The tartan is more than just an ordinary fabric. Instead it is considered as a symbol of rich Scottish history and cultural identity. Scots wore tartans with pride for hundreds of years to show their love and respect for the Scottish heritage. Tartans have transcended their traditional roots and now became a global fashion staple. Tartan clothes that originated from Scotland hold a significant meaning where every pattern depicts a story relevant to a clan, family or a region. In this blog, we will explore the origins regarding tartan clothes and how a rich heritage is woven into modern fashion.
The Cultural Significance of Tartan
The tartans are not only a symbol of cultural heritage but also a sign of unity and pride of Scottish people all over the world. The intricate patterns found in tartan clothing show the resilience and significant history of Scotland. Thus, these patterns are considered as the crucial component of Scottish culture and identity.
Historical Origins of Tartan Clothing
In ancient Scotland, Tartan were used by Celts as woven patterns to distinguish Scottish clans and families. Tartan designs and patterns were relevant to specific regions and the dyes used depicting the local resources. With time, these designs revolutionized to show individual clans where each one of them, creating its unique tartan pattern. The usage of tartan patterns became more official in the 18th century. In the 19th century, they became more popular across Europe due to their enticing look and ancient significance.
Understanding Different Types of Tartans
All the tartan patterns and design are not the same, instead they have different meanings. There are more than 25000 registered designs of tartan where each one has a unique color scheme and meaning. Let us discuss different types of tartan.
Clan and Family Tartans
Traditional clan and family tartan are the most iconic ones as they were historically worn by specific clans and royal families. They are the instantly recognizable patterns all over the world. Royal Steward and Black watch are most common examples of these tartans.
Regional and District Tartans
Regional and district tartans show particular areas in Scotland instead of depicting the individual clans. They are usually linked to towns, cities, or relevant districts. It helps people to celebrate the local heritage if they don’t have any clan affiliation.
Modern and Fashion Tartans
Modern and fashion tartans are contemporary interpretations of traditional tartan patterns. They are designed for the style purpose instead of depicting the lineage. New color schemes are used to make these patterns look appealing to broader fashion trends.
Popular Tartan Clothing Styles
Tartan clothes are available in a variety of styles and offer options regarding every taste. We are going to discuss the most famous tartan garments that are traditionally linked to Scottish heritage but now embrace across the globe.
Kilts
Tartan Kilts are considered among the most iconic tartan clothes particularly worn by men. They have prominent significance in Scottish traditions. They are made of wool fabric and are pleated at the back. They are the sign of national pride and mostly commonly worn at special events like weddings, Highland games, and other formal occasions.
Tartan Trousers and Suits
These tartan trousers are anciently worn by the military and now they have evolved as a bold fashion statement. Nowadays, tartan suits are becoming so famous in formal fashion due to their unique twist on traditional menswear.
Dresses and Skirts
Another choice regarding commonly worn dresses for both casual and formal settings are dresses and tartan skirts. Tartan patterns are also incorporated in these outfits for attaining elegant and unique style. People who love wearing dresses with traditional touch can get their preferred look through these tartan dresses and skirts.
Tartan Scarves and Shawls
Tartan scarves and shawls are comfy and warm options with cultural touch. They are a premium choice for adding a touch of Scottish culture to any wardrobe. They offer a subtle but stylish look while embracing the tartan patterns in daily wear.
Tartan Accessories
Tartan patterns are also quite common in multiple accessories like hand bags, ties, and hats. These items offer a stylish way to include a touch of Scottish culture in your daily look without wearing a complete tartan attire.
How Tartan Has Evolved in Modern Fashion
Tartan has evolved from a sign of clan identity and regional heritage into a widely known fashion element used as a key component of global styles. They are traditionally worn in the form of kilts or Highland dresses to depict the Scottish traditions. With time, designers started including these patterns into modern clothes for making it a perfect wearing option in both formal and casual settings.
How to Style Tartan Clothing
Adding tartan into your wardrobe does not need to be overwhelming. With its bold style and rich historic touch, tartan pattern can easily be the focal point of the attire. You can style it in multiple ways as mentioned below.
- Casual Styling: Tartan is a good choice for casual wear. You can pair a tartan skirt or trouser with a simple sweater or a t-shirt for a stylish look.
- Formal Styling: Tartan can also be worn for formal occasions like wedding or black-tie events. This styling can surely make a bold statement. You can relish wearing a tartan suit for an enhanced look for formal events.
- Mixing Patterns and Colors: Tartan can pair well with neutral color schemes but you can also pair it with other colors or patterns by using careful approach. You can pair a classic tartan jacket with a plain white shirt and dark colored trousers to create a blanched yet stylish look.
Where to buy Authentic Tartan Clothing
There are various trustworthy sources that offer premium services for delivering quality and authentic tartan clothing. Many Scottish brands are working efficiently in this concern. Some of the best places to buy authentic tartan clothing are as follows.
- Kinlock Anderson: This cultural brand has been delivering authentic tartan clothing for more than 150 years and is known for its high quality kilts, suits, and trousers.
- Tartan weaving mill: Another one is the Tartan weaving mill located on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. It offers a variety of authentic tartan clothes that includes made to order kilts, scarves, and other accessories.
- Online Retailers: Online stores like Scottish Kilt Co. are also quite helpful to buy authentic tartan clothes like kilts. You can get the clothes with tartan patterns of your choice at your doorstep through services offered by online retailers.
Why Tartan Remains Popular Today
Tartan has become a prominent unifying symbol for Scottish people all over the world. These patterns connect people to their heritage while staying away from their homeland. This fabric incorporates the historic significance in it and wearing it today helps to stay connected with enduring the legacy of rich Scottish culture. The tartan patterns help to engage with Scottish history while creating a bold fashion statement.
Thus, tartan has evolved beautifully to become a global symbol of Scottish cultural identity and pride. In ancient times, it was only associated with the clans and Highland traditions but now they are preferred by people from all over the world. These patterns are embraced by celebrities and fashion designers to look elegant and attractive. Thus, they are a crucial part of rich Scottish heritage that is woven into modern fashion and style.
FAQs:
How do we know if a tartan is authentic or not?
Authentic tartans are usually made from high quality wool and in Scotland. Try to look for the label that shows the pattern name and its association to Scottish heritage.
What is the key difference between modern and traditional tartans?
Modern tartan use brighter and synthetic dyes instead traditional ones are made with softer and neutral hues.
