Tartan is having a moment. Heading into the cozy season, we are noticing more and more people style tartan into their everyday looks. The familiar pattern is appearing everywhere, from dresses, shoes, jackets and even nail art!
Tartan trending isn’t new, but we are finding that each year it moves further beyond formal wear and kilts, even sneaking its way into beauty trends.
Whilst tartan looks like a simple pattern of colours and lines, there is far more that goes into creating a tartan behind the scenes.
So, What Actually Makes a Tartan a Tartan?
A tartan is made from horizontal and vertical lines crossing over each other with differing colours and widths. When the lines cross, it creates distinctive checks that make up the finished design.
The stripes are not placed randomly, each tartan has its own distinct pattern, which in the highlandwear world is known as a sett.
Due to the vast combinations of colours, stripes, widths and placements, it means that two tartans can use the exact same colours, but still look completely different!
Why Is Tartan So Popular Again?
Part of tartan’s' appeal is its versatility. The pattern is familiar, but the changing colours, design and the way it is used gives it an entirely different look.
This means that tartan can easily keep up with contemporary fashion trends. Deep burgundy and browns are trending for autumn? Pair it with a Stewart Hunting Weathered scarf. Earthy tones are everywhere recently? Check out the MacGregor and MacDuff exclusive Jura Mist tartan, part of the Mist collection.
From Kilts To Everyday Fashion
This autumn, tartan is appearing in unexpected places. Alongside clothing, the pattern can be seen across accessories, beauty trends and even nail art. The kilt might be what many people associate with tartan, but the pattern deserves to be worn more often, not kept solely for special occasions.
At MacGregor and MacDuff, we are excited to see Scottish heritage becoming more visible in everyday fashion, and we’re excited to see where tartan goes next!
Tartan Nails
Tartan is even making its way into beauty this autumn, with tartan nail art becoming a fun new way to wear the pattern. From traditional tartan colours to softer autumnal shades, it's a small but playful way to bring Scottish style into an everyday look.
We spoke to Hannah at Phenominail, a nail artist and studio owner based in Ayr, who has been creating her own take on the trend. Tartan nails are a great example of how far the pattern has come, from kilts and highlandwear to fashion, accessories and now beauty trends.
You can see more of her nail art and find out about her services on Instagram at @phenominailbyh.
Can I Buy Quality Tartan Products That Are Made To Last?
Absolutely! At MacGregor and MacDuff, although we specialise in formal highlandwear, we also offer tartan items that can be incorporated into your everyday wardrobe. Our tartan scarves, shawls and stoles are an easy way to add a touch of tartan to an autumn outfit, while tartan watches and tartan-lined wallets offer a more subtle way to wear the pattern.
A Pattern That Keeps Evolving
Tartan may have a long history, but it has been styled many different ways over the years. From the original Feileadh mòr to a contemporary tweed outfit, tartan is always evolving.
The designs have changed, new tartans have been introduced on the register and the pattern continues to find itself in modern everyday fashion trends. And perhaps that is why tartan continues to trend, the pattern itself is always transforming.
