TARTAN

Tartan is a multicolor check or plaid twill woven wool fabric associated with often-romanticized notions of Scottish identity. Contrary to popular belief, specific tartan patterns, such as Dress Stewart and Black Watch, can not be empirically linked to specific Scottish clans or families. Still, tartan has played an important role in the history of Scottish nationalism. By 1600, tartan was a distinctive part of Highland dress, but after 1745, when the Highlanders supported the Stuart prince “Bonny Prince Charlie” against King George II, the wearing of tartan was forbidden. The rebel nature of tartan can be traced back to this time. This illuminates tartan’s appeal to the punk rockers of the 1970s, and to fashion designers in search of subversive style. Paradoxically, tartan can also be conventionally fashionable and, in addition to being a favorite for both men’s and women’s clothing, it is widely used today for interior fabrics.

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