The Faded Tartan!

[James]

Am I alone in thinking that modern dyes whilst producing superb colours, can give a new a kilt a rather too bright effect?

So whilst as delighted as anyone when I get a new kilt, I will also hang it in the sun on a regular basis, so as to slightly fade it.

This to my mind tones down the brighteness of the tartan, and gives a much better appearance. Possibly better described as a softer effect.

A classic example would be the kilt of Loch Lomond District Tartan I got about three years ago-on first getting it, I had several comments about it being nice-but a bit bright. Now that it is slightly faded, it attracts remarks about it being a beautiful tartan.

Possibly I'm replicating the tradition of burying a new kilt in a bog for year to weather it ready for wear!

James

[Blu (Ontario)]

I totally agree about the modern colours being too bright. When looking at tartan options, I find that "ancient" or "old" versions are often much more pleasing to the eye and tend to show some of the darker colours better.

[Hamish]

James, I could not agree more. However, I have not heard of a traditional woollen kilt fading in sunlight, although I am not saying that it's an impossibility, even with the passing of time. Perhaps other long-term kilt wearing brethren have noticed this effect, and would like to comment?

You'll find that the brighter, or more intense, colours of many tartans are generally the result of modern chemical dyes having been used in the process. The softer, or muted, colours which Blu mentions and which I very much favour, are based upon the natural vegetable dyes that were used many years ago.

You will sometimes come across mention of 'weathered' colours alongside a listed tartan. These are not strictly weathered or faded but are a comparatively recent innovation created using selected modern dyes to achieve the effect. My clan tartan is Gunn. I simply won't have it in modern colours, but I do have it in ancient colours and weathered colours - both being so much nicer to look at! Photos of these are on pages 2 and 8 of my Album (linked below).

Unfortunately, we do not always have the choice and have to accept modern colours.

[Robert Lamb]

I have not had any of my wool kilts fade, but my Utilikilts have in short order.
Robert "the kilted" Lamb

[Hamish]

I have not had any of my wool kilts fade, but my Utilikilts have in short order.
Robert "the kilted" Lamb

Mine too, Robert! Not so much with the later acquisitions because Utilikilts are using better fabrics, but those bought four or five years ago are very faded. In fact, my very first one - a caramel workman's, Standard (zip fly) model (now 'archived' in my Kilt Kollection) has faded almost to white except on the inside, under the pleats and under the pockets!

Regards to Elva, and

[James]

I can assure you that a traditional kilt will fade-to recycle the old joke:-

'You'll just have to get out more, sitting there in the dark is not good for a boy'

James.

[bubba]

Actually, it isn't that the old dyes weren't as bright, they could be easily. The real difference is they did fade much more readily than modern dyes and did so rather rapidly being exposed to sun and weather. Vegetable dyes were easily capable of producing brilliant colors.I learned this in conversation with a lady that spins her own wool and weaves blankets and other items. She does occasionally use old dye recipes when she's going for an antique look.

[arrogcow]

I have not had any of my wool kilts fade, but my Utilikilts have in short order.
Robert "the kilted" Lamb

Depends on the fabric and color. My 4 year old olive has faded, but my three year old black original is still perfect black, while my six month old black survival has faded significantly (and all over not just exposed areas).

Adam

[bubba]

while my six month old black survival has faded significantly (and all over not just exposed areas).

Adam

That would be laundry fade. Either the dye wasn't adequately fixed or you might have used a detergent with bleach in it.

[bear]

Andrew Breecher told me the Cladish poly/viscose kilt he wore on the appx 2000 mile Appalachian trail faded from all the sunlight.
I think I'd rather put up with brighter colours. Maybe rent some time in a suntanning booth for your kilt?