Find your tartan.
Welcome to the DATTs Tartan Finder. A smarter way to choose tartan, whether you’re starting with a name, a clan, or just a feeling.
Search by surname to uncover traditional clan connections, or explore by colour, contrast, and character to find something that simply works.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, commissioning made-to-measure Highlandwear, or building something with a bit more attitude, this is where it starts.
How It Works
- Start with a name (optional): Search your surname to see the tartans historically linked to your clan or family.
- Or start with a look: Use colour and style controls to explore tartans by tone, brightness, and contrast.
- Refine and compare: Many tartans exist in multiple variants (Modern, Ancient, Weathered, Muted).
- Use the tool to find the version that feels right, not just the one you’re “supposed” to pick.
A note on tradition
Tartan connections are rooted in Scottish clan history, where families and wider kin groups (known as septs) became associated with particular setts and colours over time.
That said, tartan today is as much about personal choice as it is about heritage.
If something works visually for you, you can wear it. Own your colours.
Clan, Sept, and Surname Connections
- Clans are large kinship groups with their own chiefs, historical territories, and recognised tartans.
- Septs are families historically allied to a clan, often adopting its tartan.
- A surname can belong to more than one clan or have multiple tartan designs over time.
- Traditionally, you inherit clan affiliation through your father’s line. But in today’s world (and certainly at DATTs), you can choose the tartan that speaks to you, no matter which branch of the family, or whose family tree it comes from.
- Wear your tartan, whether you are born into it, married it, or chose it, with respect and pride.