Newbe Question alert: Okay to wear other tartan?

**Oatmeal Savage** · 23rd September 06, 02:28 PM

Newbe Question alert: Okay to wear other tartan? Can I wear a Stewart tartan or any other for that matter? Do I have to be affiliated with the Clan?

Thanks
Kevin

**Southern Breeze** · 23rd September 06, 02:36 PM

There's no law against it. Just wear them with respect and a little knowledge of their history and background. Take a look at this thread-

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...7&page=1&pp=10

**Alan H** · 23rd September 06, 02:48 PM

Wear what you like, but know the tartan...know who and what it represents and know a bit about the history behind it. In other words, show a bit of respect for what it represents...

...which is not a difficult thing, and it's fun to learn something of the history of the clans and regions.

**Raphael** · 23rd September 06, 02:53 PM

As long as you know what you are wearing. BTW, I have a Black Stewart Kilt.

**McClef** · 23rd September 06, 03:27 PM

A moot point might not be so much what are established clan tartans but for those that have been designed by individuals still living.

How do their intellectual rights work if someone wants to wear a tartan they have designed? Is their permission required, can they claim payment of a royalty?

Where the designer and the date of design are known this will show on the STA website where you can also design and register your own tartan.

**Oatmeal Savage** · 23rd September 06, 03:31 PM

Wow quite a thread, I am interested in the Royal Stewart tartan which, IIRC, in the current Royal tartan and as a member of Commonwealth I am permitted to wear, correct?

Thanks again, sorry for all the questions.

Kevin

Originally Posted by Southern Breeze

There's no law against it. Just wear them with respect and a little knowledge of their history and background. Take a look at this thread-

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...7&page=1&pp=10

**Tattoo Bradley** · 23rd September 06, 04:13 PM

Originally Posted by Oatmeal Savage

Wow quite a thread, I am interested in the Royal Stewart tartan which, IIRC, in the current Royal tartan and as a member of Commonwealth I am permitted to wear, correct?

Thanks again, sorry for all the questions.

Kevin

As they've been trying to convey: there is NO LAW or PERMISSION required to wear ANY tartan. Wear what you like. Simply do it respectfully. I own a Wallace Modern and have absolutely no affiliation (that I know of) to the clan. I wear it out of admiration of William Wallace. I wear it with pride.

**McClef** · 23rd September 06, 04:16 PM

Go right ahead - I have a Royal Stewart too and my clan is Robertson!

**Sir Robert** · 23rd September 06, 04:17 PM

Royal Stewart tartan is kinda the property of HRH Elizabeth II by default, she says that this is a universal tartan so anyone can wear it. There is a IIRC Balmoral tartan that you can't buy that is effectively restricted to the Royals. Any tartan that you can buy is fair game but some clans do act like you are the worst sort of sinner to wear "their" tartan.

There are dozens and dozens of tartans that are "Universal" and only drunk guys at Highland games will give you greif for wearing them because they will mistake them for their own tartan. But this happens no mater what so be happy wear a kilt in the tartan of YOUR choice.

**Andrew Green** · 23rd September 06, 04:19 PM

Absolutely wear what you want, but do it with respect, and pride naturally. Everyone else here has already said that, and I cannot help but echo that.

Also, if you are looking to diversify your wardrobe... and are getting tailored kilts, I would suggest a look at a number of the district tartans... many of them are just stunning patterns, and some of them quite old too. National tartans are typically eye catching too. There are a LOT of options out there when it comes to choosing tartans... often I find, the hardest part is trying to make up your mind!
Good times!