Bright or Dark Tartans?

**Tobus** · 27th May 14, 06:22 AM

Originally Posted by Mike_Oettle

As has been said, and in Kyle’s post particularly, well illustrated, is that there is good reason for bright tartans on occasion, and earthier tones at other times.
But what I particularly dislike is the trend for grey tartans and shadow setts. I know that some grey setts have been around for a long time, like Clergy Grey, but it seems that some folk are intent on reproducing the greyness (and at times blackness) of Sassenach wear in their tartans. I do not feel that this is the right approach.
Regards,
Mike

I agree. From what I've seen, this seems to be driven by the kilt hire industry who are renting kilts to people who don't have a clan tartan, and aren't necessarily comfortable putting on a bright or colourful kilt. As you said, they are approaching Highland attire from a non-Highland perspective, and the hire shops have reacted by offering a plethora of dull, boring tartans for these customers. One that I see quite often is the Highland Granite tartan (I think that's the name, anyway), which seems to just be grey and black.

Of course, there's nothing "wrong" with it, but I do feel that it sort of defeats the purpose of wearing a kilt in the first place. Much of the soul of Highland clothing is in the colour of tartan.

**chasem** · 27th May 14, 07:50 AM

I'll agree with you guys for the most part on the grey/black/shadow tartan trend. Generally I'm not a fan.

But I do have to disagree on the highland granite. I love that tartan - though I think it's mainly just or the uniqueness of some of the threads being a grey/black blend which gives the tartan an interesting look (to my eye).

**rmccool** · 27th May 14, 08:28 AM

Darker colors (esp. deep blues and greens), but in the brighter, "modern" dyes...

**Manxstralian** · 27th May 14, 06:12 PM

I'm a little torn on this issue as I wear Black Watch (my first kilt, and obviously very dark), but I don't know if I'd get another one because it comes across as "too" dark, especially in night situations, although it's great for situations involving too much red wine, sitting in parks and other potential stains. Having said that, I love my Manx Blue, but would not wear the Manx Laxey as I think it looks too bright and "clownish". I've also considered Manx Hunting, but I'm unsure as to whether it would look too "washed out", especially in direct sunlight (the same goes for "Australia").

Another conundrum is I won't wear a tartan that I feel I have no connection to (the old "you don't choose your tartan, it chooses you" conversation), so Isle of Skye (whilst being very beautiful) is out for me because I've never been there, Mull is a custom weave, Cameron and MacIntosh are too many generations ago for me to "claim", and I (probably being alone in this) prefer tartans which aren't red-based. So unless I marry a highland lass, I'm fairly restricted...

Perhaps I fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, I wouldn't wear "Loud MacLeod", but neither would I choose "Highland Granite".

Sorry for the rambling post, it might be coffee time!

Cheers,

Cameron

**OC Richard** · 27th May 14, 07:28 PM

I share the old Highland love of colour and all these grey-scale tartans and black-on-black tartans do nothing for me.

Black Watch was originally a very lovely vibrant tartan

BTW this is the signed at dated original in the Los Angeles Museum of Art, not the inferior copy held in the National Museums Scotland. See my thread

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...intings-74907/

**t_challa** · 21st June 14, 03:46 AM

For me, the choice is not about "light" or "dark". It's always been more about whether I can match the tartan with the clothes I already have in my wardrobe. Plus, I like ones that are easily distinguishable from a distance and look cool (in my opinion) Therefore, my current two kilts are:

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I'm ordering my third kilt next week (Stewart Black tartan) and after that I'll be getting ones in Scottish National tartan and Royal Stewart tartan as well.

**Ron Abbott** · 21st June 14, 03:56 AM

Originally Posted by Manxstralian

I'm a little torn on this issue as I wear Black Watch (my first kilt, and obviously very dark), but I don't know if I'd get another one because it comes across as "too" dark, especially in night situations, although it's great for situations involving too much red wine, sitting in parks and other potential stains. Having said that, I love my Manx Blue, but would not wear the Manx Laxey as I think it looks too bright and "clownish". I've also considered Manx Hunting, but I'm unsure as to whether it would look too "washed out", especially in direct sunlight (the same goes for "Australia").

Another conundrum is I won't wear a tartan that I feel I have no connection to (the old "you don't choose your tartan, it chooses you" conversation), so Isle of Skye (whilst being very beautiful) is out for me because I've never been there, Mull is a custom weave, Cameron and MacIntosh are too many generations ago for me to "claim", and I (probably being alone in this) prefer tartans which aren't red-based. So unless I marry a highland lass, I'm fairly restricted...

Perhaps I fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, I wouldn't wear "Loud MacLeod", but neither would I choose "Highland Granite".

Sorry for the rambling post, it might be coffee time!

Cheers,

Cameron

Given that you're in Australia, I would have thought the Mull might be appropriate given that Major-General Lachlan Macquarrie, a.k.a. 'the father of Australia' was born on Ulva, just off Mull and is also buried in Mull !

**Manxstralian** · 21st June 14, 07:03 PM

Originally Posted by Ron Abbott

Given that you're in Australia, I would have thought the Mull might be appropriate given that Major-General Lachlan Macquarrie, a.k.a. 'the father of Australia' was born on Ulva, just off Mull and is also buried in Mull !

That's a valid point, and one of the reasons for me considering it. I also spent a wonderful week on Mull a couple of years ago, and remember that time with a great deal of affection.

Cheers,

Cameron

**rlloyd** · 21st June 14, 07:20 PM

Some of each, of course; gives me more reason to have more kilts!

**Sir Didymous** · 21st June 14, 09:42 PM

The point about the black on black and other low contrast designs being dark and boring made me think of this tartan I found on the registry when hunting for the perfect kilt for me (which I am still working towards). http://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/tar...aspx?ref=10276
Being descended of the clan Ferguson it of course showed up in the search results. I think it might actually be bright and boring. Sorry if I stepped on anyone's tartan.