Matching Flashes and necktie with Tartan? Poor form?

[OC Richard]

Most would think that several yards of tartan in the form of the kilt is more than enough.

Indeed!

In the piping world (which is has always been my primary point of contact with Highland Dress) I think it's one of those action > equal and opposite reaction things.

For so long- since the early 19th century at least- the typical piper's kit was like this, overflowing with endless yards of tartan, tartan on kilt, plaid, bag-cover, drone ribbons, and hose



When I started piping in the mid-1970s pipe bands were still wearing this kit in competition! It WAS the piper's kit. (The other popular kit was full Evening Dress with tartan hose and belted plaid, plenty of tartan there too.)

A Highland Games in the 1960s. Tartan hose for all. Everyone in military-style Full Dress or civilian Evening Dress. No ghillies, Argyll jackets, or ghillies are to be seen.



Then a sea-change happened in the piping world and there was a quick move in as opposite a direction as possible. The new piper's kit emphasized sharp simplicity, and the greatest possible reduction in the amount of tartan, the kilt alone. The new kit, for better or for worse, was the black Argyll jacket, shirt & tie, white hose (!), ghillie brogues, black leather hunting sporran, and a Glengarry.



There was a thing which held sway for at least a decade where everything in the kit except the kilt was either white or black. Tartan stuff? No way. A band would get looks, not good ones, if it showed up with tartan bag-covers, for example.

Either back in the day of Full Dress, or elaborate Evening Dress, or the modern pipe band dress, tartan flashes and ties weren't part of it.