Deciding on new tartan

**Kiltedjohn** · 2nd January 17, 03:34 AM

I can't claim that my method was in a any sense the "correct" one. I have a number of Scottish surnames in my family tree - my mother's side being entirely Scottish, and chose the tartan that I like best! I chose a Forbes modern, partly because I liked the tartan, and also because the Forbeses were one of the more respectable (!) branches of the family.

**Jock Scot** · 2nd January 17, 03:52 AM

From a traditional Scot's point of view, whilst our roots might contain many names who's Clan tartan we could wear,------- for example, I could choose at least 10 tartans of different Clans------ we have but one tartan that we wear. Maybe we might have have the tartan in ancient hue, as well as perhaps one of the same Clan in a modern hue too. Some may even have the Clan dress tartan too, but that would not be common.

If it were me, I would stick with the Black Watch kilt, especially as you were given it by those that matter and rest assured that is a real compliment and concentrate on the very best civilian attire you can afford. It would only be fair to advise you that the Black Watch were not altogether popular within some Irish circles, particularly I am afraid to say, by those who are removed from the reality of the present day Ireland. Nevertheless as a bonus, it will be less expensive course of action in the long run.

**Manu** · 2nd January 17, 05:02 AM

Well, you have several options here. What branch of service did you serve with? All US branches have a tartan associated with them. Another option is to find out which county in Ireland your grandmother was from, most counties have a tartan (unofficial to the best of my knowledge). The third is, like Jock said, to build outfits around the two you own already. And remember, while some people find it of little decorum, no one is going to throw cuffs on you for wearing this or that tartan. I myself stick to those I have direct and strong connections to, but there are plenty others who will tell you otherwise so long as you wear them respectfully. Most of all, enjoy the kilt!

**jumper** · 2nd January 17, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by Manu

Well, you have several options here. What branch of service did you serve with? All US branches have a tartan associated with them. Another option is to find out which county in Ireland your grandmother was from, most counties have a tartan (unofficial to the best of my knowledge). The third is, like Jock said, to build outfits around the two you own already. And remember, while some people find it of little decorum, no one is going to throw cuffs on you for wearing this or that tartan. I myself stick to those I have direct and strong connections to, but there are plenty others who will tell you otherwise so long as you wear them respectfully. Most of all, enjoy the kilt!

I would go by the county but that is unknown to us. You see my grandmother was adopted and the only thing we knew was that she was adopted out of an center in New York with "adoption papers" stating "young girl of full Irish birth." That is the reason I went originally with the Irish tartan. Since then the center has been closed down.

I did a DNA test and I ended with 27% Irish, 24% Danish, 21% Scottish, the rest was German, English, Russian, ect. The tartan in my avatar is the Special Forces tartan, for some reason I am not completely fond of the Army tartan.

**Manu** · 2nd January 17, 09:33 PM

Originally Posted by jumper

I would go by the county but that is unknown to us. You see my grandmother was adopted and the only thing we knew was that she was adopted out of an center in New York with "adoption papers" stating "young girl of full Irish birth." That is the reason I went originally with the Irish tartan. Since then the center has been closed down.

I did a DNA test and I ended with 27% Irish, 24% Danish, 21% Scottish, the rest was German, English, Russian, ect. The tartan in my avatar is the Special Forces tartan, for some reason I am not completely fond of the Army tartan.

Ahh, I see. In that case, the Irish national seems to cover you until further exploration of your ancestry. I will echo some of the rabble in saying that you have two awesome kilts, that BW kilt you earned serving with them, an that's rather special. Build quality outfits for them. But if you must absolutely purchase another tartan kilt, I suggest you browse USA Kilts gallery of universal and US states tartans. I'm sure you'll find something to your liking there.

**The Q** · 3rd January 17, 02:31 AM

I agree in general with the comments above,
for me the choice of tartans should be in order:
Family if possible,
The Service you belonged to if possible,
The Service you were attached to / worked with,
District or state or nation tartans that are relevant.

**Hirsty** · 3rd January 17, 07:41 AM

There are several choices - family name, ancestry, association (with a service or trade), region of origin, sports team, or even just because you like it.