Discover The Rebellious History Of Tartan

We jump to the 1970s, when youth counterculture in the UK began to focus on the expression of freedom of the self through outrageous clothing and hairstyles, playing loud music and emphasising non-conformity. Visually, the punk subculture is one of the most recognisable, with exaggerated and boldly colored hair and styles as well as clothing that was full of rips, patches, safety clips, leather and bondage styles, and of course, tartan. 

In the UK, there was a certain nihilistic sense to the punk identity, with the slogan No Future becoming popular following the Sex Pistols song God Save The Queen. This movement was a response to perceived corporate greed at the time, with economic recession and political unrest starting the fire. 70s Punk is associated with change, providing a platform through music and protests to challenge inequality, racism and sexism. Punk is first and foremost about action, with a DIY attitude prevalent in the community.

Punk fashion's link to tartan has to thank Vivienne Westwood, the pioneer and radical punk icon who became famous worldwide for her rebellious and daring creations. Westwood’s and Malcolm McLaren’s shop SEX on London’s Kings Road was the birthplace of much of the style popularised by the Sex Pistols (managed by McLaren), and many other punk artists and followers quickly adopted the hallmarks of the clothing. The style was accessible for many who couldn’t afford designer clothes to mimic, with rips, sewn-on patches, paint, and safety clips key. 

The Sex Pistols and The Clash embraced Westwood’s ripped and tattered take on Royal Stewart tartan (the personal tartan of the British Monarch and most likely the style of tartan you are most familiar with) as a symbol of anti-establishment and seditious views, popularising the inclusion of tartan in punk fashion. Using a traditional and honoured fabric such as tartan was a sign of the desire for change and social progression, and it was intended to confront the status quo. 

The late 70s could be seen as the golden era of punk, the subculture breaking down into multiple styles and new genres of music as the decade turned. Despite their massive influence, the Sex Pistols were short-lived and dispersed in 1978, and Westwood turned to new inspiration following punk becoming ‘mainstream’. Despite this, tartan is still a popular fabric amongst alternative fashion today. 

In the 1990s, tartan was still prevalent in youth and counterculture through grunge, hip-hop and rap, particularly in the US. Although rap and hip-hop didn’t have the same nihilistic values as punk, it did focus on diversity and political militancy, challenging societal norms with experimental music and innovation. In the beginnings of hip-hop, casual and loose clothing were popular, and tartan overshirts were popular before the style shifted to more Afrocentric designs. Grunge had continued punk’s anti-capitalist and anti-consumerist themes, and plaid shirts were common in Seatlle’s thrift and second-hand stores, therefore becoming common for mainstream musicians of the genre. Today, tartan is still a widespread and popular pattern on everything from biscuit tins to dresses on the red carpet. 

Here at Blue Banana, we love the inclusion of tartan into new and innovative alternative clothing. Shake up your wardrobe with the Poizen Industries Indiana Skirt; this statement asymmetrical skirt features a tartan print and lace underskirt. If you love the rebellious elements of punk fashion, then this bold mix of fabrics and lengths is perfect for you. 

These statement tartan trousers are bold in both print and color. If you wanted to add some more punk elements, why not line the front of the trousers with safety clips or add an array of chains to your belt loops? These Banned Time Bomb Tartan Trousers blend practicality and fashion; the loud color of these trousers, available in hot pink or vivid red, means they are ideal for individuals who aren’t afraid to stand out. 

We’ve seen tartan adopted into multiple styles and items, from jackets to bags to boots and vintage to kawaii to classic punk. We love the entire tartan range, each item unique and offering something new, perfect for anyone wishing to express their individuality. 

 Add some attitude to the cutest of looks with a tartan print, whether it be a traditional red or black and white. 

So, the next time you want to stick it to the man and show off your fiery spirit, why not wear something with a little tartan on it as a nod to the history of rebellious radicals before you? A pair of tartan trousers is far more subtle than a gravity-defying, brightly colored mohawk in terms of punk fashion. We should all embrace our ability to freely express ourselves through our fashion and style the way punks did in the 70s. At Blue Banana, we want to continue to build our community of alternative and gothic fashion lovers; wear whatever you want to authentically show off your individuality.