Tartan Types and Purposes:

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 21st August 04, 09:29 AM

For those who keep asking me about tartans, here's a brief description of the tartans and their "wearability".

Clan Tartans are for use by anyone that has a connection with the Clan name by family, or by heritage. Remember that "ancient" has NOTHING to do with the time of the tartan, and has EVERYTHING to do with the lighter or muted color of the material.

Hunting Tartans were developed to hide the tartan in the heather or the brush. That's why so many are in the greens, browns and darker hues.

District Tartans actually preceded the Clan tartans. Contrary to what some kiltmakers have posted, the District Tartans are NOT an Irish thing. To this day many Scots without Clan affiliations will wear the district tartans.

Dress Tartans were the tartans for the ladies in the Clans. The preference for "lighter colors" made them primarily a white background.

Mourning Tartans were generally black and white and worn for that very purpose.

Breug Tartans are not listed and do not have any affilitation. Now called "generic", they're worn by anyone.

Chief's Tartans were the personal tartans of the Chiefs. DO NOT wear these unless you're one, or a member of the immediate family.

Royal Tartans are for use by the Royal families. Out of pure respect for the tradition and standing, NO royal tartan should be worn outside of the Royal Family. Having the same name is not grounds for inclusion.

Military Tartans are for military use only. Again, it's a matter of respect for the position and the duty. As explained to me, wearing a military tartan and not being in the service is much like a non-veteran parading in a full dress uniform. It is an insult.

The information above is NOT my personal opinion, but is straight from the Registers at Lyon Court. Consider that the traditions are still very much alive in some areas when you decided on your kilt. For instance, a guy in a "dress tartan" or a civilian in a "military tartan" might draw scorn in some places.

**Graham** · 21st August 04, 09:35 AM

very useful info Jimmy, thanks for posting it.

**Freelander Sporrano** · 21st August 04, 10:07 AM

Well done Jimmy.

Funnily enough you've answered two qustions I had.I was in Oslo this weekend (Kilted) The waitress at the hotel bar asked about the tartan I was wearing(Modern Gunn).It turned out that her dad was a Scot. She told me her father had to write and ask permission to have a kilt in a particular tartan. I just thought it must have been like you describe the Chiefs Tartan.

Also the Military Tartans are a no-go area for me for just the reason you describe.I remember in my youth (Should have known better)I found my dads medal ribbons. Great on that jacket I had then.My Dad went through the roof when he found out. When he calmed down he told me why....I've never forgotten what he told me.

All the best....David

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 21st August 04, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by Freelander

Also the Military Tartans are a no-go area for me for just the reason you describe.

David, I know that the issue has come up in other threads about the Black Watch and the Irish. That whole debate is put aside when the "military" issue is brought out.

Since I'm in groups that are DEEP into the traditions and customs, I can't even think about the Black Watch, Royal Stewart, or Saffron kilts.

Until about a month ago, I didn't know that it was VERY insuluting to the Scots for a non-Wallace to wear that tartan.

I guess this is when it pays-off to live in areas where tartans are no more than "nice colors".

**GMan** · 21st August 04, 11:48 AM

Jimmy,

You are such a cornicopia of information, a gold mine of knowledge. OK now that I am finished schmoozing with you, I do want to thank you for the information. Often times we forget or do not know all about wearability, again Thanks for sharing.

**VetStudent** · 21st August 04, 12:28 PM

about the Black Watch and the Irish

so having spent half my life in a science book, my knowlegde of history is lacking. what is the history of the black watch and the irish?

I'm a total kilt newbe (waiting for my first kilts) and one of them is a black watch from bear. have i dishonored my irish roots but choosing a tartan based on asthetics?

**Mr. Kilt** · 21st August 04, 01:13 PM

Originally Posted by VetStudent

about the Black Watch and the Irish

so having spent half my life in a science book, my knowlegde of history is lacking. what is the history of the black watch and the irish?

I'm a total kilt newbe (waiting for my first kilts) and one of them is a black watch from bear. have i dishonored my irish roots but choosing a tartan based on asthetics?

I think it would depend on how tied to your Irish roots you are. My dad's family came from the Larne area in County Antrim, but both he and I were born and raised in Canada. I have a Black Watch kilt from Bear as well. I don't have any problems wearing that tartan, but if my wife and I go over to visit Ireland in 2007 I won't take that kilt with me out of respect for the locals.

**Blu (Ontario)** · 21st August 04, 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by Jimmy Carbomb

.... Since I'm in groups that are DEEP into the traditions and customs, I can't even think about the Black Watch, Royal Stewart, or Saffron kilts....

So is this the same light hearted, cavalier Jimmy Carbomb posting or a new staunch traditionalist Jimmy Carbomb - constable of the Tartan Police.

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 21st August 04, 09:18 PM

Originally Posted by Blu (Ontario)

So is this the same light hearted, cavalier Jimmy Carbomb posting or a new staunch traditionalist Jimmy Carbomb - constable of the Tartan Police.

Same old Carbomb... just throwing out some information that many have asked about. I know that many with Irish heritage don't know about the Black Watch and the North,(or even the Black and Tans) and that's really not a problem here in the West. Just think twice about wearing it, or a Sapphron over to the Irish Republic. Hey, I LOVE the look of the Black Watch! Just not on me ****.

The ONLY way that I would even consider being associated with the Tartan Police, is if there's adequate free coffee and donuts!

[_]D Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Coffee.

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 21st August 04, 09:22 PM

Originally Posted by VetStudent

I'm a total kilt newbe (waiting for my first kilts) and one of them is a black watch from bear. have i dishonored my irish roots but choosing a tartan based on asthetics?

Yo Vetzky...

Nah. Not at all really. In fact, if your family is from the North, it's not a problem at all. Besides, you can wear whatever you darned well please over here!

I just wouldn't wear the Black Watch at a St. Patrick's parade, an AOH meeting, or in the Irish Republic. Maybe I should add a few Pubs in Boston and Philadelphia to that list too!