Choosing a Tartan

[Katia]

I think the question should be, which tartan would YOU most like to wear? We can all tell you what we'd prefer, but that won't tell you what will make you happiest. Print pictures of each and look at them close up and then from far away to make sure you like the look both ways; squint if you have to (yes, it can make a difference. I have to admit I like "my" tartan better up close than from a distance). Think about which would go with colors you'd most like to wear with it, or which colors suit you best (this can especially make a difference between the modern and weathered/ancient colorways). Think about any tie you have to either (are you a Grant and the family tie-in might really matter to you? Or does it matter to you more to have one connected to where you're from?). Think about how you'll feel in various situations-- if Grant is your family tartan and you go to an event, will you feel funny if you chose the tartan that won't match everyone else's or that doesn't "represent" the family? Are you more likely to have to "explain" one than the other and will that make a difference to how you feel about it (some people don't want to have to constantly be explaining themselves to strangers in public; others would rather talk to people about it than not)? Do you see yourself ever getting tired of it?

And, of course, we all know that no matter which you choose, you'll likely want another one soon enough anyway.

[Craig Elachie]

Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I am just torn between both for different reasons and I was hoping some responses here might help break the tie.

Sláinte!

[Macman]

For me personally, if I were a Grant, I'd choose a Grant tartan. As a McIntosh, the only kilt I had for almost thirty years was Mackintosh tartan. When I finally replaced that kilt, I got another one in Hunting Mackintosh tartan. It was only way later that I got one in the Canadian Maple Leaf tartan. I guess that tells you that, to me, clan comes first.

BTW, welcome to XMTS from just off the west coast!

[Craig Elachie]

That’s the direction I am leaning in as well. If I’m honest I prefer the colours of the maple leaf tartan but I consider myself a traditionalist and tend to think a clan tartan is more traditional. Thanks for the reply!

[Patty Logan]

hi, if i where you i would go with the Grant hunting tartan over the other ones.

https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/tartanDetails?ref=277

[Craig Elachie]

Are you referring to black watch / Campbell or a rarer Grant Hunting such as this: https://www.mccalls.co.uk/products/g...unting-ancient ?

[Patty Logan]

Are you referring to black watch / Campbell or a rarer Grant Hunting such as this: https://www.mccalls.co.uk/products/g...unting-ancient ?

yes i ment black watch (as in trolling/joke🤣 unless you actually want it)

[Patty Logan]

Are you referring to black watch / Campbell or a rarer Grant Hunting such as this: https://www.mccalls.co.uk/products/g...unting-ancient ?

Yes i ment black watch (as a troll/joke 🤣 unless you actually considering it)

[OC Richard]

Personally if I were a Grant I would get a Grant kilt.

There are at least five colour-ways

Wilson's (mid 18th century through early 19th century)

Modern (evolved in the Victorian period)

Ancient (introduced around 1900)

Weathered/Reproduction (introduced in 1949)

Muted (House Of Edgar Muted probably introduced around 1980)

For regional or "district" tartans you would have Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and Maple Leaf.

That's eight things to choose from already! Lucky man.

Personally I would go with Grant in Wilson's, Ancient, Weathered, or Muted. (Not a fan of the uber-dark "modern" tartans.)

I just experienced this decision, having recently discovered Stewart ancestry (I'm a direct descendant of Captain Ralph Stewart of the Continental Army) and I just ordered a kilt in Hunting Stewart Weathered in tweed from Marton Mills.

[ShaunMaxwell]

I concur with the others about going with a clan tartan.

While I’m a fan of ancient colors for blue/green tartans, for red/green tartans, I prefer the muted or modern colors as the red in ancient palette is very orange-y and the green is fairly bright.

My first kilt (Maxwell tartan — red/green/black) — was in the ancient colors. I later acquired Maxwell kilts in modern, hunting and muted colors. I find that my ancient kilt is worn the least by far.

I really like the hues of the House of Edgar muted tartans, but only wish they were available in 16 oz. instead of 13 oz.

Here’s a photo of the kilts to show the differences in the colors. (Top to bottom: ancient, modern, muted and hunting)



Looking forward to seeing what you end up with!

Cheers,

SM