6 Universal Tartans That Anyone Can Wear (Including a Big Surprise!)
Perhaps the most common question we are asked at CLAN Scotweb HQ is "what tartan can I wear?". We always get a few plaids to wear with pride. But what tartans are there for non-Scots, or if you are not connected to Scotland? Here are seven universal tartan ideas that everyone can wear. And we will save the best for the last time!
Today some tartans are considered universal, so anyone can wear these fabrics regardless of their background. The most famous is the Usaf Tartan, designed for Queen Victoria. Then there is the Black Tartan Fabric, now a monument to Scotland's most famous army. Other examples include Macleod Dress or 'Loud Macleod' for its fans. The most famous Lindsay is probably a public place. Stewart dress is very popular with women's clothing. And Scotland Forever is a Scottish gift to the world. Lastly (wait!) There is ... almost any tartan in the world. You want to know Why?
1. USAF Tartan - where the modern tradition started!
The tartan was designed by Arthur Mackie, a former mill manager at Strathmore Woolen Mills, and was taken over by the Band of the Air Force Reserve at Dobbins Air Force Base, Georgia in the early 1990's.
US Air Force tartan. Although "No one comes close" is the illegal slogan of USAF Tartan, their role is "Flying and Fighting in the Air, Space, and Cyberspace". Tartan products and products for sale in this collection include blue, black, blue, gold, red and white stripes.
2. Black Tartan - honouring the brave
Black Tartan is also known as Black, moody, and is suitable for both men's and women's clothing and underwear, the subtle depth of Black is what makes it so popular. Even British Prime Minister (at the time of writing) Theresa May often plays a black suit, cutting the line while sitting on the safe side of drunkenness. No wonder it is so popular.
3. MacLeod of Lewis tartan - or proudly Loud MacLeod!
Clan Macleod Tartan (or MacLeod Dress) is best known for the Loud MacLeod, and it's not hard to see why. This is the plaid of someone who likes to stand out from the crowd.
MacLeods is found on the Isle of Skye and in all the Inner & Outer Hebrides islands of Scotland, and in the western part of Scotland. But the MacLeod of Lewis tartan has surpassed this origin in order to be known worldwide as one of the most bold textile patterns in the world.
4. Lindsay Tartan - richly coloured with depth
Lindsay Family Tartan is one of the most successful commercials because of its intricate design and flexible style. Famous for everything from school uniforms to women's skirts and jackets, Lindsay tartan has a place in innumerable hearts.
Down from Danes, the first Lindsay recorded in Scotland was 1120 and the family prospered both in Scotland and England until they had to abandon parts of the English during the Scottish Civil War. Now the family is found all over the world. But their tartan is still widely available!
5. Dress Stewart Tartan - both traditional and modern
Dress Stewart Tartan is another plaid found in many school uniforms. But its popularity is much broader than that, used in everything from high fashion to traditional interiors. Dress tartans are usually showy, designed for casual wear. But Dress Stewart in some way to do so in a professional way.
Dress Stewart today is so widely used in commercial production that few wearers may think of its historical links with the Stewart family. But it is still a source of pride for many members of the Stewart family to see their fabrics enjoyed around the world.
6. Scotland Forever tartan - something we can all agree on
Scotland Forever tartan is a modern-day organization made up of one of Scotland's finest mills. Taking its name from the famous war cry that was heard in Waterloo, Scotland Forever was created primarily to meet the need for a plaid design that anyone can wear, wherever they live, and whether they have Scottish blood or not. After all, which of us would not agree: Scotland Forever!
Any tartan you love - or even just like the look of!
Tartans are not just for families and families. Culture is actually about respecting the community in which you are and who you love. So there are plaid countries, cities, regions, and cities. There are tartans for companies, clubs, and events. Many universities and schools have their own. Heck, you can even design your own tartan.
But here’s the big thing to take: there is no rule to stop you from wearing any old family tartan or family tartan! That idea is a myth. Scottish culture is about welcoming outsiders into our community. Wearing someone else's plaid is a sign of respect and friendship. So it is good to choose any traditional tartan just because you like it! This is the best Scottish gift in the world. We love you if you like our tartan - whatever you choose.
For more tartan to be proud of, we suggest our article on which tartan can I wear?
Or if you have a common name, search our Tartan Finder for your surname to see dozens of platforms.
And if you find this article helpful, please help others find it! Spread the word by linking it to your blog or sharing it on social media.