In a World of Black Sportswear, I Choose Tartan

In a World of Black Sportswear, I Choose Tartan

Have you ever stopped to notice how much of today’s world seems to be dressed in the same shade of black? Whether it's black sportswear, black tailored suits, or the dark minimalism of modern street fashion, we seem to be living in a monochromatic age. It's a world that pushes uniformity, where everyone is wearing the same thing and influencers dictate what's "in." We're all clones of one another, trying to keep up with the latest trends, scrolling through endless feeds, and succumbing to the pressure of looking "on-brand."

But what if I told you that in a sea of black, there’s a pattern that could make us stand out again? A pattern that tells a story, connects us to our roots, and dares us to be bold. I’m talking about tartan—the timeless fabric of the Highlander.

A Colorful History Lost in Time

Tartan was once the everyday fabric of life for the people of the Scottish Highlands. Picture it: farmers in the fields, market-goers in town, and Highlanders on the moors, all wrapped in the vibrant, checkered patterns of tartan. It wasn’t just for weddings or festivals; it was a symbol of identity, pride, and place. The tartan was worn for every occasion, from the mundane to the grand.

Yet, in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden in 1746, Scotland saw the outlawing of Highland dress, including tartan. The wearing of the kilt and its accompanying patterns was banned, and the traditional attire of the Highlander slowly began to fade from everyday life. Over time, tartan was relegated to the ceremonial, to the rarefied world of formal events, military regalia, and the high fashion runways. The connection between tartan and the daily life of the people was broken.

And today, when we think of tartan, we often think of it as something reserved for special occasions. It’s the fabric of the clan, of tradition, but rarely of daily life.

Why Has Tartan Been Pushed to the Back of Our Closets?

The irony is hard to ignore: in a world obsessed with individualism, we’ve become more uniform than ever. The rise of social media influencers and “personal branding” has made us all feel like we need to fit into the same mold. Black sportswear dominates, sleek and subtle. Tailored suits are the uniform of choice for the office. We’re all trying to look the same, speak the same, and act the same—because that’s what’s "in."

Meanwhile, tartan, with its rich history and deep cultural significance, has become a rarity. It's something we take out for a wedding or a festival, but the rest of the time, it stays folded up in the back of our closets, waiting for those "special" moments. But why? Why should tartan, a fabric that once defined the everyday lives of the Scottish people, only come out for extraordinary occasions?

It wasn’t always like this. Before the bans and the cultural shifts, tartan was the fabric of the everyday. A Highlander didn’t just wear it for ceremonies—they wore it to tend to their crops, to walk the market, and to meet their neighbors. Tartan was not just clothing; it was a living, breathing part of their identity. And in many ways, it still can be.

A Call for Tartan to Return to the Everyday

The question is: can we bring tartan back into our modern lives, or has it become too enshrined in tradition to be reimagined? We see it on the runways of international designers, but where is it for the people of the Highlands? Why can't we wear tartan to the office, or to the supermarket, or even while gardening? Why not turn every day into a celebration of culture, history, and pride?

Perhaps it's time we start rethinking how we wear tartan—and how we can make it part of our daily lives again. It doesn’t have to be about wearing it to a ball or on special occasions only. Tartan could become an everyday statement, a way to reconnect with our roots while still embracing the modern world. Whether it’s a tartan scarf, a casual kilt, or a tartan jacket, the possibilities are endless.

Passing the Tartan Torch to Future Generations

One concern that lingers is whether younger generations will embrace tartan as the older ones have. Will they see it as a relic of the past, something reserved for their grandparents, or will they find ways to make it their own? The key is not to just bring tartan back in its traditional form, but to make it relevant again—to show that tartan can be modern, stylish, and part of the broader conversation about fashion and self-expression.

Just as we see other cultural symbols, from denim to sports jerseys, reimagined in countless ways, tartan too can evolve. It’s about connecting the old with the new, blending heritage with innovation. The vibrant colors and patterns of tartan don't need to be locked away in museums or limited to festivals—they can become part of the fabric of everyday life once again.

Conclusion: Rediscovering Tartan's Place in Our Lives

So, in a world of black sportswear, I choose tartan. Not just for the ceremonies or the special moments in life, but for the everyday. It’s a way to honor history, embrace individuality, and perhaps, even spark a cultural shift. Tartan can be more than just fabric—it can be a statement, a reminder that we don’t have to conform to the norms. We can stand out. We can celebrate our heritage. And maybe, just maybe, tartan will return to the everyday life of the people, where it belongs.

Will you wear your tartan today?

 - Kirsty Stewart