The tartan pattern is particularly important in Scotland, because it is traditionally found on the clans' tartan skirts and plaids. Each family features its own pattern made of different stripes, checks, and colours. Professions, cities or brands can also boast their own tartan pattern. But that's hardly surprising: for GBP 70, anyone can have their self-designed check officially registered and protected in the Scottish Register of Tartans. Whether blue, red, yellow, green, brown or a mixture of different colours, tartan – also known as plaid – is certainly the most colourful of all checked patterns.
A peculiar trait of the tartan pattern of large squares is not only its weave of differently coloured stripes – also known as sets – but also its absolute symmetry. It looks exactly the same no matter how you turn the pattern. The tartan pattern became more popular outside of kilts in the early 1970s through the punk movement: like the safety pin, red checked trousers became a staple fashion item in the wardrobe of every British punk. The tartan also experienced its great renaissance in the grunge era of the 90s, when it became the most frequently used pattern on flannel shirts. Today, the tartan pattern lives from the memory of Sex Pistols and Alice in Chains – rock & casual style is therefore a must! Rough boots, used jeans and fishnet stockings, along with dark-berry tones in make-up, are the best style companions for the Tartan Look Reloaded.