The Fraser Tartans – A Colourful Legacy Woven Into Modern Style

Few patterns in Scottish heritage offer as much variety, vibrancy, and history as the Fraser tartans. With their instantly recognisable red-based Dress tartans and deep green Hunting variations, the Fraser family offers one of the most diverse tartan collections in Scotland. Today, these iconic patterns live on not only in Highland dress but also in contemporary accessories such as our beautifully woven Fraser tartan scarves and blankets—all available on our website.

Understanding Fraser tartans can feel like entering a maze of colour and pattern. Most clans begin with two main tartan categories: Dress, traditionally rich in reds, and Hunting, which features greens and browns for camouflage in the Highlands. From there, both categories are produced in Ancient (softer, faded colours) and Modern (deeper, stronger tones) versions. In the case of Clan Fraser, these branches have expanded over centuries into numerous variants, each reflecting the identity of different family lines.

What makes Fraser tartan so fascinating is that it is still evolving today. Families, designers, and textile mills continue to introduce new interpretations, so no two Fraser tartans—or kilts—are exactly alike. Even when the pattern is the same, each mill has its own palette and weaving traditions, creating subtle differences that make every scarf, blanket, or garment special.

The Scottish Register of Tartans lists a wide range of Fraser designs, from the classic red Dress Fraser to the deep green Hunting Fraser and several branch-specific versions. When Lord Lovat, the Chief of Clan Fraser of Lovat, appears in formal dress, he and his relatives typically wear the Modern Fraser Dress tartan—a bold red pattern steeped in tradition.

To appreciate Fraser tartans fully, it helps to understand their place in the broader history of tartan. While tartan patterns existed earlier, the idea of clan-specific tartans gained momentum after the Jacobite Rising of 1745. As Highland regiments formed and groups of men fought side by side in uniform colours, the association between families and patterns became fixed in public imagination. The ban on tartan following the uprising only strengthened its symbolism, turning it into a powerful emblem of heritage and identity.

Today, Fraser tartan is celebrated for its striking colours and timeless character. Whether worn as a stylish winter scarf or displayed at home as a warm blanket, Fraser tartan brings a touch of Highland tradition into everyday life—a perfect blend of history, fashion, and personal expression.

Explore our Fraser tartan collection and wear this iconic pattern with pride.