Kilt outfit

[The Tartan Sparky]

Not sure if outfit is the way to refer to it. But, when looking at reenactor photos, and old paintings, it seems different pieces of their attire don’t necessarily match in color or tartan. Was this typical of highland dress historically? Or more of a modern invention?

[The Tartan Sparky]

I edited my avatar to show this, since I can’t figure out how to get pictures to post lol

[Jock Scot]

I edited my avatar to show this, since I can’t figure out how to get pictures to post lol

Don't worry you are not the only one suffering. When the picture posting system was changed some time ago, it has defeated me too. It's a pity really as I think that I have on occasion, a few relevant pictures to post here, that some might find interesting or even helpful. There is a way around it, although I hesitate to abuse the system. You can email your picture to a sympathetic member who understands the system, to post the picture for you. I feel it's a bit of an imposition though.

As I am on the subject, perhaps I might respectfully ask the "management" if they could consider a more user friendly picture posting system, so us mere mortals might be able to post pictures more easily again?

[stickman]

I certainly agree with you. Us old old old timers didn't grow up with computers. I still have my now antique blueprint drawing tools.

[OC Richard]

You're right, numerous 18th century portraits show the free mixing of tartans.

There wasn't a concept of "clan tartans" then.

Yes in the 18th century there were commercial weavers like Wilsons of Bannockburn weaving stock tartans so certainly you could order a large quantity and make a whole matching outfit, and these were indeed popular.

But you also see people mixing tartans, here in the mid-18th century mixing three:



I put together this collage showing mixing of tartans from the mid-18th century, the 20th century, and currently in the military

[The Tartan Sparky]

You're right, numerous 18th century portraits show the free mixing of tartans.

There wasn't a concept of "clan tartans" then.

Yes in the 18th century there were commercial weavers like Wilsons of Bannockburn weaving stock tartans so certainly you could order a large quantity and make a whole matching outfit, and these were indeed popular.

But you also see people mixing tartans, here in the mid-18th century mixing three:



I put together this collage showing mixing of tartans from the mid-18th century, the 20th century, and currently in the military

That’s good to know, I appreciate the insight

[SF Jeff]

I put together this collage showing mixing of tartans from the mid-18th century, the 20th century, and currently in the military

Interesting that the bag cover and drone ribbons are not the same tartan. I would expect them to be, as they are part of the overall bagpipe ensemble. The drone cords and bag cover match, why not the ribbons? But military protocol often escapes me, so it is probably all well and proper as is.