Are There Really Restricted Tartans? Yep. Here are the facts.
Here's what you need to know about restricted tartans:
The idea of “forbidden tartans” is kinda misunderstood. While some tartans are technically restricted by copyright, trademark, or even law, there are usually very few hard rules about who can wear a tartan today. Most tartans are open for anyone to wear respectfully.
Restricted tartans do exist, but they are rare. Some modern tartans are legally protected by the people or organizations that designed them including those made for educational institutions or corporations. Sorry but you can't wear the McDuck tartan.
Remember that Clan tartans are usually not legally exclusive. Traditionally, wearing a clan tartan shows admiration, family connection, or loyalty, yes. However, there is no rule against wearing the tartan of a clan to which you do not belong.
Royal tartans, such as Balmoral, are considered socially off-limits by convention. Can you get away with wearing Balmoral then? Not a chance really. No reputable mill will sell it to you. ;)
In the end, there are various factors at work when it comes to tartan "policing." Occasionally it is Law (copyright/trademark) but more often it is about etiquette and respect. Many of the so-called “rules” we were taught as kids are simply traditions or opinions passed around in Highland dress culture.
Read the full article via the link. We cover:
Royal tartans
Military & Civic tartans
Clan tartans
And even how to deal with the dreaded 'Kilt Police'