Wearing another clans Tartan?

**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.

**ctbuchanan** · 23rd April 13, 06:08 AM

@Tobus
a big ***

(your very succinct explanation should be pinned to every post that comes up on this question.)

**Nile** · 23rd April 13, 06:53 AM

Originally Posted by ctbuchanan

(your very succinct explanation should be pinned to every post that comes up on this question.)

Agreed; a big ***, Tobus!

Nile

**David Thorpe** · 23rd April 13, 06:55 AM

If ever there were a suitable candidate for a sticky, Tobus' succinct answer to one of the most often asked questions here is it.

**TheOfficialBren** · 23rd April 13, 07:25 AM

Originally Posted by ctbuchanan

@Tobus
a big ***

(your very succinct explanation should be pinned to every post that comes up on this question.)

Ditto! +***!! *** to Savid's suggestion to make Tobus' answer a sticky. I couldn't have stated itbetter myself.

**Carlo** · 23rd April 13, 08:54 AM

That's all very well, but what about tartan that are used as regimental tartan too like the MacKenzie modern. I've been asked about my clan connection and about my army connection (Sadly I have none).
Contradicting point 3 you can actually wear a tartan you should wear because of your connections and still not be a part of the group.

GG · 23rd April 13, 08:40 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

Ah, this question raises its head once again!

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.

To the point. I should never (dare to) wear a kilt in a clan tartan when in Scotland. Everywhere else (where I go) it is of no importance.

**David Thorpe** · 23rd April 13, 08:52 AM

Originally Posted by GG

To the point. I should never (dare to) wear a kilt in a clan tartan when in Scotland. Everywhere else (where I go) it is of no importance.

So you respect the people of the clans in Scotland but nowhere else?

**Wil** · 24th April 13, 09:29 AM

Awww yes, once again the monster raise's it's head.....

I once asked this same question due to the fact that I found a nice kilt in a thrift shop in my size. I left it in the shop do to this blog as well as speaking with some family in Aderdeen.
We wear a tartan as a sign of family loyality, trust and heritage. It is with great pride that we uphold our traditions and it is with great pride that we wear our tradition. With that being said, I am not in favor of lending you my family tartan for the day nor am I in favor of you not wearing your family tartan for the day. If you want a little change wear one of the open tartans (or for lack of better words)....generic tartans. Someone once explanded it as such..... "Once you put on a tartan that isn't yours you then start a "new tradition" and now you bring yet another tartan into the clan/family, why?"
Of course this is all up to you and not me, but if you wear another familys tartan you will need to know about the family that you are wearing. When one of those family members come up to you and ask if this is your family and you have to tell him/her "NO, I just like the colors"....... Well enough said about that.
I would just be careful, be proud of your family and your tartan and like I said if you want a change just wear one of the "open ones". No need to reinvent the whee.......