Weaves & fabric constructions

Tartan

Also known as: Plaid (US), Scottish check

Yarn-dyed check woven from symmetric colour stripes in warp and weft, originally clan identification.

~1 min read By Christian Habert Fact-checked by Clubmartin Textile EditorialAI-assisted Last reviewed: Sources (2)

Description

Tartan is a yarn-dyed check produced by symmetric colour stripes in warp and weft. The weave is typically a 2/2 twill (serge), less commonly plain. The colour repeat (sett) runs identically in both directions, so every check is diagonally mirror-symmetric. Over 4,000 setts are recorded in the Scottish Register of Tartans, each identifying a clan, region or occasion.

Classic tartan is woven from worsted wool at 250-450 g/m² (kilts even 450-560 g/m²). Woollen qualities are softer and fuller. In fashion and leisurewear tartan is also made from cotton, viscose or polyester blends (e.g. flannel tartans for shirts).

Traditionally kilts, plaids and Highland wear; today widely used in coats, skirts, dresses, jackets, shirts, scarves and blankets. Punk and British streetwear have also established tartan as a rebellious statement.

Properties

Weave type2/2 twill (serge)
Typical fibresWool, cotton, blends
Fabric weight250-560 g/m² (kilt)
UseKilts, skirts, shirts, scarves

Related product categories

Sources & references

2
  1. Wikipedia: Tartan Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tartan
  2. Scottish Register of Tartans tartanregister.gov.uk https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/

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