Dressing in a
particular clan tartan indicates that the wearer bears an
allegiance to the Chief of that clan.
There
are only a few good publications on the subject of buying and
wearing
Highland dress. This Society strongly recommends
the late J. Charles Thompson’s book entitled “So you’re
going to wear the kilt” **, which was first produced in
1979. This authoritative guide is ideal for those of you who
are thinking of wearing Highland dress as well as those of you
who have been doing so for some time. Handy and compact this
guide is available through the internet. If you follow the
information contained in this booklet, then you will not go
far wrong. What’s more, it contains a “Foreword” from
Finegand.
There
are two official MacThomas tartans – Ancient and Modern. The
Ancient is a 19th century tartan and the Modern 20th century.
In the Court of the Lord Lyon in Edinburgh, tartans are
registered by a probative deed. Ancient MacThomas tartan is
recorded as follows:5 green [pivot], 6 lilac, 64 green, 32
black, 64 blue, 6 magenta, 10 blue, 6 magenta, 64 blue, 32
black, 64 green, 6 lilac, 5 green [pivot]. (The thread
count rolls over itself at the middle of the small green
section between the lilac stripes).
The
thread count of the Modern MacThomas tartan is identical to
Ancient MacThomas tartan as it is only the colours that are
darker. The above thread count is principally for a kilt or
skirt. The thread count can change slightly depending on the
use to which the tartan is going to be put e.g. it would be
smaller for an item like a tie.
So
when buying MacThomas tartan, it is important you always
ensure that the thread count is the correct size for the item
you are purchasing. Also, that the magenta and lilac colours
are correct and clearly different. In particular, watch out
for cases where the lilac and magenta over-checks are both
red, and even another colour or colours, as this is incorrect.
Tartan is woven in different weights so where in the world you
live and/or where you wear tartan most often could affect the
weight of cloth you choose. In Scotland, a heavier weave has
been the custom due to the climate, although medium weights
are becoming much more popular. It is a matter of personal
choice.
The
Society is able to advise members on where to have a kilt made
in Scotland.
Editor
Notes:
**
This book is widely available and can certainly be purchased
via Amazon. Please click here for
details.
There
is further information about the MacThomas Tartan on this
website.
