What tartan to wear

**Chirs** · 15th April 11, 10:32 AM

Great to have your company.

How would your question sound if we removed the word should? I think you'll find that the general consensus of opinion is to wear what you wish, with the understanding that it is always done with respect. Regardless of how you might feel about what you're wearing, others are going to see it and have thoughts of their own. So long as you have an answer better than "'cause I like the colours" when people ask why you're wearing it, you'll be fine. Don't worry.

**Paul Henry** · 15th April 11, 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by Chirs

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So long as you have an answer better than "'cause I like the colours" when people ask why you're wearing it, you'll be fine. Don't worry.

Actually many of us who have lots of kilts often go through fabric sample books and countless online references to find a tartan that we like, and often it will be the colours that attract us, so perahps it's not that unusual to choose the colours that you like!
Of course it's a great idea to find out a bit about the tartan, the history and design of it and if it is connected to a clan or district.

One other thing to remember that the Irish tartans are very recent (within the last 50 years) as historic Irish tartans are unknown. Nothing wrong with any of those ones, but just to be aware that they are modern

**Chirs** · 15th April 11, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by paulhenry

Actually many of us who have lots of kilts often go through fabric sample books and countless online references to find a tartan that we like, and often it will be the colours that attract us, so perahps it's not that unusual to choose the colours that you like!
Of course it's a great idea to find out a bit about the tartan, the history and design of it and if it is connected to a clan or district.

I'm sorry, I seem to have misrepresented my thought. Absolutely, buy the colours you like! Even if you're sticking with a specific clan, get the modern, ancient, or hunter according to the colours you like. But...when someone says "Why that tartan?" I have found that some knowledge helps, that "It's pretty" tends to come up short.

Let's face it, if we were going to avoid choosing by colour, we'd have to stop at 3!

I definitely advocate for getting what appeals, but I also advocate for being able to say something meaningful about it.