Quote Originally Posted by cajunscot
Excellent posts, Matt & David -- you've done grand in summing up why for some, the tartan is a "talisman and totem".

Blu: I know several people who wear their "family" tartan not as a kilt, but in the form of a shirt, tie, scarf, etc. and do not see that version as "trivializing" their tartan -- for some, that is the only version of the tartan they can afford at the moment, since a traditional kilt is more of an investment, or they don't (for whatever reason) want to wear one. Granted, you only see the more "common" tartans (BW, Stewart Royal, Buchanan, Lindsay, etc.) in some of the garment types you mention; I would personally love to see someone wearing a Cumming tartan shirt on the street! ;)

I've had some very good conversations with folks wearing garments in particular tartans who knew nothing about the history of tartans, etc.

Cheers,

Todd
Just wanted to add my second to your thoughts here, Todd.

As to tartan items, I started with a necktie in the Duncan sett. Next came a tam and scarf in the Anc. Hunting Robertson. Finally, my first kilt, a bit over 6 yards of Mod. Hunting Robertson for a great kilt. The rest of my decisions in kilt purchase have, for the larger part, been based on clan (Donnachaidh/Robertson) or pipe band (Gordons and Black Watch) affiliations, although the synthetic Royal Stuart was primarily for a "look-see" (and it will go to the first person who says he/she wants the thing). The perhaps notable exception is the Paisley District tartan; primary considerations in the purchase of that tank from a gent on eBay were the look, the size, and the price -- all three were right, for me.

Mac