Tartan Selection Based on Body Type (Rarely Covered)

Tartans are considered a strong cultural symbol, depicting hundreds of years of history and heritage through simple, authentic designs. While worn mainly to showcase one’s affiliation with a clan, region, or culture, the tartans have evolved as a fabric to cater to modern fashion requirements. This adds to its versatility in the sense that not only does it preserve tradition, but it also keeps itself in the fashion trends.

While selecting, the first step is to look for tartans that are relevant to a person’s region, family, or culture. The next step is to look for designs and colour combinations that sit well with the body type. 

Wearing tartans is not just about heritage but also about appearing good, and that has to do a lot with the size and shape of the body of the wearer.

In this blog, we dive deep into the selection process of tartans for different body shapes and sizes to pick the best one that enhances the personality and provides a graceful presence.

How Tartan Affects Visual Proportion

Since the tartans are made of repeated lines and checks, it is worthwhile to understand how different tartans appear visually. Here are some of the important points to remember while selecting your favourite traditional Kilts:

• Tartan is not just some fabric. It is a visual pattern
• The size of the check determines how the body is perceived by others
• The greater the contrast, the more attention is drawn towards the body.
• The flow of patterns (horizontal and vertical) influences the height perception
• Large patterns give an expanded look. Small patterns provide a dense appearance.
• Tartans are seen as the body shape, not separate from it.

Understanding Body Types in Relation to Tartan Choice

Now that we have established how tartans appear visually, the next step is to determine the association between tartans and different body types, because a high-quality fabric and a well-designed tartan can look weird on the wrong body type. 

The following are some of the tips regarding tartans and body types:

• There is not one tartan that is “for all.”
• Certain patterns and shades are suited best to certain body types
• Tartan patterns appear differently, given the body proportions
• The fabric visual balance depends upon height, width, and body frame size
• The purpose is to look good according to your body type, not to try to look like someone else

Tartan Selection for Slim or Lean Body Types

In case of slim body types, the body lacks mass. Here, the goal is to create presence without disturbing the frame. Not every tartan can do it. 

It is necessary to understand that slim body frames need visual enhancement instead of minimal patterns.

Best Pattern Scales for Slim Builds

For such body types, larger patterns suit well because they are best for adding visual bulk and body tone. The Royal Stewart Tartan Kilt and Gordon Tartan Kilt are the best example of large tartans. Its wider patterns provide a bulky appearance, better suited to slim builds.

• Large and bold checks provide a massy look
• Medium-large tartan patterns give presence
• It is best not to go for thin checks because they add to the body’s thinness.
• Overall, choose patterns that enhance the personality rather than maximizing the visual lack of mass and structure.

Colour Direction for Slim Frames

Choosing patterns is one thing, and selecting the right colours is an added factor that increases the charm and presence if done right. 

• Higher contrast provides a defined look.
• Shades with deeper tones enhance the perceived weight
• Warmer colours provide a bulky look

 What to Avoid

• Some tartan patterns and colours are best avoided in case of a slim or lean body.
• Very fine checks reduce the visual impact
• Tartans lacking structure
• Light colours increase the visual thinness
• Colours that lack depth

Tartan Selection for Athletic or Muscular Body Types

Athletes have a properly defined body. The goal here is to maintain a balance and not overdo things. The body already has tone and structure, and adding more to that through designs or colours could go wrong.

Ideal Pattern Balance for Athletic Builds

For athletes, medium-scale tartans tend to fit well. Here’s why:

• Medium checks are great for a balancing act
• They prevent needless exaggeration
• Balanced spacing enhance the toned physique

Some of the best options for athletic bodies are the Macdonald Tartan Kilt and the 

Grey Watch Tartan Kilt.

Managing Visual Strength Through Tartan

Since the athletic body needs no look enhancement, balancing colours are the best choice.

• Medium contrast provides a visual balance
• Subtle tones help fine tune appearance
• Soft colours prevent the overpowering effect

Common Mistakes

Certain selection decisions can prove to be costly. It is better to avoid them:

• Excessively intense checks that overpower the physique by adding unnecessary bulk
• Going for wide apart contrasts without taking visual harmony into consideration

Tartan Selection for Broad or Heavier Body Types

In case of heavy body types, the main goal is to enhance the height and reduce the visual perception of width. Basically a proper silhouette is needed to be created.

Best Pattern Structure for Broader Frames

The tartan designs should focus on the vertical frame rather than the horizontal frame like those in Farquharson tartan Kilt.

• Medium and small checks are great for the width perception
• Patterns should be more vertically designed
• Tartans with subtle designs are best for providing a smooth silhouette

Colour Strategy for a Balanced Look

Colours are also of immense importance for perceived visuals of heavy body types

• Darker tones are best for slim appearance
• Subtle tones and muted colors are suited well to minimize the visual breadth
• Balanced contrast supports a harmonized look 

What Should Be Avoided

• To prevent focus on the width of the body, try avoiding large scale checks
• Excessively bright colours that gives heavy appearance

Tartan Selection for Shorter Body Types

Similar to the heavy bodies, shorter bodies need a focus on the vertical frame to enhance the height perception. In this case, proportions play a key role.

Pattern Choices That Enhance Height

Short bodies desperately need a look that enhances height perception. Mackenzie Tartan Kilt is a great choice for such builds.

• Narrow checks enhance vertical frame
• Proportion is supported by medium patterns
• Vertical alignment is necessary for elevated height perception

Colour and Contrast Approach

For shorter bodies, colours that are consistent in appearance are preferred.

• Colour contrast should be smooth and layered
• Balanced tones help prevent short appearance 

What to Avoid

• Certain design and colour options are best ignored.
• Large checks that disrupt the smooth flow
• Sharp contrast that disturbs the perceived harmony

Tartan Selection for Taller Body Types

For tall bodies, the height is perfect and needs not to be exaggerated. The goal here is to maintain presence.

Best Pattern Scale for Tall Frames

• For better balance, medium and large patterns are suitable
• The patterns should be suited to showcase volume
• Proportional distribution is of immense importance here

The suitable tartan for such bodies is the Irish Green Tartan Kilt among many.

Colour Approach for Tall Builds

• Coordinated colours provide presence
• Coordinated contrast keeps the height perception in check

Common Mistakes

• Excessively small patterns cause the body frame to appear more vertical
• Very dark colours provide a heightened appearance

Understanding Pattern Scale as the Key Decision Factor

Pattern scale is the most important factor when it comes to selecting the tartan for the right body types. Here’s a general overview of different kinds of pattern scales and their roles:

• Large scales are great for visual presence
• Medium scales provide stability
• Small scales are best for volume and a refined appearance

Selecting the right pattern scale makes or breaks the visual harmony

How to Choose the Right Tartan for Your Body Type Step-by-Step

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to easily select the right tartan for the right body type:

Step 1 – Identify Your Body Proportion

Whether you are slim, tall, broad, athletic, or short

Step 2 – Choose Pattern Scale First

Depending on the body type, choose the right tartan

Step 3 – Match Colour Impact

Pick colours to enhance, minimize or slim the appearance given the body type

Step 4 – Evaluate Overall Visual Balance

Look for any mismatch pattern and colour wise

Where to Buy High Quality Tartans?

While picking the tartan, it is important to have the maximum options to choose from. The Scottish Kilt Co provides a wide variety of tartans to choose from. On top of that they offer great discounts to benefit from.