"Rules" for wearing family tartan

[Tobus]

Is there any rule (of thumb, I guess) prohibiting me from wearing any tartans that I may be related to, though not directly (i.e. blood relation)?

The short answer is "no". There is no rule against you wearing the tartan of a family whose blood runs in your veins, regardless of whether you carry the surname or not.

There are some people (and thankfully they are few and far between) who insist that one is only entitled to wear the tartan for a clan whose name they carry, but this view is historically incorrect and is nothing more than a lame attempt at snobbery and elitism.

It's generally considered good form to wear only one clan tartan (such as they do in Scotland) that you are connected to most strongly. But still, there's no rule against it.

[English Bloke]

... There are some people (and thankfully they are few and far between) who insist that one is only entitled to wear the tartan for a clan whose name they carry, but this view is historically incorrect and is nothing more than a lame attempt at snobbery and elitism...

Tobus, I think that's a bit strong me ol' mate. I think it is less elitism and snobbery and more personal choice. As one who wears a number of different tartans, some of which I have no connection to, I wear what I like but I don't decry those who choose not to go with this and only wear a single tartan. If an individual is only comfortable in the one sett they have as much right as any to wear only that. It's a choice. Why wear something that makes you feel uncomfortable?

Everyone is free to express an opinion and the reasons why it was arrived at. It's not about policing, it's about the freedom to choose. There are no laws governing the vast majority of tartans and if we don't agree with another man's conclusions we don't have to pay any heed. Surely?

[HighlandMax]

on different websites pertaining to Tartans and Clans, I have the understanding that you can wear any clan tartan of an allied clan. For example, my Clan is Maxwell, and the Maxwell Clan has several allied Clans, and from my understanding, I could wear the Tartan of any of those allies.
I personally, wouldn't feel comfortable wearing another Tartan, even if it is allowed, but in your case, you don't have much of a choice. If my understanding is true, then what you need to do is find the allied Clans of your surname, and then take your pick.

[Andrew M. Stewart]

The "real Highlanders" wore whatever tartan they liked, or tartan that was made from the readily available dye's in their area. It was the aristocratic lowlanders in the late 1800's that made up the idea of "clan tartan's". Recollections of the 45 describe highlanders wearing many different tartans on their hats, shoulder plaids, trews, philibegs, philimore's etc. you can wear whatever you like, these private tartans have very little to do with real highland culture. As I've said before; if these aristocratic lowlanders had a real highlander walk into one of their fancy "highland" balls they'd have called the cops!

[Bugbear]

Does anyone else, in reading several of these discussions, get the feeling, and I mean emotional gut feeling, that you do not have the right and entitlement to wear Highland attire?

Perhaps even, and I am again talking about an emotional gut reaction, that Highland attire aught to be exclusive to the Scots in the Highlands?

Just an odd feeling I keep noticing as I read through the forum.

[robthehiker]

Does anyone else, in reading several of these discussions, get the feeling, and I mean emotional gut feeling, that you do not have the right and entitlement to wear Highland attire?

Perhaps even, and I am again talking about an emotional gut reaction, that Highland attire aught to be exclusive to the Scots in the Highlands?

Just an odd feeling I keep noticing as I read through the forum.

No Ted, I don't get that feeling. While I intend no insult to anyone by how I choose to dress, if they choose to take insult that is their right (or entitlement if you prefer).

I wear what I choose. If it upsets anyone that's unfortunate for them.

[Bugbear]

No Ted, I don't get that feeling. While I intend no insult to anyone by how I choose to dress, if they choose to take insult that is their right (or entitlement if you prefer).

I wear what I choose. If it upsets anyone that's unfortunate for them.

For some reason, that's sometimes difficult for me.

Just wondered if others found themselves reacting in that way after reading some statements on the forum.

Oh well.

[xman]

Just wondered if others found themselves reacting in that way after reading some statements on the forum.

It has made me embrace the fact that I will set my own style, perhaps have a long jacket altered, but still covering some of the pleats, whatever. I've got an Armani jacket I'm going to get altered, maybe Prince Charlie style. We'll see what happens. I'm going to go classy in my dress kilt, but I'm going to go as X, not a cookie cutter 'Scotsman'.

[BoldHighlander]

Does anyone else, in reading several of these discussions, get the feeling, and I mean emotional gut feeling, that you do not have the right and entitlement to wear Highland attire?

Perhaps even, and I am again talking about an emotional gut reaction, that Highland attire aught to be exclusive to the Scots in the Highlands?

Just an odd feeling I keep noticing as I read through the forum.

For some reason, that's sometimes difficult for me.

Just wondered if others found themselves reacting in that way after reading some statements on the forum.

Oh well.

No Ted, why should I (or anyone else)?
The kilt, in some form or fashion, has been worn in this country since the first Scots were transported (or emigrated) after the '45 (& dare I say probably prior to the '45) & by the descendants of Scottish immigrants since (as well as non-Scots).

So Ted, do not fret over what someone might say about 'rights and entitlements' to wearing the kilt, for NO such right or entitlement exist (even the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs say as much); and besides, though it has not been worn as long as in the Scottish Highlands, we in North America (the USA & Canada) have a rich history of wearing kilts as well, even if after the 18th century (until very recently) it was pretty much relegated to Highland Games, special ceremonies, parades etc; instead of everyday wear.

Wear it well, wear it often, & to Hades with the self important (& deluded) enforcers of non-existent 'rights and entitlements'!

[robthehiker]

For some reason, that's sometimes difficult for me.

Just wondered if others found themselves reacting in that way after reading some statements on the forum.

Oh well.

I hear what you're saying but there will always be people who disagree with you. They'll disagree with how you dress, how you vote, how you worship... You can't please everybody and you shouldn't try.

Wear what Ted thinks you should wear.