Origin and Use of "Dress" Tartans

[Dixiecat]

This statement would seem to underscore the sentiment behind the OPs original statement that many "dress tartans" are really intended as womens wear.

Unfortunately, you are misinterpreting not only my point, but also the OPs original statement. Which is:

I, personally, stay well clear of categories #2 and #3 above, since I think these tartans are designed for women's clothing. I think category #1 is fine for men's wear, although they are often very vibrant.

What he is saying is that anything with a white background is UNSUITABLE for a man.

What I am trying to point out and I apologise if I have clouded my point with my discussion of the NEW dance tartans, is that NOT all tartans with a white background are intended for womens wear ONLY. I can't believe you BOTH ignored not only HRH Prince Charles wearing Dress Stewart, but also two male dancers of a past era (i.e. long before Charles wore his in that pic) wearing dress tartans.

I certainly think that there are categories of dress tartans, but I think someone with a little more knowledge and less bias should be proposing those categories.