Best tartan

Published on Tuesday 3 March 2009 19:38

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With thousands of different tartans available, picking the right one for your kilt has never been more complicated, especially for those without a clan affiliation. However, with a little help it's easy to find a design to have you looking sharp whatever the occasion – here are five open tartans anyone can wear with pride.

BLACK WATCH: The Black Watch tartan is both historical and timeless. As popular today as it always has been, the Black Watch is rare in that it is both traditional and still as stylish as many more contemporary designs. It also looks great made into a pair of trews.

PRIDE OF SCOTLAND: With Scottish Homecoming celebrations in full swing, there has never been a better excuse for buying yourself a kilt.

The Pride of Scotland was designed specifically to reflect the pride Scots have in their nation. With its deep blues and purples, this tartan more than any other evokes the colours associated with our hills, glens and national flag.

FOOTBALL TARTANS: Men wear kilts and men love football, so it's hardly surprising that both go together so well. Whether you are following your team on a European jaunt or just proud to be sporting the colours of your side at a wedding, club tartans never seem to go out of fashion.

Followers of Aberdeen, Hearts, Hibs and Rangers especially seem to enjoy sporting their team's tartan.

GREY GRANITE: Shop early for Christmas and New Year! If you'd like to sport a tartan, then Grey Granite is a perfect bet for the festive season.

Its charcoal tones are both stylish and modern enough to look at home in clubs and pubs as well as more formal surroundings.

SILVER PRIDE OF SCOTLAND: You can never be too early when it comes to planning a wedding, especially when you consider it takes six weeks for a traditional hand-stitched Scottish kilt to be made.

The Silver Pride of Scotland was a big hit at weddings throughout 2008. A mix of black, grey and red it'll add a real touch of class to anyone's special day.

&#149 Chris Hammond manages McCalls of Edinburgh, 21-22a Haddington Place, 0131-557 3979. www.mccalls.co.uk