Quote Originally Posted by seamus
please pardon my ignorance, but will someone explain the whole blackwatch/irish thing to me? and i find it interesting that royal stewart is so popular, if thats a rule.
No problem with the Black Watch thing at all. Simply put without going TOO far into it, the Black Watch fought for the British and the Unionist insurgents to rebel the Irish Independence movements. 1916 at the GPO was just one of many incidents. Touchy subject with the Irish Republicans. Besides being a Military tartan, it's not a friendly one to Eire. As a kilt wearer, it's best to know your tartan.

As for Royal Stewart, that's often a designer's choice. Again... anyone can feel free to wear it if they choose. Just know that it DOES have a history, a tradition, and a meaning behind it. As a kilt wearer, it's best to know your tartan.

Quote Originally Posted by seamus
also, is it true about the "dress" tartans being for ladies? just because i like the gordon dress (i'm of gordon descent) and was considering it for a rental for a formal dance, but is it for ladies? hmm...thanks.
That's a big 10-4 good buddy. Dress tartans DO NOT mean that they're formal. Dress means "dress". I've NEVER seen a man in a dress Stewart, but you'll find a TON of skirts and dresses at stores in it. You WILL, however, see guys in Dress McLeod (also known as Loud McLeod). No matter how good it looks, it's a "dress tartan"... pure and simple. Until the Registers at Lyon Court or the Tartan Registry notify everyone that it is no longer the case... then it pretty well stands. BUT... feel free to wear whatever you like. As a kilt wearer, it's best to know your tartan.

The information above is NOT my personal opinion, but is straight from the Registers at Lyon Court. Consider that the traditions are still very much alive in some areas when you decide on your kilt. NOTE: I'm currently doing a HUGE project with the tartan Registry and the Registers at Lyon Court.