Family and Universal Tartans Only?!

**Galb** · 22nd May 08, 06:26 AM

I'm curious how many of you have the same problem I do. See, I have this thing about kilts. I like them, but I won't buy any tartan that is not universal, except my family tartan. Is this odd to any of you? My father is worse. I offered to get him a USMC kilt but he says "It's Galbraith tartan or no kilt!" I am kind of the same way, except I don't mind getting the universals. Needless to say, neither my father or I have a kilt in our family tartan. He continues to walk around in pants, and I continue to wear my universals.

Anyone else not want to wear other clan tartans?

**castledangerous** · 22nd May 08, 06:32 AM

"I won't buy any tartan that is not universal, except my family tartan....Needless to say, neither my father or I have a kilt in our family tartan."

Didn't you just contradict yourself?

**Finn** · 22nd May 08, 06:37 AM

Not having a family tartan (yet), I do tend to shy away from clan tartans, but I will order an SWK in Weathered McKenzie to get over it. I also want the WPG Gordon for winter wear. I did feel very strongly about it at one time. Its why I started with UKs. Currently, I only have one tartan- US Army (from USAK!).

**Galb** · 22nd May 08, 06:45 AM

Originally Posted by castledangerous

"I won't buy any tartan that is not universal, except my family tartan....Needless to say, neither my father or I have a kilt in our family tartan."

Didn't you just contradict yourself?

No. My father won't buy a kilt that isn't a Galbraith tartan. Therefore he wears pants. I won't wear other clan tartans other than Galbraith. I will, however, wear universal ones. I don't see how that contradicts. Perhaps it would've better been understood if I said I refused to purchase a clan tartan other than my own, so I stick with universals and someday my family tartan (when I can afford it).

**davedove** · 22nd May 08, 07:02 AM

I don't think you're unusual. Based on previous discussions like this on the forum, there are some people who would only wear a clan tartan that is the same as their family name. There are some who would wear any tartan that's out there, just because they like the tartan. Then, there are people all along that spectrum.

Personally, I like to have some connection to a tartan, but that's me. It helps me limit the tartans I purchase. But, that connection may be any line of the family or any other type of connection (military, region, etc.).

The choices you make are your own. No one can say that your choice is right or wrong. (Well, they may say it, but they have no laws to back them up.)

**Ozman1944** · 22nd May 08, 07:07 AM

I wear wharever tartan I like, regardless.
If it's for sale - it's meant to be bought & worn by whoever buys it.
I recently bought a "Leatherneck" ; being an Aussie, obviously I have no Marine connections, but I liked the tartan. The Kilt is a grament, not some kind of exclusive Religious Habit.
There is indeed a 'Harris' (Welsh) tartan, but only available as an expensive woolen tank; So until Stillwater or Frugal Corner carry it in PV, I'm satisfied with the variety of Tartans I already have. \
There are no Tartan Police, so, as I said; If it's for sale to the general public, then the general public has every right to wear it.

**Jack Daw** · 22nd May 08, 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by Galb

I'm curious how many of you have the same problem I do. See, I have this thing about kilts. I like them, but I won't buy any tartan that is not universal, except my family tartan. Is this odd to any of you? My father is worse. I offered to get him a USMC kilt but he says "It's Galbraith tartan or no kilt!" I am kind of the same way, except I don't mind getting the universals. Needless to say, neither my father or I have a kilt in our family tartan. He continues to walk around in pants, and I continue to wear my universals.

Anyone else not want to wear other clan tartans?

I have 5 kilts that are outside of my clan and I like all, but I'm getting tired of people assuming that I'm a MacGregor when I wear the kilt with the you-know-what tartan.

**Glen C** · 22nd May 08, 07:13 AM

I won't buy a clan tartan unless I had an ancestor from that clan. I'd stick to the universal's or a tartan you have a connection with, not that there is anything wrong with wearing another tartan as long as you show respect for it and the clan it belongs too. I'm looking for some clan Young weathered tartan in a decient wieght for my next kilt.

**Tattoo Bradley** · 22nd May 08, 07:16 AM

Originally Posted by Ozman1944

I wear wharever tartan I like, regardless.
If it's for sale - it's meant to be bought & worn by whoever buys it.
I recently bought a "Leatherneck" ; being an Aussie, obviously I have no Marine connections, but I liked the tartan. The Kilt is a grament, not some kind of exclusive Religious Habit.
There is indeed a 'Harris' (Welsh) tartan, but only available as an expensive woolen tank; So until Stillwater or Frugal Corner carry it in PV, I'm satisfied with the variety of Tartans I already have. \
There are no Tartan Police, so, as I said; If it's for sale to the general public, then the general public has every right to wear it.

Just a nit-pick, FC and SWK's kilts are of acrylic material, NOT PV.

**Tattoo Bradley** · 22nd May 08, 07:22 AM

Originally Posted by Glen C

I'm looking for some clan Young weathered tartan in a decient wieght for my next kilt.

That's a great tartan. My "Gramma Henderson" was born "Addie Young." I'd love to have a kilt in the weathered colors myself. I've not found it "in stock" other than Lochcarron's Reiver (10 oz.) line. I'm sure you've found the same. Keep in mind that DC Daghlish will do kilt lengths as custom runs. I know Matt Newsome, Barb Tewksbury, and Kathy Lare have all made kilts from special order 16 oz. cloth from them. It'll cost a little more, but worth it in the end, IMO.