So tartan and checks. They’ve been bubbling up as a trend for several seasons now. That’s nothing new, but every autumn that this heritage-check and tartan wave rolls right back in brings with it a problem — we live in Scotland. Most of our towns and cities have those tacky tourist shops lined with tartan tins and kilted teddy bears, so wearing our traditional checks can quickly slip from stylish to stereotypical. Because yes — tartan is timeless, it’s rooted, it’s ours — but just as easily, it can veer into shortbread-box twee.

So how do we do tartan without looking like tourist tat? We elevate. This season’s revival of heritage checks isn’t about costume or nostalgia. It’s about making tartan feel deliberate — styled with purpose, edge and a touch of rebellion. It’s the pattern that once symbolised tradition and defiance, now reimagined for wardrobes that move between school runs, studio days and winter nights out.

And yes, perhaps we’ve got a certain fringe-and-check-coat presenter to thank for making tartan cool again — because let’s face it, Claudia Winkleman’s gothic-grand take on heritage dressing in The Traitors has turned the look into a cultural moment. Her inky kilts, black lace blouses and sweeping coats have rebranded tartan from twee to thrilling — consolidating the movement for the rest of us. But really, checks have been quietly threading their way back into fashion for several seasons. Autumn/Winter 2025 just happens to be the moment they’ve gone full-blown modern: sharper silhouettes, layered textures, unexpected colourways. The kind of tartan that looks less “visit Scotland” and more “visit my Pinterest board.”

Across the catwalks, checks were everywhere — blown up, layered, and subverted. At Burberry, sculptural trenches and tonal plaids proved that heritage can still surprise. Brandon Maxwell’s bold plaids clashed with stripes and leather, giving the print attitude and edge. Even softer, more romantic interpretations emerged — fluid skirts, brushed flannels, and blanket coats that felt equal parts comfort and cool. The message? Checks are thriving — and they’re finally fun again.

The modern take on tartan is confident, expressive and rooted in contrast: soft with sharp, classic with new. It’s about using the pattern as punctuation, not wallpaper. Whether you’re a minimalist who prefers monochrome windowpane checks or a maximalist who’ll layer clashing plaids like it’s a sport, there’s a version that fits your rhythm.

So, ready to make tartan feel fresh? Here’s how to wear heritage checks the Hood way — elevated, effortless, and absolutely not tourist tat.

Reclaim the Kilt — But Make It COOL

Forget prim pleats and sensible shoes. This season’s kilts come with attitude — sheer, oversized buckles, asymmetric hems, clashing checks. Pair yours with a leather biker or an oversized knit and knee-high boots. It’s a nod to heritage, but with bite — the kind of piece that turns heads without shouting.

Pair Checks with a Trusty Turtleneck

Blackwatch Tartan Blazer, NOW £199, LK Bennett

Cold-weather dressing starts with the knit. A toffee-toned roll neck under a navy or forest-green tartan jacket is the sweet spot between practical and polished. Think texture, not fuss — ribbed knits, fine cashmere, or merino in deep, earthy shades. It’s the simplest way to modernise tartan and make it feel pulled-together rather than precious.

Outerwear is Everything

When the Scottish chill sets in, your coat is your outfit. Heritage-check outerwear was everywhere this season — soft scarf-style coats, double-breasted blazers, longline trenches. Look for wool blends that drape beautifully and choose colours that feel grown-up: camel and charcoal, olive and navy. Sling it on with denim and boots, and you’re done. Effortless beats over-styled every time.

Tartan Co-ords and Head-to-Toe Checks

Checked Top, £119, and Checked Skirt, £119

This season, checks aren’t content with being a supporting act — they’re taking over the whole outfit. Matching tartan co-ords and full check looks are everywhere, and done right, they feel bold, modern and a little bit subversive. A cropped jacket with a matching mini, or wide-leg trousers and a blazer in the same plaid, can look effortless rather than overdone when you keep the palette refined — think greys, moss greens or deep navies.

Head-to-toe tartan isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it’s a power move. The trick is in the styling: ground it with chunky boots or classic trainers, add a simple knit or crisp tee, and let the print lead. It’s that perfect blend of confidence and cool — minimal fuss, maximum impact.

TAiloring, But Make it Tartan

Tartan Blazer, £120, and Trousers, £80, Monsoon x Sarah Corbett-Winder

Longline blazers, razor-cut trousers, and softly structured shoulders — this is how to do tartan with polish. Keep the palette muted (greys, moss greens, dusky blues) and let the shape lead or make a statement and go for bold. There’s something about a check suit that feels quietly powerful — especially when you throw on trainers or loafers instead of heels. Minimal fuss, maximum impact.

Final Word: Own It

In Scotland, tartan comes with history — but that doesn’t mean it has to come with rules. The trick is to wear it knowingly: a wink to the past, styled for the present. Whether it’s a subtle glen check or a bold plaid coat, it’s not about what the print means, it’s about what you do with it.

Checks aren’t costume — they’re confidence. And this season, they’re having their moment.