Wearing an army or marine tartan

[Arnot]

Would it be wrong to wear an army or marine kilt if never served? I found 2 used and the guy had served in both. He said if wearing to honor family, it would be fine but I'd hate to upset others. My grandpa and uncle served in the Army and 2 other uncles were Marines, with one of those serving in the Army as well as Marines. I was just so happy to find a couple of kilts in my size that I could afford but now I'm second guessing.

Personally, I think you would be fine. Especially with your family connections. I am US Army retired and I wouldn't be upset in the least.

[CelticSire]

Perfectly fine as long as, if asked, you reply that you are wearing it to honor a family member. Veterans will understand and appreciate it. At least this Veteran would.

[Stephanie]

Thank y'all both so much! I just wanted to be sure and I appreciate your time answering as well as thank you for your service. 💞

[Father Bill]

There is a contrary point of view. If you gave me that response, I would just nod silently, and when I turned away, I'd roll my eyes and shake my head.

I don't think many people would engage with you over it, but that doesn't mean that they'd be impressed.

[KnittedReenactor]

The US Army, USMC, USAF, and USN tartans are unofficial and not accepted by any of the military branches. They are tribute or commemorative tartans and free for anyone to wear.
As long as you are not trying to pass yourself off as current or former service that you did not actually do, you should not have any problems. Most people in the wider world won't recognize the pattern, and those who do typically won't get huffy.

As for upsetting others... whatever you do or say, if someone isn't offended, then you aren't doing it right.

[CollinMacD]

The US Army, USMC, USAF, and USN tartans are unofficial and not accepted by any of the military branches. They are tribute or commemorative tartans and free for anyone to wear.
As long as you are not trying to pass yourself off as current or former service that you did not actually do, you should not have any problems. Most people in the wider world won't recognize the pattern, and those who do typically won't get huffy.

As for upsetting others... whatever you do or say, if someone isn't offended, then you aren't doing it right.

The US Coast Guard is the ONLY US Military Tartan that are OFFICIAL, as the tartan is modeled after Alexander Hamilton, the Father of the USCG.

[Riverkilt]

Wear them proudly Stephanie....wear them proudly.

I was sorta in the Navy in NROTC in college and Sea Cadets in High School...but I wear the Navy tartan kilt in honor of my Uncle Larry's service in War 2 and my cousin Bill's service in Viet Nam.

I was a cold warrior in the Marine Corps but I wear the Leatherneck tartan of my late brother Rory who was a USMC Drill Instructor

I was never in the U.S. Army but I wear that tartan in honor of my father's service in War 2 with the Army Air Corps in North Africa and my great Uncle Charlie's service in France in War I.

I was never in the Royal Air Force but the guy who designed that tartan and controlled it's distribution back then said my late father's service as a Montana boy come to England to fly Hurricanes as a Flying Sergeant in the RAF in 1942 qualified me to wear the RAF tartan.

Folks passing me on the street don't know that IF they happen to recognize the tartans...IF they had an issue for some reason I'd be happy to explain why I wore each of them. I've worn all of those tartans during our little town's annual Veteran's Day parades over the years. Always in the color guard leading the parade. Never had a comment. I have worn them each with pride and honor and trust you will too.