Tartan is the central element of traditional Scottish outfits, as it makes kilts. Along with kilts, it also features in fly plaids, hoses, jackets, and waistcoats. Scots follow a clan system, and every tribe there has its own tartan pattern. Clan Buchanan is one of the most traditional ones among them and known to have vibrant patterns. An individual who wears this tartan must ensure perfect coordination of sporran and jackets with it. Our article is meant to describe how you should match them.
How to Choose the Right Highland Jacket for Buchanan Tartan
Many jackets are worn in Scotland, but when it comes to the traditional outfit, ensure you are wearing Highland jackets. Regarding the selection of jackets, it is important to know the event’s formality and decide its type accordingly. First let us see the variants of jackets, and then we will see what to match.
Types of Highland Jackets
Prince Charlie Jacket: It is the most formal variant of kilt jackets, worn at formal events only. A Prince Charlie jacket often has an open front and is fabricated with various buttons on the sleeves and back as decorative ornaments.
Argyll Jacket: Another variant is the Argyll jacket, which is more versatile than the Prince Charlie jacket and suits a number of formal (daytime events) and semi-formal events. It is a single-breasted jacket with shorter cuts and is often worn with a matching vest.
Color Matching with Buchanan Tartan
Wise and relevant color selection of a jacket to pair with Buchanan tartan is necessary to maintain the charm of the outfit. So, opt for neutral colors like black, navy blue, or brown shades to complement the patterns. Choosing a complementary shade such as green can also be an option.
Fabric and Texture
The fabric and its texture are also important considerations. So, you must go with fresh barathea wool fabric jackets and waistcoats, as the wool is used to make kilts as well. The similar fabric used in two pieces of the same dress complement each other.
Consider the Occasion
The next important factor impacting the decision to choose a jacket with a Buchanan tartan kilt is the occasion to wear it. If participating in any wedding or other formal occasion such as dinner or a graduation ceremony, prefer a Prince Charlie jacket. On the other hand, an Argyll jacket would be the suitable choice for semi-formal settings such as Highland Games, dancing events, etc.
How to Choose the Perfect Sporran for Buchanan Tartan
Sporrans are traditional bags that Scots used to keep with them to carry their essentials, as kilts did not have pockets. They are leather bags having many ornaments classifying them in various forms and making them choices for several occasions.
Types of Sporrans
Dress Sporrans: Dress sporrans are pure leather pouches with original animal fur and metallic cantles. They are highly decorated and are suitable for formal events. A group of Prince Charlie jackets, dress sporrans, and Buchanan tartan kilts offers you eye-catching aesthetics.
Semi-Dress Sporrans: Another variation is the semi-dress sporran, which is not much decorated but has many ornaments to be worn at moderately formal occasions. These are good options for musical festivals and Highland games.
Day Sporrans: Also known as leather sporrans, the day sporran variant is for casual settings and does not contain any special decorative pieces like the other ones. They may have leather tassels and are appropriate options for casual wear. You can pair a leather sporran with Buchanan tartan if wearing it casually.
Coordinating Accessories with Buchanan Tartan
When matching a sporran with Buchanan tartan, it is essential for the Scottish bag to coordinate well with other accessories. To make an appropriate silhouette, follow the below-given tips.
- Sporrans have chains to be attached with loops, and the material of the chain must complement the belt buckle.
- Cantle is an important part of dress sporrans, and the one worn with the Buchanan tartan should coordinate with other accessories such as the kilt pin and Sgian-dubh.
- Avoid overly accessorized sporrans because the natural shades of Buchanan tartan do not suit them.
Balancing Style and Boldness of Buchanan Tartan
Buchanan tartan has further variations, and their unique color combinations set them apart from each other. That’s why you can pair them in all kinds of events. So, balancing the style and boldness of Buchanan tartan becomes essential when choosing suitable accessories to pair with it.
Making the Tartan the Centerpiece: When pairing the right jacket and sporran with Buchanan tartan, keep the tartan a centerpiece, and both of these accessories should complement it. In other words, tartan patterns should be the priority.
Personal Style vs. Tradition: Another aspect is deciding the accessories between your personal style and the traditional style. If you need something modern, choose modern patterns with jackets and sporrans. Otherwise, choosing the ancient Buchanan tartan patterns with traditional accessories will be an excellent decision.
Buy Premium-Quality Tartan, Sporrans, and Jackets at Irish Kilt Shop
No matter what event it is or what types of accessories you pair with Buchanan tartan, quality is the primary thing to consider. If you need to buy any or all of these things made with premium-quality materials, explore Irish Kilt Shop. Along with quality, we provide all of our products at very affordable prices compared to the other stores. Another feature, in fact, the backbone of our store, is the discounts running year-round. So, visit us today and buy whatever you want.
Frequently Asked Questions and Their Answers
Can I mix modern and traditional elements in my Buchanan tartan outfit?
Yes, you can do it but in casual settings only. Mixing modern and traditional elements helps you to get a contemporary look.
How do I choose the right waistcoat style to match the Buchanan tartan?
An ideal approach to opting for the right vest to pair with Buchanan tartan is going with the formality of the event. Likewise, the vest should match the jacket and must be made of the same quality of fabric.
Can I wear a different clan’s sporran design with Buchanan tartan?
It is a traditional practice to pair your own clan’s design with Buchanan tartan. However, if you have to show unity with another clan, yes, you can wear the sporran of that.
How do I adjust my sporran choice for summer vs. winter events?
Though the same style of sporran can be used in both weathers, you can adjust them differently as well. In winter, choose a sporran made with heavier, more formal fabric. Therefore, opt for a more breathable, lightweight kilt, and consider a simpler, more functional semi-dress or day sporran in summer.
