Tartan is one of the most recognisable symbols of Scotland, but how much do we actually know about it?
If you follow us on social media, you might have seen our Tartan Myth Busters, where we put some of the most common assumptions about tartan to the test. There are plenty more myths surrounding tartan, so we thought we'd take a closer look at some of them.
Myth: You Can Only Wear Your Family Tartan
False!
While many people choose to wear a tartan connected to their family name, you certainly don't have to. There are thousands of tartans to choose from, including clan, universal and even MacGregor and MacDuff exclusive tartans.
So, if you don't have a family tartan, or simply fancy wearing something different, you're not limited to one design.
With over 4,000 tartans available, as seen on our Tartan Finder, there are plenty to discover.
Myth: “Ancient” Tartan Means the Tartan Is Really Old
Not quite!
Despite what the name might suggest, an Ancient tartan isn't necessarily older than its Modern counterpart. The terms Ancient, Modern and Weathered generally refer to the colours used in the tartan, rather than the age of the design itself.
Ancient tartans typically use softer, lighter colours, mimicking the shades traditionally achieved using dyes made from natural, organic materials, while Modern tartans tend to have deeper, richer shades.
So, if you've ever wondered how a named tartan can be both “Ancient” and “Modern”, now you know!
Myth: You Have to Be Scottish to Wear Tartan
Absolutely not.
Tartan may have strong connections to Scottish heritage, but you don't need to be Scottish to wear it. Tartan is now worn all over the world, whether that's at weddings, celebrations, cultural events or simply as part of everyday fashion.
For many people, it's a way to connect with Scotland, while for others, they simply love the style.
Myth: You Can't Create Your Own Tartan
You can!
New tartans are being designed all the time, often to represent families, businesses, organisations, charities, communities and special occasions.
Designing a tartan gives you the opportunity to create something completely personal, with colours and patterns that have their own meaning.
At MacGregor and MacDuff, we offer a Tartan Design service. We have helped create tartans for a wide range of people, organisations and even the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, turning stories and ideas into designs that can be worn for generations.
Myth: Kilts Are Only for Weddings
Think again!
Weddings might be one of the occasions where you're most likely to see kilts, but they're certainly not the only place for them.
Kilts are worn for everything from Burns Night and Highland Games to ceilidhs, formal events, parties and celebrations. And as highlandwear continues to evolve, kilts are increasingly being styled in more contemporary ways too.
So, if you've only ever thought about wearing a kilt to a wedding, there are plenty of other occasions to consider.
Myth: Every Tartan Belongs to a Clan
Not every tartan has a clan connection.
Clan tartans are just one type of tartan. There are also district tartans, universal tartans, military tartans, organisational tartans, commemorative tartans and designs created for individuals, families and businesses.
Some tartans have a fascinating history behind them, while others have been created much more recently for a specific purpose.
That's part of what makes tartan so interesting: many tartans have hidden meanings.
So, How Many Did You Get Right?
Tartan has a long and fascinating history, but that doesn't mean everything we hear about it is true. From family tartans and ancient colourways, to who can wear tartan and why new designs are created, there's often more to the story than first meets the eye.
And if you enjoy our Tartan Myth Busters, keep an eye out for our stories on Instagram, there are plenty more myths!
