Tartan fabric is a distinctive pattern with multiple colors, rich cultural significance, and historical resonance. It crossed horizontal and vertical bands of pattern in multiple colors. For centuries, it has been a symbol of heritage, identity, and style.
Each fabric has a history, an origin, precise characteristics, and different ways of being used. Today guides us to discover one of the most famous fabrics, tartan, a fabric that never goes out of fashion, capable of being renewed every new season!
History and Origin
Tartan fabric originates in Scotland, Outside of Scotland tartan is sometimes also known as “plaid”. Each design serves as a recognizable emblem of lineage and identity.
Scottish tartan was originally associated with the Highlands. Early tartans were only particular to locales, rather than any specific Scottish clan; although, because clans lived in and controlled particular districts and regions, then informally, people could roughly identify certain clans and families through the patterns associated with their locality.
The earliest known pieces of tartan date back to the 3rd century AD, found in archaeological sites such as the famous “Tartan of the Loch” from a burial mound in the UK.
Tartan in Modern Fashion: A Global Trend
It is a timeless elegance that continues to influence fashion and design. Tartan fabric is not only used in cloth but also seen in home decor, accessories, and even branding.
Home furnishings like throws, upholstery, curtains, and carpets often feature tartan patterns, offering a cozy, rustic charm. Other, accessories such as bags, scarves, and hats have embraced tartan, allowing consumers to integrate this iconic design into their everyday style.
In today’s generation, tartan fabric can be found anywhere from flannel shirts to scarves, skirts, and even accessories like bags and shoes. It’s a pattern that’s as at home in urban settings as it is in the Scottish Highlands. Its ability to blend tradition with modernity has kept tartan in vogue across the centuries.
Social media has played a crucial role in popularizing tartan, as influencers and fashion aficionados showcase their creative interpretations. As per social media results, tartan is now recognized as a global fashion statement.
Types of Tartan Fabric
Black Watch Tartan
Black Watch is another tartan type and it’s easily identified by its black, navy, and hunter-green tones. The Black Watch tartan, also known as the Government tartan, is a distinct and historically significant pattern associated with the Black Watch regiment of the British Army, which was formed in 1725.
Burberry
The Burberry check was created in the 1920s and used by the well-known fashion design house who soon trademarked it as Burberry’s very own corporate tartan. Often seen used for Burberry handbags, trench coats, and scarves, it is registered as a corporate tartan but is also a fashion cloth.
Brushed Cotton Fabric Tartan
Brushed cotton fabric tartan combines the classic plaid patterns associated with traditional tartans with the soft, cozy texture of brushed cotton. Its breathability and durability make brushed cotton tartan a popular choice for both casual and formal wear, while its easy-care qualities ensure that it remains a practical option for everyday use.
The fabric is made from 100% cotton that has been brushed to create a warm and cozy feel, making it ideal for apparel like shirts, pajamas, and winter wear, as well as home furnishings such as blankets and curtains. Its durability and breathability make it suitable for various combining styles with practically.
Scottish tartan polyviscose
This material captures the vibrant colors and intricate designs characteristic of Scottish tartans, making it a popular choice for kilts, skirts, and other traditional garments. Its versatility and affordability contribute to the growth of the fashion and textile industries.
Where to use it?
Tartan fabric is used in making cloth and it is also used in making home decor and other accessories. Beyond traditional garments, tartan has found its place in contemporary fashion, infusing casual wear and accessories with a touch of classic charm.
It is associated with Scottish heritage tartan and can be elegantly incorporated into formal attire, such as kilts and tailored jackets, enhancing their cultural authenticity. Its versatility extends to interior design, where tartan can be utilized in upholstery, curtains, and decorative cushions, providing warmth and character to residential and commercial spaces alike.