For what it is worth: of my fourty kilts/breacans ten are in tartan, which I absolutely adore and respect more than I can say. Of the remaining thirty, fourteen are traditional kilts, made by Scottish kiltmakers in Scotland, in plain colours and mostly made of wool.

My thirteen American-made kilts are all plain colours and are made from cotton or poly-cotton blends. That leaves three British-made kilts, also in cotton, or cotton-based fabrics.

I love all of those kilts equally, but I carefully select to wear whatever best suits the event or place that I might be attending. For casual, informal and downright 'dress-down' situations, I'll invariably opt for a plain kilt, in cotton or wool depending upon the weather. For smart, formal or dressy occasions, I'll probably wear tartan - but that is not to say that tartan cannot be worn casually, with or without a sporran, because it can. Plain kilts are not really as smart, especially those tailored in cotton - although plain coloured kilt suits can be as smart as any tartan-based ensemble.......

.......in my 'umble opinion.