Tartan Help - Probably way to much info, but now I gotta zero in on this option

[LKM]

The number one rule in picking a tartan is go with what you want. I normally go for non-clan related tartans myself. If you find a family history related tartan at some time, there is nothing that says you can only have one kilt. Many people have more then one. From what you listed about your search for a tartan that means something for you I would think these tartans could be a good starting point of tartans to look at:

U.S. 2001 Air Force https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=4179
US Air Force Reserve Pipe Band https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=4180
Washington State https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=4495
Duchess of Fife https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=1002
Fife (McGill) https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=1180
Fife (Mann) https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=1179
Fife, Duke Of https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=1182
Pride of Fife https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=3371
Lanarkshire https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=2039
Lanark (Fashion #1) https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=4975
X Marks the Scot https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=4790
Scottish Wildcat https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...ails?ref=11196

If you don't like these tartans, there are thousands out there to choose from.

[RodF]

The number one rule in picking a tartan is go with what you want. I normally go for non-clan related tartans myself. If you find a family history related tartan at some time, there is nothing that says you can only have one kilt. Many people have more then one. From what you listed about your search for a tartan that means something for you I would think these tartans could be a good starting point of tartans to look at:

U.S. 2001 Air Force https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=4179
US Air Force Reserve Pipe Band https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=4180
Washington State https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=4495
Duchess of Fife https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=1002
Fife (McGill) https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=1180
Fife (Mann) https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=1179
Fife, Duke Of https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=1182
Pride of Fife https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=3371
Lanarkshire https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=2039
Lanark (Fashion #1) https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=4975
X Marks the Scot https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=4790
Scottish Wildcat https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...ails?ref=11196

If you don't like these tartans, there are thousands out there to choose from.

THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THE LINKS!

Yea, I am focusing in what would I like to wear.

[KiltedSergeant]

The number one rule in picking a tartan is go with what you want. I normally go for non-clan related tartans myself. If you find a family history related tartan at some time, there is nothing that says you can only have one kilt. Many people have more then one. From what you listed about your search for a tartan that means something for you I would think these tartans could be a good starting point of tartans to look at:

U.S. 2001 Air Force https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=4179
US Air Force Reserve Pipe Band https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/ta...tails?ref=4180

Well, like a few others here, I'm retired USAF- 20 years. I have a USAF kilt, but it should be noted that unlike the Marines and Army (don't know about Navy) There IS NO official USAF tartan. One can wear either of the two above, but mine is the "Lady Jane", or U.S. 2001 Air Force, which after I researched a bit seemed to be the one most often used, but the USAF Pipe Band (which sadly no longer exists, by the way) is a good choice as well. If you click the links you'll see the subtle differences.

[lschwartz]

Well, like a few others here, I'm retired USAF- 20 years. I have a USAF kilt, but it should be noted that unlike the Marines and Army (don't know about Navy) There IS NO official USAF tartan. One can wear either of the two above, but mine is the "Lady Jane", or U.S. 2001 Air Force, which after I researched a bit seemed to be the one most often used, but the USAF Pipe Band (which sadly no longer exists, by the way) is a good choice as well. If you click the links you'll see the subtle differences.

Actually, I don't think that any branch of service has an OFFICIALLY sanctioned tartan, although they do exist for most branches of service.

Larry

[Tobinn]

I'd like to second (or are we up to thirds or fourths?) the opinion previously expressed regarding just going for what you like rather than insisting on "meaning" for the first kilt.

I'm a newbie owning only two kilts (which ain't bad considered I got my first only earlier this year) and I ended up getting Black Watch for the first and Brown Watch for the second. Now that I've got my foot in the door I'm looking at tartans with "meaning". Parry (surname), New York City (where I was born and my mom was a true New Yorker - she had a pewter plate engraved with "When you leave New York you ain't goin' nowhere", Manx, Welsh and a few others.

Regardless, good on you for taking the plunge!

[RodF]

Had the opportunity to get over across the water and into Freedom Kilts to chat with Steve. Had my mid-dau along, we were over to see the amazing Egypt: Time of Pharoahs exhibit that is truly incredible.

Anyway, in addition to my daughter getting the "Kiltucation" seen here, and they were talking about weight of fabrics I think, I was able to order my first kilt - Robertson Hunting in the modern colors. So, pretty excited. Now to work on the waistcoat! Jacket will be next year's big purchase.

[RodF]

Had the opportunity to get over across the water and into Freedom Kilts to chat with Steve. Had my mid-dau along, we were over to see the amazing Egypt: Time of Pharoahs exhibit that is truly incredible.

Anyway, in addition to my daughter getting the "Kiltucation" seen here,

20180719_165704.jpg

and they were talking about weight of fabrics I think, I was able to order my first kilt - Robertson Hunting in the modern colors. So, pretty excited. Now to work on the waistcoat! Jacket will be next year's big purchase.

[derosa]

always nice to get past the stress of picking and into the joy of buying. I'd narrowed it down to two and couldn't choose so I did both at once and told the wife when they arrived together. Looks like a nice pick.

[KiltedSergeant]

Actually, I don't think that any branch of service has an OFFICIALLY sanctioned tartan, although they do exist for most branches of service.

Larry

A quick look at the Scottish Register of Tartans shows that you are correct! Thanks.

[Geoff Withnell]

I believe the US Coast Guard kilt is an official uniform item for the US Coast Guard pipe band, making the tartan sanctioned, if only for a small group. I learned this when my local Scottish American Military Society (I didn't use the acronym ha-ha), piper had to get official permission to where his Coast Guard kilt for a Society event, since it is a uniform item. He is in the USCG pipe band.