Somerled from the Isles was the creator of Clan Donald and exiled his fellow Norsemen out of his home in the Western Isles in the 12th century. In 1164, he...
The Clan MacDonald is one of the oldest and most prominent clans in Scotland, with a rich and storied history that spans centuries. The MacDonald Dress Ancient Tartan is a...
The MacDonald Clan is one of the largest and most powerful Highland Clans in Scotland. The clan has a complex and storied history that stretches back centuries. The MacDonalds were...
Historical Context: The MacDonald Dress Weathered Tartan is steeped in rich Scottish heritage, tracing its origins to the storied Clan Donald, founded by Somerled from the Isles in the 12th...
Historical Context The MacDonald Lord of The Isles Hunting Ancient Tartan carries a storied legacy tied to one of Scotland's most powerful clans. Historically known as the Lords of the...
Historical Context The MacDonald Lord of the Isles Hunting Tartan has its origins steeped in the rich history of Clan Donald, founded by Somerled in the 12th century. Somerled, a...
Historical Context: Tartan, as we know it today, is a testament to Scotland’s dynamic history, evolving from ancient textiles into a deeply significant cultural emblem during the 18th century. Among...
Historical Context The MacDonald Muted Tartan is steeped in the rich history of Clan Donald, founded by Somerled from the Isles in the 12th century. Somerled played a pivotal role...
Historical Context: The MacDonald of Ardnamurchan Ancient Tartan is steeped in a rich history that traces back to Somerled, the esteemed founder of Clan Donald in the 12th century. Somerled's...
The MacDonald of Ardnamurchan Tartan has deep historical roots tracing back to the 12th century when Somerled, the legendary founder of Clan Donald, expelled Norsemen from the Western Isles. His...
Historical Context: The MacDonald of ClanRanald Ancient Tartan has its roots deeply embedded in the history of the Clan Donald, founded by Somerled from the Isles. This prominent clan emerged...
Historical Context Somerled from the Isles was the creator of Clan Donald, exiling his fellow Norsemen out of the Western Isles in the 12th century. In 1164, he was executed...
Historical Context The MacDonalds of Clan Ranald is one of the largest and most significant clans in Scottish history. Their origins can be traced back to the 13th century when...
Historical Context: The MacDonald of ClanRanald Weathered Tartan is steeped in the rich history of Clan Donald, founded by Somerled from the Isles in the 12th century. Somerled expelled fellow...
Historical Context The Macdonald Of Glenaladale Tartan pays homage to the illustrious history of Clan Donald, a lineage that boasts deep roots in Scottish heritage. Founded by Somerled of the...
Historical Context Somerled from the Isles was the creator of Clan Donald, exiling fellow Norsemen from his home in the Western Isles in the 12th century. In 1164, he was...
Historical Context The MacDonald of KingsBurgh Ancient Tartan has deep roots in Scottish history, tracing its origins back to the 12th century when Somerled, the legendary creator of Clan Donald,...
Historical Context Somerled of the Isles founded Clan Donald by expelling the Norsemen from his home in the Western Isles during the 12th century. In 1164, he was executed while...
Historical Context The MacDonald of Sleat Ancient Tartan carries a rich heritage linked to one of Scotland's oldest and most formidable clans. The origins of the MacDonald clan can be...
Historical Context The MacDonald of Sleat Tartan is a distinctive tartan that represents the rich heritage and history of the MacDonald of Sleat clan, a branch of the larger MacDonald...
Welcome to our Tartan Finder, where heritage and style come together through exquisite craftsmanship. Our extensive collection, made from high-quality acrylic wool, features a diverse range of tartans, perfect for bespoke outfits, home decor, and unique accessories. With over 5,000+ tartans available, you can easily search for specific Clan or Family patterns. We also offer the convenience of purchasing fabrics by the yard.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
What is the History Of Tartan?
Tartan is a woven pattern of crisscrossing horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors, originating in the Scottish Highlands. Historically, tartan patterns, also known as sett, were associated with regional clans, serving as symbols of identity and heritage. The use of tartan can be traced back to the 3rd or 4th century, with fragments found in ancient Celtic cultures. However, it gained widespread cultural significance in the 18th century. The Dress Act of 1746, which banned tartan to suppress Highland culture, was later repealed, leading to its resurgence as a symbol of Scottish pride. Today, tartan represents both tradition and modern Scottish identity.
Can I wear tartan even if I'm not Scottish?
Absolutely, you can wear tartan even if you’re not Scottish! Tartan patterns have a rich heritage, but they’ve evolved to become a global fashion statement. While many tartans are tied to specific clans or regions in Scotland, modern tartan designs have become more inclusive, allowing anyone to appreciate their beauty. Wearing tartan can be a way to celebrate Scottish culture or simply enjoy a timeless pattern. When selecting a tartan, it’s thoughtful to consider its history, but ultimately, fashion is about personal expression. So, whether you have Scottish roots or not, feel free to embrace tartan with pride and style!
Do all surnames have a tartan?
Not all surnames have an associated tartan. Traditionally, tartans were linked to Scottish clans, each with unique patterns and colors representing their heritage and identity. A surname might have an associated tartan if it has historical ties to a specific Scottish clan. However, many surnames, especially those not connected to Scottish heritage, do not have a traditional tartan. In recent years, new tartans have been designed to celebrate regions, professions, and organizations, allowing individuals without a historical clan connection to find or create a tartan that reflects their personal or familial identity.
What's the difference between tartan and plaid?
Tartan and plaid share visual similarities, but their roots and meanings differ. Tartan is a traditional Scottish design, featuring a pattern of intersecting lines, often linked to specific clans or regions. Each tartan pattern carries historical significance, representing family heritage and cultural identity. Plaid, however, is a more general term, referring to any fabric with a similar crisscross pattern, without the deep cultural ties. Plaid is widely used in fashion and decor around the world, while tartan holds a unique place in Scottish history. Essentially, every tartan is a plaid, but not every plaid is a tartan.
How many tartans are available in our Tartan Finder?
At Scottish Kilt, we take pride in offering an extensive selection of over 5000 tartans through our Tartan Finder. Our collection spans a vast array of designs, representing historic clans and regional variations. Whether you're looking for a specific clan's tartan, a universal pattern, or a contemporary twist on a classic design, our Tartan Finder makes the search effortless. Each tartan holds its own story, woven into the fabric of Scotland’s rich heritage. Explore the depth of Scottish tradition and find the perfect match for your style and heritage with Scottish Kilt’s diverse range of over 5000 tartans.
What tartan should I choose to wear?
Choosing the right tartan to wear depends on your personal connection, heritage, or style preference. Traditionally, tartans represent specific Scottish clans or regions, so if you have Scottish ancestry, you might want to wear a tartan associated with your family. If you're not tied to a particular clan, universal tartans like Black Watch or Royal Stewart are popular choices. Additionally, consider the occasion—muted tartans are perfect for formal settings, while vibrant patterns can make a statement in casual settings. Ultimately, the choice comes down to what resonates with your sense of style and how you wish to celebrate Scottish heritage.
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