Vous cherchez votre tartan de clan/famille et vous ne le trouvez pas ?
Scottish Kilt peut certainement vous aider à trouver le moyen le plus rapide afin que vous puissiez commander le kilt/la tenue que vous souhaitez.
Commander n'importe quel produit en tartan est maintenant un processus en 4 étapes, recherchez et sélectionnez votre clan/tartan dans notre grande base de données, choisissez le produit souhaité, donnez des mesures et passez à la caisse !

Filter By
AvailabilityBest SellingPrice, low to highPrice, high to lowDate, new to oldDate, old to new% Sale off
Filter By
1 Product
Availability Best Selling Price, low to high Price, high to low Date, new to old Date, old to new % Sale off

Find Your Way to World of Scottish Tartans with Our Tartan Finder

​Tartan is more than just a fabric; it's a vibrant symbol of Scottish heritage, embodying centuries of tradition and identity. Originating in the Scottish Highlands, tartan plaid patterns have been associated with different clans, each design telling its own unique story. At Scottish Kilt Shop, our Tartan Finder is designed to help you connect with this rich history by locating the perfect Scottish tartan patterns or tartans of Scotland for your needs, designed to help you explore the rich heritage of Scottish and Irish tartans. Whether you're looking for clan tartans, a family tartan, or simply the perfect fabric for your next kilt or skirt, we have got you covered.

History and Heritage of Tartan

Tartan is more than a pattern; it's a symbol of identity, lineage, and pride. Its roots date back centuries in the Scottish Highlands, where woven checks and stripes identified clans and families. Originally made from natural dyes sourced from local plants and minerals, tartans were practical yet deeply personal. Over time, these patterns evolved into formal clan symbols, worn in kilts, sashes, and military uniforms. Tartan gained global recognition in the 18th and 19th centuries,...

QUESTIONS FRÉQUEMMENT POSÉES

What is a tartan?
A tartan is a fabric pattern made of crisscrossed horizontal and vertical stripes, typically in multiple colors. Traditionally, tartan is associated with Scottish heritage and is often linked to specific families, clans, or regions. Each tartan design carries cultural significance, representing the identity and history of the group it is associated with. While originally made from wool, tartans are now created from various fabrics. Today, tartans are worn not only as part of traditional Scottish attire but also as a way to celebrate heritage, culture, and personal identity.
Do Irish have tartans? Are tartans Irish or Scottish?
Tartans are traditionally Scottish, but Ireland has embraced them, especially in the last century. Many Irish family tartans and county tartans have become popular, celebrating Irish heritage. While tartan originated in Scotland, both Scottish and Irish communities proudly wear tartan to represent their cultural identities. So, while tartans are more deeply rooted in Scottish tradition, they are now an important part of Irish heritage as well.
What tartan can I wear?
Traditionally, if you are Scottish or of Scottish descent, you can wear the tartan associated with your surname. However, spelling variations over time might make it harder to find an exact match. Scottish surnames often evolved from Gaelic origins, leading to different spellings over the centuries. For example, the surname MacDonald originally started as McDonald.If you’re connected to a Scottish city but don’t have a surname connection, you can also search by district tartans such as Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Inverness, or Gretna Green.
Can I wear tartan if I am not Scottish?
Yes, even if you have no Scottish blood or ancestry, there are many universal or generic tartans available that you can wear. Some of these tartans commemorate special events, charities, or notable individuals, while others celebrate specific districts or geographic areas. You can browse our collection of Tartan Finder to find out generic tartans, or simply search for generic in the search bar. Additionally, we offer a variety of Irish and Welsh tartans for those with connections to the Emerald Isle or Welsh heritage. There are no strict rules about wearing tartan, so feel free to choose the tartan that resonates with you.
What is the rule for tartan?
While there are no strict rules, tradition and heritage guide tartan use. It’s customary for people with Scottish ancestry to wear their clan tartan, but many tartans are open for anyone to wear, especially for weddings and cultural celebrations. Some tartans are reserved for specific military regiments, royal families, or organizations. For formal events, it’s also important to match your tartan with the right accessories, such as sporrans and sashes, to complete the look. Ultimately, tartan represents pride and heritage, and should be worn in a way that feels meaningful.
What is the difference between tartan and plaid?
The key difference between tartan and plaid lies in their cultural significance and pattern structure. Tartans are typically associated with Scottish clans or regions and represent family or heritage identity. The pattern is made of alternating bands of color that repeat across both vertical and horizontal axes. Plaid is a more general term for any fabric with a crisscross pattern. While it is often used interchangeably with tartan, plaid does not carry the same cultural or historical significance. Essentially, every tartan is a plaid, but not every plaid is a tartan.
What is the difference between ancient, modern, dress, hunting, and weathered tartans?
The main differences between ancient, modern, dress, hunting, and weathered tartans lie in their color schemes and historical context. Ancient tartans were created before 1860 using natural animal and vegetable dyes, which resulted in softer, earthier colors like mossy greens, sky blues, and orangey reds. The contrasts were more subtle, making the pattern appear softer. After 1860, chemical dyes became the norm, leading to the creation of modern tartans with stronger, bolder colors like bottle green, navy blue, and scarlet red. Dress tartans are designed specifically for celebrations and highland dances, where the main color of the tartan is lightened with white or additional white for a brighter, more formal look. Hunting tartans serve as camouflage and often feature earthier tones like green and brown, with some clans not needing a hunting variant due to their already natural tones. Lastly, weathered tartans have a faded appearance, as if the fabric has been exposed to the elements for a long period, giving them subtle colors like olive greens, light browns, and softer blues and reds.
How do I find my family clan tartan?
To find your family clan tartan, you can search by clan name or alphabetically. If you know the specific name of your clan, simply search for it to find the associated tartan. If you’re unsure of the spelling or are exploring multiple options, searching alphabetically can help you browse through a range of clan names and identify your tartan. This method ensures you can easily discover the right tartan connected to your family’s heritage.
What is the difference between tweed and tartan?
Tartan and tweed are both traditional Scottish fabrics, but they differ significantly in design and structure. Tweed typically features a plain design with a strong primary color and sometimes a subtle secondary color running across it, creating a more understated pattern. It is often used in jackets, coats, and trousers due to its durability and texture. On the other hand, tartan is defined by its alternating bands of color, forming a distinctive, busier block pattern that is often linked to specific clans or families. While both fabrics are woven from wool, tartan’s complex patterns make it stand out as a symbol of heritage, whereas tweed is more about texture and practicality.
Can I design my own tartan?
Yes, you can design your own tartan! Whether it’s for personal use, your family, a business, or a special event, creating your own tartan allows you to celebrate your unique heritage or commemorate an important occasion. You can choose the colors, patterns, and even the name, and once your design is complete, it can be officially recorded. Designing your own tartan is a meaningful way to make a lasting, personal connection to Scottish tradition, and we’re happy to guide you through the process of bringing your custom tartan to life.