Bright or Dark Tartans?

[Sir Didymous]

So, I thought about this while leading another post, but didn't want to take it off track. What is your preference in tartan colors? Are you into bright, vibrant colors? Loud tartans? Or are you more the type that likes the darker more sober colors?

Personally, I see that they all have a place, and my preference for the color set varies from tartan to tartan. I like the Clergy tartan in the ancient colors as it is a bit brighter, but not over done. I like the Ferguson tartan in the weathered colors because it is toned down and stands out from the other Ferguson tartans. Then my reenactment troop is in the process of registering an "Order of Chivalry" tartan to mark our ten year anniversary next year. It is very bold (sort of like the Macleod of Lewis) with the gold colored base with red, black, and white stripes. We have approximated what it would look like in weathered colors for those of us that like the toning down that comes from it, but I like the bold look on it.

So, what do you like?

[Tasty Rabbit]

My taste in tartans seems to be pretty much the same as my taste in everyday clothes : Dark shades & earth tones with the brighter colors more as an accent . I think it makes the bright colors stand out more . Plus too many bright colors makes me feel fat .

[Father Bill]

My taste is to my clan. I don't care for the so-called "weathered" or "ancient" colours because they aren't what they claim to be. I do have a clergy tartan, but my other two are Sinclair and hunting Sinclair and I'm not even remotely interested in wearing anybody else's nametag.

[Kilted Cole]

Depends on the mood and the situation. I vary greatly as the pictures shall show.

[Tobus]

I love the ancient and weathered/reproduction colour schemes. They are either bright or earthy, and suit my tastes. I don't like the modern colours, as they are too dark to really see the pattern (in blues and greens, anyway).

Not a big fan of dark tartans. I just don't see the point if the tartan pattern isn't easily seen. There are some dark tartans that have bold stripes, and these are OK. But a dark tartan with dark shades in the stripes (like the R'lyeh sett) just don't appeal to me in the aesthetics department.

[mookien]

I like all the color schemes depending on the tartan. For example, I prefer the Blaylock and MacKellar tartans in the Repro/Muted colors, the MacLeod of Harris and the MacDonald Clan tartans in modern colors, and the MacFarlane Hunting and Duncan in Ancient.

[Nathan]

A little of column A and a little of column B. I like a tartan because I have a connection to the symbolism. That connection influences how I see the tartan. MacDonald of Clanranald, Blackwatch, Clan Donald modern, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and Maple Leaf are all very different tartans, but each of them means something very important to me so when I look at them, I see far more than just colours and lines... I see memories, culture, history, regiment, Clan, family and homelands. To me it's like asking which flag I like. My own, of course.

[Mikilt]

I like the modern colors. Ancient and weathered color schemes don't look as good on me.

[TheOfficialBren]

A little of column A and a little of column B. I like a tartan because I have a connection to the symbolism. That connection influences how I see the tartan. MacDonald of Clanranald, Blackwatch, Clan Donald modern, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and Maple Leaf are all very different tartans, but each of them means something very important to me so when I look at them, I see far more than just colours and lines... I see memories, culture, history, regiment, Clan, family and homelands. To me it's like asking which flag I like. My own, of course.

Precisely!


Also, Plus one Kyleism to the Padre's post.

Not interested in wearing a tartan to which I have no connection.

I usually prefer darker, somber tartans usually but weathered versions usually look fantastic, too. Ancient tartans are okay. A bit lighter than I usually prefer but some look outstanding. Each to their own.

[scottmphoto]

I like darker, earth tones as I like to be out in the woods and they blend in better (and don't show dirt as bad). That being said, my newest kilt is in the "Loud" MacLeod yellow tartan. I do have one in a British military camo pattern.