Posted by Maris on 28th Aug 2023
7 Universal Tartans That Anyone Can Wear
The most often asked question at Tartan Plaid is “what tartan can I wear?” We always have a couple plaids on hand to wear with pride. But what tartans are available for non-Scots or those with no ties to Scotland? Here are seven suggestions for universal tartans that anyone can wear. And the greatest will be saved for last!
Some tartans are now considered universal; regardless of heritage, anyone can wear them. The most well-known tartan is the Royal Stewart tartan, created for Queen Victoria. Then there’s the Black Watch tartan, named after Scotland’s most famous unit. Other examples include Macleod Dress, sometimes known as ‘Loud Macleod’ among its followers. Lindsay, who is so well-known that he is nearly public property. Dress Stewart is well-known for her womenswear. Scotland Forever is Scotland’s gift to the rest of the globe. Finally, (wait for it!) practically any tartan on the planet. Do you want to know why?
Royal Stewart tartan – the originator of the present tradition!
The Royal Stewart tartan is the most well-known plaid in the world. Sir Walter Scott picked it for King George IV’s visit to Edinburgh when the ancient rules prohibiting tartan were abolished. Commoners quickly hijacked the Royal Stewart plaid to demonstrate their royalist allegiance. As a result, the royal family later adopted the Balmoral tartan (supposed to have been designed by Prince Albert), which they exclusively wear and the Queen’s piper!
Because of its distinctive red color scheme, Royal Stewart is now the most widely produced commercial tartan. Nobody considers it to be an expression of royalism. It is simply the most popular tartan in the world.
Black Watch tartan – a tribute to the brave
Tartan of the Black WatchThe Campbell tartan is another name for the Black Watch tartan. The subtle depth of Black Watch is what makes it so popular. It is dark, brooding, and suitable for both menswear and womenswear as well as interiors. Even the British Prime Minister (at the time of writing), Theresa May, wears a Black Watch outfit to make a statement while remaining sober. It’s no surprise it’s so popular.
The army adopted this plaid for kilts worn by the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, or Argyll Regiment, or simply Argylls for short (today the 3rd Battalion), giving it yet another name: Government 1A tartan (though 1B is more usually made commercially). This illustrious regiment was known as the Black Watch.
Lewis tartan – or proudly Loud MacLeod!
It’s easy to see why the MacLeod of Lewis tartan (or MacLeod Dress) is known as Loud MacLeod. This plaid is ideal for someone who enjoys standing out in a crowd.
The MacLeods can be found all over Scotland, including the Isle of Skye, the Inner and Outer Hebrides islands, and the western mainland. However, MacLeod of Lewis tartan has outgrown its humble beginnings to become one of the world’s most daring cloth patterns.
Lindsay tartan – a deep, richly colored tartan.
Lindsay tartan is another commercially popular tartan due to its refined elegance and adaptability. Lindsay tartan is a popular choice for anything from school uniforms to women’ skirts and jackets.
The earliest Lindsay recorded in Scotland was in 1120, descended from Danes, and the family flourished in both Scotland and England until they were forced to give up the English sections during the Wars of Scottish Independence. The family can now be found all over the world. However, their tartan may be found much more extensively!
Stewart tartan – both traditional and contemporary
Stewart tartan dressAnother plaid that can be found on many school uniforms is the Dress Stewart tartan. However, its popularity extends far beyond that, with applications ranging from high fashion to traditional interior design. Dress tartans are often flashy and intended for formal occasions. Dress Stewart, on the other hand, does so in a stylish manner.
Dress Stewart is now so commonly utilized in commercial production that few users are likely to think about its historical ties to the Stewart dynasty. However, seeing their fabrics being appreciated all around the world remains a source of pride for many Stewart family members.
Scotland Forever tartan – something on which we can all agree
The Scotland Forever tartan is a more recent creation of one of Scotland’s weaving factories. The Scotland Forever, named after a legendary battle cry heard at Waterloo, was devised specifically to answer the requirement for a plaid design that everyone could wear wherever they resided, and whether or not they had Scottish blood. After all, who among us would argue that Scotland is forever?
Any tartan you adore – or simply enjoy the look of!
Tartans aren’t just for families and clans anymore. The ritual is primarily about honoring a community to which you belong and love. Plaids are available for countries, cities, regions, and villages. Tartans are available for businesses, clubs, and special events. Many universities and colleges have their own. You can even create your own tartan.
But here’s the major takeaway: no law says you can’t wear any old clan or family tartan! That notion is a myth. Outsiders are welcomed into our community according to Scottish custom. Wearing someone’s plaid shows respect and friendship. So choose any classic tartan simply because you like it! This is Scotland’s lovely gift to the rest of the world. We adore it when you like our tartan – whatever it is.