Wearing another clans Tartan?

**tulloch** · 22nd April 13, 06:50 PM

I don't think it would be a kilt faux-pas to wear another tartan that you like. There are some that are restricted and maybe someone could make life difficult for you but all others are fair game. We all have worn a shirt or tie or pajamas in someone's tartan other than our own. I think that you make a point when you say it would irritate you for someone else to do it. Nice designs are often best seen on others.

I love to see lots of tartans. It is one of the things that I enjoy about going to highland games. I, like you, am drawn pretty much to my kin's designs. If you see good deals though, maybe you should collect some additional items. You may find your opinions and feelings change concerning cross-pollination of tartan tastes.

**TheOfficialBren** · 22nd April 13, 06:55 PM

Tulloch, ***.

American kilting traditions are in their infanxy and we, the diaspora, are removed from Scotland. As a result, sometimes we do things a bit different than across the pond--not out of disrespect but for any number of reasons.

Economics can be a factor in Highland attire (or any other outlet for cultural expression).

Just remember that these so-called "clan" tartans were NOT always worn by those clans. Many were fashions of the day. History is on your side, my friend.

**Pipersson** · 22nd April 13, 07:28 PM

Mmh, I am in the comfortable situation to have a fine choice of tartans connected with my name and clan (Smith, Gow, Macpherson) but the Chisholm hunting ancient is very tempting to wear... Maybe I have to write to Chisholm Chief one day to ask for permission but at the moment I work on having some of "my" tartans first....

**David Thorpe** · 22nd April 13, 09:57 PM

Originally Posted by tulloch

We all have worn a shirt or tie or pajamas in someone's tartan other than our own.

No, not all of us have.

I will not restate my strong opinion on this question as it has already been stated by another poster.

**MacGumerait** · 22nd April 13, 10:57 PM

Originally Posted by David Thorpe

No, not all of us have.

I will not restate my strong opinion on this question as it has already been stated by another poster.

Ditto .

**Tobus** · 23rd April 13, 05:24 AM

Ah, this question raises its head once again!

After seeing it argued ad nauseam many times before, I've finally come to the following conclusions:

1. Yes, most clan tartans were invented by a couple of frauds looking to make a buck. But regardless of the origin, the tradition has taken hold and should not be dismissed outright. I think 200 years of clan tartan affiliation is nothing to scoff at.

2. No, there are no kilt police or tartan enforcers. You'll occasionally be questioned about your clan affiliation if wearing tartan, and you may find someone who is offended at your wearing of their clan tartan if you have no affiliation. Whether you choose to risk causing offense is up to you.

3. When choosing to wear a clan tartan that is not your own, consider your audience. If you're going for a solo hike in the mountains or an evening at the pub where nobody else will be wearing kilts or would be expected to know anything about kilts, that's one thing. Going to a Highland Games, Scottish festival/gathering, or other event where there is more knowledge about tartans, is another thing entirely. So the etiquette of wearing a clan tartan very much depends on who you will be displaying it to. A clan tartan is, after all, a symbol of affiliation with a group. When putting on a clan tartan kilt, ask yourself if the people you will be around are going to identify you as part of a group to which you do not belong.