Tartans & Clan Finder

Unlock your Scottish heritage with our Tartan Finder, showcasing over 5000+ authentic tartans. Enjoy a seamless 3-step ordering process:

  1. Select your clan’s tartan.
  2. Explore our collection of kilts, accessories and per yard fabrics available in your chosen tartan.
  3. Place your order and embrace your heritage.

Experience Scotland's rich traditions with Scottish Kilt—where heritage meets style in every garment.

Kinnear Tartan

Kinnear Tartan - Limited

$12.00
Historical Context Discover the rich heritage of the Kinnear Tartan, a tribute to the storied history of the Kinnear clan. Rooted in Scotland, the Kinnear clan, also known as Kynnier,...
Made to Order
Pilette of Kinnear Tartan

Pilette of Kinnear Tartan

$22.00
The Pilette of Kinnear Tartan embodies a rich tapestry of Scottish heritage, uniquely woven into its design by the Scottish Tartans Society. This tartan was crafted with precision to honor...
Made to Order

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 Originally made from natural dyes sourced from local plants and minerals, tartans were practical yet deeply personal.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, becoming a proud emblem of Scottish culture.

Our Extensive Tartan Collection

With an impressive selection of over 5,000+ tartan patterns, made of high-quality acrylic-wool, we cater to a wide array of preferences and requirements:​

  • In-Stock Tartans: Over 400+ tartans readily available for immediate purchase.​
  • Custom Weave Options: Access to more than 4,500+ custom weave tartans, allowing for personalized creations that honor your heritage.​

Our collection encompasses tartans from various Scottish clans, as well as Irish tartans, making sure you can find the exact pattern that resonates with your family history or personal taste.

Explore Clan and Family Tartans

Our Tartan Finder allows you to discover your family or clan tartan in a variety of patterns. With tartans for over 500+ Scottish clans, including both traditional and modern versions, you'll find the perfect match for your heritage. From the MacDonald to the Fraser, explore tartans by clan and make a meaningful connection to your ancestral roots. Our extensive range includes patterns in every shade of Scottish colors, from the vibrant reds and blues of the Stewart Tartan to the deep greens of the MacLeod Clan Tartan.

Types of Tartan we Offer

Understanding the diverse nature of tartan designs, we offer multiple variations to suit different styles and occasions:​

  • Ancient: Soft, muted tones reflecting natural dyes used historically.​
  • Modern: Vibrant, bold colors achieved through contemporary dyeing techniques.​
  • Weathered: Patterns with a sun-faded appearance, evoking a vintage aesthetic.​
  • Hunting: Darker hues designed for outdoor wear, traditionally used during hunting.​
  • Dress: Most formal variation, typically incorporating a white base or lighter background with the traditional pattern.

Premium Tartan Fabric by the Yard for Your Custom Creations

For those interested in crafting bespoke garments or accessories, we offer tartan fabric by the yard, starting from 10 yards and onward. This service provides the flexibility to create custom pieces, from kilts and skirts to home décor items, all tailored to your specifications. Our high-quality acrylic wool tartan fabric is perfect for all your tailoring needs. Order as much as you need to bring your tartan vision to life.

Why Choose Scottish Kilt Shop?

  • Unmatched Selection: An extensive range of tartans, making sure you find the perfect match.​
  • Trusted by Thousands: With 50,000+ satisfied customers, we’re a go-to destination for quality.
  • Quality Assurance: Commitment to providing high-quality fabrics and products.​
  • Heritage Connection: Deep respect and understanding of Scottish traditions and craftsmanship.

Find Your Perfect Tartan Today. Use our family tartan finder, select by name from a to z, or see colors and patterns and get started on your tartan journey today. Whether you're searching for a tartan for your clan, a unique clansmen tartan, or a special fabric, you'll find everything you need to celebrate Scottish culture and tradition.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

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.