Dress tartan = failed concept?

**Tobus** · 1st February 10, 03:34 PM

I'm curious where the idea of a "dress tartan" came from. When did they first appear?

It seems to have been a fad that either never caught on or was very short-lived. I can't recall seeing pictures of anyone wearing a dress tartan, except possibly some Highland dancers. And it seems that when people dress formally, they always go with traditional setts and full color.

So what's the story with dress tartans? Were they ever in vogue within traditional circles? And does anybody here actually wear a kilt in a dress tartan? I'd be curious to see pictures.

**Farlander** · 1st February 10, 03:58 PM

A good question. This was recently addressed in this thread:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/o...188/index.html
It would seem that the extra white in a typical dress tartan is good for dancing. Otherwise, they do not seem all that popular.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 1st February 10, 05:21 PM

Judging by almost 50 years experience, I'd say that I've mostly seen them worn by dancers. I doubt that even 10% of those gentlemen who wear kilts wear "dress" tartans. As Farlander has said, they don't seem to be that popular.

**beloitpiper** · 1st February 10, 06:23 PM

I like the Gordon Dress tartan.

**Tartan Hiker** · 1st February 10, 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by beloitpiper

I like the Gordon Dress tartan.

And in my admittedly limited experience, that is the only dress tartan that I see with any regularity whatsoever.

**Paul** · 1st February 10, 07:23 PM

I like a few dress tartans, though, I often feel most of them are too bright for most occasions.

**RockyR** · 1st February 10, 07:33 PM

Dress Stewart, Dress MacDonald, Dress Campbell, Dress Gordon and Dress MacKenzie are probably the most popular 'dress' tartans that we've sold. I don't remember selling more than 1 of ANY other dress tartan.

That being said, MacLeod of Lewis (aka Loud MacLeod) is also known as MacLeod Dress. It has no white, but is still called a 'dress' tartan by some.

**HeathBar** · 2nd February 10, 03:03 AM

Dress Barclay is the more popular of the two Barclay tartans.

**Jock Scot** · 2nd February 10, 04:02 AM

I think the biggest drawback, until recently, has been the cost of a second kilt that would not be worn all that much. Don't forget, affording another "tank",the only choice until recently(possibly in some ways still is, in Scotland), was not an option for most.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 2nd February 10, 05:28 AM

A lot of people who are new to kilt wearing see the term "dress" in the name and think to themselves, "Well, this is just for formal occasions and I need a kilt that can be used for everyday wear," so they don't think of dress tartans as an option. But there is no rule anywhere that says dress tartans are for formal wear.

I've seen men (outside of Highland Dancing) wearing Dress Gordon, Dress Campbell, Dress Stewart, Dress MacPherson, Dress MacDonald, and many other dress tartans. It's not common, no, but it is done.