What is Tartan? Facts and History About the Scottish Plaid Pattern

Scottish tartans are some of the most distinctive patterns in the world today. Whether you find it on kilts, camping gear, or full suits, true Scottish tartans carry a storied past and history.

Our latest Made in America selection includes five ties and three pocket squares featuring traditional Scottish tartans that are one of the most versatile pieces you can add to your wardrobe. 

“Basically what most people call plaid is what tartan really is,” according to Daniel Williamson. “However, most plaids that people see aren't necessarily real tartans.”

We spoke to Daniel, the curator for the Scottish Tartans Museum and Heritage Center in North Carolina, about this history and the many misconceptions about tartans.

What is Tartan?

According to Daniel, it’s pretty simple.

“Tartan is basically a garment or a piece of cloth that is made of different color, interwoven stripes. They can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.”

While many believe that distinctive tartan patterns became representative of clans or families, that is not historically the case: “It is a misconception. It's usually perpetuated by fictional books and films and TV shows.”

Daniel explained that it was actually the woolen industry that first gave the tartans names, most notably the mill William Wilson & Sons of Bannockburn, who published a book called Wilsons’ Key Pattern Book of 1819. This book included 250 tartans and about 100 of which were given names.

In the centuries since, patterns have even been named by branches of the military and adopted by families or clans, as many people believe today.

Tartan patterns continued to grow in popularity in Scotland as designs on kilts — traditional Scottish garments made of wool with a pleated front. While kilts used to be something only worn to formal events or the Highland games, the strength sporting events held annually in Scotland, Daniel said they have become more casual over the past 50 years.

“You see people having them dressed down all the way down to no shirt and flip flops all the way up to a full Argyle tweed jacket and stuff for daywear,” Daniel said. “Then eveningwear, it would be one of the tuxedo sets.” 

In the 1970s, tartan suits for men and women became popular for people outside of Scotland. Even further, Daniel said they see tartans on many women’s handbags and in many L.L Bean products, as well. 

But does the Scottish Tartans Museum and Heritage Center like the fact that tartans have grown beyond Scottish tradition?

“Honestly, we do,” Daniel said. “As far as we're concerned, anything to get the tartan out there.”

Our Tartan Ties

Five ties and three pocket squares from our latest Made in America selection feature these traditional tartan patterns worn for hundreds of years. 

Our Grey Tie features the Douglas Grey Modern Tartan, which was traditionally worn in the Scottish army as part of their uniform. The understated, monochromatic pattern in wool is perfect as a subtly sophisticated addition to your wardrobe.

The Saskatchewan Canadian Tartan is utilized on our Camel Tie and Pocket Square. The Saskatchewan tartan was designed to represent earth tones, with the yellow and gold representing wheat and sunflowers. Similarly, we’d pair this tie with browns, khakis, and olive greens.

The most royal of our collection is the Stewart Prince Charles Edward Tartan Tie and Pocket Square in Red. As the name and look implies, this tartan has been associated with Scottish royalty. While this 100% wool tie is perfect for the holiday season, consider pairing it with a pair of selvedge denim for a put-together, but casual look.

Our Blackwatch Tartan tie and pocket square in Navy features one of the most famous and distinctive tartans with black, green, and blue. This tie is in a cotton-linen blend, so pairing this with an oxford and dark slacks could be the

Finally, our Olive Tie features the Campbell of Argyll Weathered Tartan, which is part of a wave of tartans that were designed hundreds of years ago to look “weathered” — as if they had been passed down through generations. These feature desaturated colors and are ideal for pairing with a wool suit.

We see our tartan ties as one of the most versatile, cold weather month patterns, because you can dress it up under a tuxedo or nice blazer for formal events, but keep it casual with a pair of jeans and an oxford.

MADE IN AMERICA TIES