Top 5 Irish Tartans You Can Wear: Heritage of Ireland, National, and Green Tartans
Ireland is the second most popular country where kilts are proudly worn and even has its own specific tartans. We know these kilts as Irish kilts that are designed according to Irish regions. The total number of patterns is not significant compared to Scotland but many types of patterns are worn there. In this article, we will explore the top 5 Irish tartans that are symbols of pride, honor, and culture. So, let’s begin our discussion.
Top 5 Irish Tartans You Can Wear
Irish tartans are known for their meaningful colors and balanced designs. Below are five of the most popular and respected Irish tartans, each with its own story and purpose.
Saffron Tartan Kilts
Saffron has a deep place in Irish history. Long before modern tartans, Irish warriors and soldiers wore saffron-colored garments. This bright golden-yellow shade became a symbol of strength, courage, and national pride. Saffron tartan kilts combine this historic color with structured patterns, giving a traditional look with a modern twist. These kilts stand out instantly and are often worn during parades, national events, and cultural ceremonies.
Irish Green Tartan Kilts
Green is the color most people associate with Ireland. It represents the land, nature, freedom, and Irish spirit. Irish green tartan kilts celebrate this connection with rich green tones mixed with lighter lines and complementary colors. Irish Green tartan kilts are very versatile. You can wear them at festivals, casual gatherings, St. Patrick’s Day events, or even semi-formal occasions. Irish green tartans are easy to style and widely accepted, making them a favorite among first-time kilt wearers. They offer a classic Irish look without feeling too loud or formal.
Heritage of Ireland Tartan Kilts
The Heritage of Ireland tartan was designed to represent the entire island and its people. Instead of focusing on one family or region, this tartan brings together colors that reflect Ireland’s history, landscape, and culture. Because of its universal nature, anyone can wear the Heritage of Ireland tartan kilts with pride. It is especially popular among the Irish diaspora and visitors who want to honor Ireland respectfully. This tartan works well for formal events, weddings, and cultural celebrations.
Irish National Tartan
The Irish National tartan represents Ireland as a nation rather than individual families or regions. Its design reflects unity, tradition, and national identity. This tartan is often chosen by people who want a strong cultural connection without clan ties. Irish National tartan kilts are suitable for formal ceremonies, official events, and important celebrations. They offer a dignified appearance and are widely accepted across Ireland and beyond.
St. Patrick’s Tartan (Universal Irish Tartan)
St. Patrick’s tartan is inspired by Ireland’s patron saint and is considered one of the most universal Irish tartans. It is closely linked with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and Irish cultural pride. This tartan is open to everyone, regardless of background. It often features green tones combined with lighter accents that reflect faith, history, and Irish values.
When and Where to Wear Irish Tartans
Whether you have Scottish or Irish ancestry, wearing kilts is the most common practice to make events memorable. Therefore, the events and time to do them differs from each other as Scots wear kilts at every event, while Irish people specify them to the formal events only. They wear both, universal and their regional tartan kilts. At the celebrations associated with the history of their homeland, Irish people often prefer the above mentioned ones. Some popular events to attire their national dresses are given below.
| Saint Patrick’s Day | Irish Weddings |
| Musical Festivals | Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann |
| Puck Fair | Pan Celtic Festival |
| Highland Games of Ireland | Kilkenny Roots Festival |
| Temple Bar TradFest | Spirit of Folk Festival |
How to Choose the Right Irish Tartan for You
A majority remains concerned about the selection of right Irish tartans, while this approach is pretty simpler than Scottish tartans. The number of universal patterns is minimal there, while only 32 counties exist in Ireland, clarifying that the number of tartans is also far limited comparatively. Follow the below given tips to make tartan selection.
- Start with opting for your regional tartan. In case you need something else, green or saffron are the ideal options to meet your cultural requirements.
- Though people in Ireland wear kilts only at formal settings, some events have their specific kilts such as St. Patrick’s kilts. Be careful from this perspective as well.
- Some kilt makers offer kilts in modern styles, such as Men’s Khaki Irish Green Tartan Hybrid Kilt. You can also consider such variants in modern settings.
- Last but not least, choose suitable fabric as a beginner keeping your comfort in mind.
Styling Tips for Irish Tartan Kilts
Now that you are aware of the most popular Irish tartans and some handy tips to buy them. The next thing is to know how to style them properly to complete your looks. Irish outfits usually do not have much accessories comparatively, so the styling tips are also simple. Here are a few things you need to add to wear an outfit.
- Wear your regional or universal tartan with the right size and fit.
- A Brian Baru jacket is the most considerable jacket to pair with Irish kilts.
- Opt for a white or cream-colored Ghillie-style shirt, as they work excellently with all patterns.
- Leather belts and buckles with Celtic designs are the ideal choices.
- Ghillie shoes are must-to-add things with kilt hoses.
- A sporran is an optional but a modern addition to the dress.
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FAQs About Irish Tartans
Can non-Irish people wear Irish tartans?
Yes, everyone is allowed to wear Irish tartans today, as the modern practices encourage the environment of friendliness and spreading unity.
Are Irish tartans connected to clans?
No, Irish tartans are either regional or universal ones, while Scottish kilts are associated with clans or tribes.
Which Irish tartan is best for beginners?
The beginners should start with saffron kilts as they do not catch dust easily and look neat because of their unique shade.
Are saffron tartans formal or casual?
Saffron tartan is often considered a formal pattern because of its association with Irish history. In fact, this is the reason to wear it at ceremonial events.
How do Irish tartans differ from Scottish tartans?
The main differences found in Irish and Scottish tartans lie in their color, as Irish people prefer more vibrancy while the patterns are also complex. On the other hand, Scottish patterns are simpler and easier to identify.
