The Style Guy: sartorial suggestions for your situation

Dear Style Guy:

My band is considering going in a whole new direction with our kilts. We want to change tartan completely. But we’re afraid that we might sink the ship. What should we do?

Thanks,

HMS Tartanic

Good for you, mate! If your band can’t afford to create its own tartan, designed specifically for the band, I suggest you scour the tartan registry for the obscure stuff. Bold colours. Something that becomes your band’s special brand.

Years ago the 78th Fraser Highlanders gave up their trademark pumpkin orange tartan for a plaid that they designed especially for the band. Good idea, and it would have worked, but they neglected to stay with the distinctive garish orange as the base. So, they lost their trademark colour and, sadly, look similar to many other bands out there. Right idea; wrong execution.

More than any other piece of kit, a band’s tartan makes its individual look. With so many setts and colours and weaves, your kilt can set you apart from the army of MacLean of Duarts and Red MacPhersons out there. Just use good taste and sound judgment.