---
type: "fabric"
name: "Tartan"
slug: "tartan"
fabric_family: "specialty"
construction: "jacquard"
typical_fibers:
  - "Wool"
weight_gsm: "200–400 g/m²"
price_tier: 3
url: "https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/tartan"
updated: "2025-09-08T02:30:50.312282+00:00"
---

# Tartan

Tartan is a distinctive patterned fabric characterized by its crisscrossed horizontal and vertical bands of color, traditionally woven in wool using jacquard techniques.

- **Fabric Family**: Specialty
- **Construction**: Jacquard
- **Typical Fibers**: Wool
- **Weight**: 200–400 g/m²
- **Thickness**: 0.5–1.5 mm
- **Typical Width**: 150 cm
- **Price Tier**: $$$ (3 of 5)

## About Tartan

Tartan fabric is a specialty textile known for its unique plaid patterns, created through a jacquard weaving process that allows for intricate designs. Typically made from wool, tartan is durable, warm, and has a rich texture. It is widely used in traditional Scottish attire, such as kilts and sashes, as well as in modern fashion and home décor. The fabric's construction provides both aesthetic appeal and functional properties, making it suitable for a variety of applications.

## Woven Properties

- **Ends per Inch (EPI)**: 80
- **Picks per Inch (PPI)**: 60

## Stretch Properties

- **Warp Stretch**: 0%
- **Weft Stretch**: 0%

## Performance Properties

- **Air Permeability**: 5 CFM
- **Hydrostatic Head**: 100 mm
- **Spray Rating**: 0
- **Evaporative Resistance (Ret)**: 0.5
- **Thermal Resistance (Rct)**: 0.15
- **UPF Rating**: 15

## Appearance & Hand

- **Luster**: Semi Matte
- **Opacity**: Opaque
- **Surface Texture**: smooth
- **Hand & Drape**: Balanced

## Performance Features

- Moisture Wicking
- Wrinkle Resistance

## Common Finishes

- Brushed
- Napped
- Water Repellent

## Common Applications

- Kilts
- Jackets
- Scarves
- Home Textiles
- Fashion Apparel

## Common Uses in Detail

### Kilts & Jackets

Tartan's rich woven patterns and durable [Wool](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/wool) construction make it ideal for traditional Highland dress. Kilts and tailored jackets crafted from tartan carry deep cultural significance, with each distinctive pattern, or sett, representing a specific Scottish clan or family heritage.

### Home Textiles

[Wool](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/wool)'s natural insulating properties and tartan's bold, colorful patterns translate beautifully into throws, cushion covers, and blankets. These pieces add warmth and a classic decorative character to living spaces, making them a popular choice for cozy, heritage-inspired interiors.

## Care Instructions

Machine wash cold on gentle cycle; tumble dry low; iron on low heat.

- Washing Machine
- Ironing
- Do Not Bleach

## Additional Information

Tartan patterns are often associated with specific Scottish clans, making them culturally significant. The fabric's versatility allows it to be used in both traditional and contemporary designs.

- **Regional Names**: Plaid (North America), Check (various regions)
- **Sourcing Regions**: Scotland, Italy, China
- **Testing Standards**: Martindale/Rub count, Pilling, Colorfastness to wash/light, Seam slippage, Tear strength

## Fibers in This Fabric

- [Wool](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/wool.md)

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- [Activewear Interlock](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/activewear-interlock.md) — Specialty
- [Activewear Jersey](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/activewear-jersey.md) — Specialty
- [Activewear Tricot](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/activewear-tricot.md) — Specialty
- [Adire](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/adire.md) — Specialty

---
*Source: [Fabric Atlas](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/tartan) — HTML version of this page.*