Tartan Jackets/Coats: The Ultimate Style Guide

Tartan jackets and coats are the perfect way to inject heritage style into your wardrobe whilst staying cosy through the colder months. Far from being limited to traditional Scottish dress, modern tartan pieces offer endless styling possibilities that work for everything from casual weekend looks to sophisticated office attire.

Why Tartan Works for Every Wardrobe

I've been styling clients for over a decade, and tartan consistently proves to be one of the most versatile patterns you can invest in. The key lies in understanding that not all tartans are created equal. A subtle grey and navy check will work differently to a bold red Royal Stewart, and knowing which to choose for your lifestyle is crucial.

Tartan brings instant sophistication to any outfit whilst offering a refreshing alternative to solid colours. The pattern naturally draws the eye upwards, making it particularly flattering when worn as outerwear. Plus, the geometric nature of tartan means it pairs beautifully with other textures like leather, knitwear, and denim.

Choosing Your Perfect Tartan Style

Classic Blazer Style

The tartan blazer is your gateway piece. Look for structured shoulders and a nipped-in waist for the most flattering silhouette. Single-breasted styles work brilliantly for petite frames, whilst double-breasted options add drama and work particularly well if you're tall or want to create more presence.

Longline Coats

A tartan coat in midi or maxi length becomes an instant statement piece. These work exceptionally well in muted colourways - think charcoal, navy, or forest green bases with subtle accent colours. The length naturally elongates your silhouette, making this style particularly flattering.

Cropped Jackets

Perfect for layering, cropped tartan jackets hit at the natural waist and pair beautifully with high-waisted trousers or midi skirts. This style is ideal if you want to incorporate tartan without it overwhelming your frame.

How to Style Tartan Jackets

The Casual Approach

Pair a tartan blazer with straight-leg jeans and a simple white tee for effortless weekend style. Add white trainers for a contemporary edge, or ankle boots for a more polished casual look. This combination works particularly well with smaller-scale tartans in navy, grey, or burgundy.

Office-Ready Sophistication

A tartan blazer over a silk camisole with tailored trousers creates boardroom-appropriate style with personality. Stick to muted tartans and pair with neutral accessories. Black or navy trousers work best, allowing the tartan to be the focal point without overwhelming your professional look.

Evening Elegance

Transform a simple black dress with a structured tartan blazer for dinner dates or evening events. The contrast between the pattern and solid colour creates visual interest whilst maintaining sophistication. Add pointed-toe heels and minimal jewellery to complete the look.

Colour Coordination Made Simple

The beauty of tartan lies in its built-in colour palette. Pick out one of the accent colours within the pattern and use this as your guide for accessories and accompanying pieces. A burgundy and navy tartan pairs beautifully with cream, whilst green-based tartans work wonderfully with gold accessories.

For foolproof styling, remember that tartan works best when it's the statement piece. Keep everything else relatively simple - solid colours, classic cuts, and minimal patterns elsewhere in your outfit.

Where to Shop: My Top Brand Recommendations

High Street Heroes

Zara consistently delivers contemporary tartan pieces with modern cuts. Their cropped blazers are particularly well-tailored for the price point.

& Other Stories offers beautiful tartan coats with Scandi-influenced cuts that feel fresh and current.

Cos creates minimalist tartan pieces in sophisticated colourways that work beautifully for professional settings.

Premium Picks

Whistles produces excellently tailored tartan blazers with attention to detail that justifies the price point.

Sezane offers French-girl chic tartan pieces that feel effortlessly sophisticated.

Ganni brings a contemporary edge to tartan with unexpected cuts and colour combinations.

Baum und Pferdgarten creates statement tartan coats that are both artistic and wearable.

Designer Investment Pieces

Vivienne Westwood remains the queen of tartan, offering pieces that are both rebellious and refined.

Burberry delivers heritage tartan with modern sophistication - their blazers are investment pieces that last decades.

Stella McCartney creates contemporary tartan pieces with impeccable tailoring and sustainable practices.

Alexander McQueen offers dramatic tartan pieces that make powerful style statements.

Sizing and Fit Considerations

Tartan patterns can be visually busy, so fit becomes even more crucial. A well-fitted tartan jacket should skim your body without being too tight - you want the pattern to lay flat rather than distorting across curves. Pay particular attention to shoulder fit, as this is nearly impossible to alter successfully.

For blazers, ensure you can comfortably button them whilst wearing your typical base layers. The hem should hit at your hip bone or slightly below for the most flattering proportions.

Never Guess Your Size Again with tellar.co.uk

Finding the perfect fit for your tartan jacket just became effortless with tellar.co.uk - the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly.

How Tellar Works:

1. Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or your existing brand size
2. Use the tellar.co.uk is your go-to resource for honest, unbiased style advice. Our library of free posts from top stylists covers every fashion query you might have - always independent, always helpful.

   Related Style Guides:

   • tellar.co.uk - Perfect for styling with tartan blazers
   • tellar.co.uk - Complement your tartan jacket perfectly

   Final Styling Tips

   Remember, confidence is your best accessory when wearing tartan. The pattern has centuries of heritage behind it, so wear it with pride. Start with one quality piece rather than multiple cheaper options - a well-made tartan jacket will serve you for years and improve with age.

   Consider the scale of the tartan in relation to your body type. Smaller checks tend to be more universally flattering, whilst larger patterns make bolder statements but require more careful styling.

   Most importantly, choose tartans that speak to you personally. Whether that's a classic Black Watch, a vibrant Royal Stewart, or a contemporary interpretation, your tartan jacket should feel like an extension of your personal style rather than a costume.

   Tartan isn't just a trend - it's a timeless pattern that adds character, heritage, and sophistication to any wardrobe. With the right piece and proper fit guidance from tools like Tellar, you'll find yourself reaching for your tartan jacket time and again, discovering new ways to style this endlessly versatile pattern.