Dress tartan = failed concept?

**Tobus** · 1st February 10, 03:34 PM

I'm curious where the idea of a "dress tartan" came from. When did they first appear?

It seems to have been a fad that either never caught on or was very short-lived. I can't recall seeing pictures of anyone wearing a dress tartan, except possibly some Highland dancers. And it seems that when people dress formally, they always go with traditional setts and full color.

So what's the story with dress tartans? Were they ever in vogue within traditional circles? And does anybody here actually wear a kilt in a dress tartan? I'd be curious to see pictures.

**Farlander** · 1st February 10, 03:58 PM

A good question. This was recently addressed in this thread:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/o...188/index.html
It would seem that the extra white in a typical dress tartan is good for dancing. Otherwise, they do not seem all that popular.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 1st February 10, 05:21 PM

Judging by almost 50 years experience, I'd say that I've mostly seen them worn by dancers. I doubt that even 10% of those gentlemen who wear kilts wear "dress" tartans. As Farlander has said, they don't seem to be that popular.

**beloitpiper** · 1st February 10, 06:23 PM

I like the Gordon Dress tartan.

**Tartan Hiker** · 1st February 10, 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by beloitpiper

I like the Gordon Dress tartan.

And in my admittedly limited experience, that is the only dress tartan that I see with any regularity whatsoever.

**Paul** · 1st February 10, 07:23 PM

I like a few dress tartans, though, I often feel most of them are too bright for most occasions.

**RockyR** · 1st February 10, 07:33 PM

Dress Stewart, Dress MacDonald, Dress Campbell, Dress Gordon and Dress MacKenzie are probably the most popular 'dress' tartans that we've sold. I don't remember selling more than 1 of ANY other dress tartan.

That being said, MacLeod of Lewis (aka Loud MacLeod) is also known as MacLeod Dress. It has no white, but is still called a 'dress' tartan by some.

**HeathBar** · 2nd February 10, 03:03 AM

Dress Barclay is the more popular of the two Barclay tartans.

**Panache** · 2nd February 10, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by RockyR

That being said, MacLeod of Lewis (aka Loud MacLeod) is also known as MacLeod Dress. It has no white, but is still called a 'dress' tartan by some.

Rocky,

I'm pretty sure that is just a myth perpetuated by those of Macleod of Lewis heritage that are looking for an excuse to wear the Macleod of Harris tartan instead of their own.

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

**Jock Scot** · 2nd February 10, 02:48 PM

Originally Posted by Panache

Rocky,

I'm pretty sure that is just a myth perpetuated by those of Macleod of Lewis heritage that are looking for an excuse to wear the Macleod of Harris tartan instead of their own.

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

No no Jamie you have it all wrong. The MacLeod of Lewis(Lewes) is the dress tartan of the senior Clan( Chief MacLeod of MacLeod) MacLeod of Harris. In other words the MacLeods of Harris are the one's with the choice!