Blackwatch Plaid
Military Origins
The Black Watch (originally known as Am Freiceadan Dubh in Scottish Gaelic) was formed in 1725 as a group of independent Highland companies tasked with keeping order in the Scottish Highlands after the Jacobite risings. The companies were composed of loyal clan soldiers — primarily from the Campbell, Fraser, Murray, and Gordon clans. In 1739, they were formally constituted as the 43rd (later 42nd) Regiment of Foot.
The "Black" in the name referred to the dark coloring of their tartan, which contrasted with the brighter "red" tartans worn by the government's regular soldiers. The "Watch" referred to their role as a policing force. For more on military tartans, see Military Tartans and Regimental Plaids.
The Pattern
The Black Watch tartan uses a sett of dark navy blue and dark forest green, separated by thin black lines. There is no bright accent color, which gives the pattern its characteristically somber, dignified appearance. The blue and green are close enough in value that in dim light, the tartan can appear almost solid — a quality that was originally practical for concealment.
The pattern serves as the base for several other clan tartans. Many clan tartans were created by adding colored overstripes to the basic Black Watch sett — for example, the Gordon tartan adds a yellow stripe, and the Campbell of Cawdor adds a yellow and white stripe.
In Fashion
The Black Watch tartan's dark, versatile colorway has made it one of the easiest tartans to incorporate into modern wardrobes. It works as a near-neutral, pairing well with most other colors. Black Watch tartan trousers, skirts, scarves, and accessories are wardrobe staples. The pattern appears regularly in collections from Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, and Barbour.
In suiting, a Black Watch tartan dinner jacket or smoking jacket is a classic alternative to solid black for formal events. The pattern is dark enough to be appropriate for evening wear while adding visual interest.
In Home Decor
Black Watch tartan is popular for home furnishings — throw blankets, upholstery fabric, and bedding. Its dark coloring makes it practical for furniture and high-use items.