhat different but, since the "family" tartan thing is of relatively new provenance in history and, since many wear kilts now with no personal scottish connection whatsoever, anybody who gets their knickers in a twist over you wearing "THEIR" tartan without a "legitimate" connection needs to get laid IMHO.

**Kilted Cole** · 31st July 12, 09:54 PM

Originally Posted by Muddy

You know, in the end, a kilt is just a piece of clothing. I wear "plaid" shirts all the time and, I'd bet most of you do too.
I have never once, chosen my shirt, or more to the point chose NOT to buy and wear a shirt because it's "not my tartan".
I realize the ethos of kilts is somewhat different but, since the "family" tartan thing is of relatively new provenance in history and, since many wear kilts now with no personal scottish connection whatsoever, anybody who gets their knickers in a twist over you wearing "THEIR" tartan without a "legitimate" connection needs to get laid IMHO.

***
Preach it brother, PREACH IT!

**kilted scholar** · 1st August 12, 02:36 AM

The funny thing is that while I have worn kilts for decades - it must be well over a thousand times, possibly a couple of thousand - I can only recall one occasion, maybe two, when anyone asked me if I was part of the clan with which the tartan was associated.

May it be that such comments are more prevalent in north America? I lived in the USA for 28 years but wore the kilt there only occasionally (highland games, family gatherings) so I am not in a position to give an answer to that but others might be better placed.

**Muddy** · 1st August 12, 11:45 AM

I also find it kind of ironic that our own Hamish is like a PILLAR on this site and he's got what? 100+ kilts?
I highly doubt he's got a "legitimate" family connection to all 100+ tartans. Nobody's busting his chops nor should they. He and his collection is celebrated as they should be.