Tartan Types and Purposes:

[phil h]

On the subject and an example of tartan importance:

What is the most exclusive tartan?
That’s difficult. One answer could be that a personal tartan made for one man would be the most exclusive. Perhaps you mean which is the most desirable tartan and the answer to that could be the Balmoral tartan which was designed by Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert and which can only be worn by the Royal Family. No weaver in the United Kingdom would produce that for anyone other than the Royal Family. Some overseas weavers have ignored the longstanding convention and produced what purports to be Balmoral. Such behaviour is viewed with great disdain by the Scottish industry and anyone who wore it in Scotland would be committing a great social (but not legal) sin!

this goes to prove my point, anyone can wear any tartan and it's not against the law. just up to the wearer if you think it's right and in good taste.

[macwilkin]

Well, technically, in the UK, it is illegal to wear the Balmoral tartan, let alone sell it, since it is a restricted tartan. Wearing the Balmoral tartan is kind of like the kids you see wearing military insignia that they are not entitled to: in the US, it is technically against the law because you impersonating a soldier of the US military, but whose going to enforce it? Nevertheless, I have mentioned to kids that I see wearing medals and combat infantryman badges (CIBs) that a veteran who earned that insignia might not be as generous with their response to them.

The bottom line is respect for tradition and custom. Wear what you want to, but as Jimmy says, be aware of what you're wearing and be able to defend why you're wearing it.

Cheers,

T.

[JazzKiltz]

Have you seen the NYC tartan, JazzKilt? I've been considering for myself, in memory of my time there.
http://www.tartansauthority.com/web/...=new+york+city

No, I hadn't seen that. Wow! That's not bad, but I still like Taylor Ancient better Believe or not, as long as I've been here I haven't seen any of the departmental pipe bands up close.

Weird.