Tartan is the part of a kilt that tells a story: of a family, a place or simply a pattern you love. Here is how tartans work and how to choose one you will be proud to wear.
What a tartan is
A tartan is a pattern of coloured stripes woven at right angles, so the stripes cross to make blocks and lines of colour. The full repeat of the pattern is called the sett. Two tartans can use the same colours and still be different, because the width and order of the stripes in the sett are what make each one unique.
Types of tartan
- Clan and family tartans. Linked to a Scottish clan or family name. Many surnames are septs, families historically connected to a larger clan, so your surname may lead you to a clan tartan even if the name looks different.
- District tartans. Linked to a place: a region, town or area of Scotland. A good choice if your family comes from a particular place.
- Universal tartans. Tartans that anyone can wear without a family connection. Black Watch, a dark green and navy military tartan, is one of the best known.
- Dress and hunting variants. Some clans have more than one tartan. Dress tartans often include white and are worn for formal occasions and dancing; hunting tartans use darker greens and browns.
Modern, Ancient and Weathered
Every tartan in our range can be ordered in three colour versions. The sett stays the same; only the shades change.
| Colourway | Look | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Modern | Deep, strong, saturated colours | A bold, crisp look; formal events |
| Ancient | Lighter, softer shades | A gentler, traditional look |
| Weathered | Muted, faded tones, as if aged outdoors | A rugged, understated look; daywear |
Who can wear which tartan
There is no law about who can wear a tartan, and most people simply choose one that means something to them. If you want to follow tradition, wear your own clan or family tartan, your partner’s, or a district tartan linked to where you or your family come from. If you have no Scottish connection, a universal tartan is always appropriate. For a wedding, couples often choose one family’s tartan for the wedding party so everyone matches.
Finding your tartan
Our Tartan Finder lets you search more than 2,100 tartans by surname, clan or district name. Search your surname first, then try your mother’s and grandparents’ family names; any of them may link you to a clan tartan. Once you have found it, you can see every kilt, jacket and accessory we make in that tartan.
Found your tartan? Every tartan kilt is made to your measurements in the tartan you choose.