Collections?

[auld argonian]

So I seem to be hearing a consensus that, in America at least, if you like the pretty pattern on the cloth, it's acceptable to wear it, even if you can't document a link to the 'rightful' owners?

Depends on what "rightful owner" means...there is no little discussion on that point. I see a lot of what I would personally consider "tenuous" associations with various clans being made in order to justify ownership of a kilt in that tartan. Granted that a lot of people can plot out their family tree unto the seventh generation and that they do have various clans folded into their lineage...I just don't think that I, personally, am any more justified in wearing a specific tartan because my great grandfather to the fifth power was a MacBeth than I am in just respectfully and mindful-of-the-history-ly wearing a tartan that I find interesting and attractive.

I don't know if I've ever heard of a kiltmaker asking for a certificate of clan membership from someone ordering a kilt...boy, that would make life interesting, wouldn't it? I have heard of tartans that are specifically reserved for clan members and that are supposed to be worn only with the permission of the clan chief but I believe that that is only a very small percentage of the available tartans.

I've also read of bizarre confrontations at Highland Games where some self-appointed kilt regulator starts giving some innocent kilt wearer guff for wearing "his" tartan. Oh well. Not having served in the military, I personally won't wear any of the military tartans...I certainly respect service members and veterans but I feel that it's their honor to wear those tartans.

So one can certainly try to find associations that tie him to a tartan and buy accordingly...or not. The consensus that I've seen expressed on the forum is that one can wear any tartan but should understand the history and wear it respectfully.

You can always get solid colors or tweed if you don't feel that tartan is appropriate.

Best

AA