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

[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.

[OC Richard]

Did the German Heritage tartan come into the discussion? As if the OP doesn't have enough tartans on his plate already!

I can sympathize, having several tartans I could go with. (Not as many as many of you!)

Isle of Arran
MacDonald
Stewart
Cooper
Cavan
Cornwall
West Virginia
California

But... I wear Isle of Skye! Simply because I like it.

[RodF]

Did the German Heritage tartan come into the discussion? As if the OP doesn't have enough tartans on his plate already!

I can sympathize, having several tartans I could go with. (Not as many as many of you!)

Isle of Arran
MacDonald
Stewart
Cooper
Cavan
Cornwall
West Virginia
California

But... I wear Isle of Skye! Simply because I like it.

LOL, it did actually. But, I discounted it from the list before I made the post. Here is where my thought process is at the present and I really appreciate the help folks - it's good to read and get a sense of how folks look at this type of decision:

Robertson Hunting - greens and blues are what are my house colors so these are just there and I have long identified with this Clan with my lowland Reids

Washington State but not sure how it will pleate out if it can even be obtained

Lanarkshire - colors (blue) are a bit too "baby blue" for me (which was the same with the USAF related tartans)

Two Fife related (Duke and Duchess) are just too green I think.

[RodF]

Was able to get over to Victoria yesterday, had lunch with a good friend and his partner, then off to Freedom Kilts and picked up MY KILT!!! Great tartan...and really like it. Will get it read and try to get a picture.