If I can’t identify a family tartan, can I wear a kilt?

Yes, kilts can be worn by anyone in the world, regardless of nationality or descent.

A number of historic tartans are considered universal - ones that anyone can wear, regardless of family traditions. And more recently a considerable number of general tartans have come onto the market, designed for widespead appeal with no particular identity in mind. Some of these appear as suggestions in our tartan finder, particularly in return to searches where no exact matches are found.

There are also an increasing number of groups other than families that have their own tartans. These range from organisations such as football clubs, businesses, or masonic brotherhoods, to localities such as tartans designed for the residents of particular cities, counties, or states. This is particularly true for example for Irish people, where the tradition has been to wear the tartan for your county of origin rather than for your family as in Scotland.

And of course there is little to stop you choosing almost any tartan you like. We might suggest you think twice if you are expecting to mix socially with highly conservative traditionalists whom you might offend by wearing the ‘wrong’ tartan. But otherwise, there is little to prevent you picking a pattern simply because you like it!

Finally, why not have your own tartan designed? It might cost less than you expect, particularly if you are not concerned to officially register it. And then you can ensure it reflects your favourite or organisational colours. Please enquire for details.