Elliott Modern Tartan Vest | Highland Waistcoat

Boldly and Rightly — The Border Reiver Clan Vest That Commands Attention

The Elliott Modern Tartan Vest is a beautifully handcrafted Scottish Highland waistcoat celebrating one of Scotland’s most fierce, fascinating, and historically compelling Border clans. The Elliott Modern tartan is a bold, striking pattern dominated by rich sapphire blue with deep crimson and near-black stripes — one of the few predominantly blue clan tartans available, giving it a distinctive, commanding character that stands apart from most Highland waistcoats. Furthermore, the Modern colourway uses strong chemical dyes that produce a vivid, bright, and colour-fast sapphire blue — making this vest as visually striking today as it was when first commissioned by the clan’s hereditary chief.

At Clans Attire, our Elliott Modern Tartan Vest is handcrafted by our family of skilled artisans in Sialkot — custom made from quality 16oz acrylic tartan with a traditional black satin back and waist adjusting belt, tailored to your exact chest measurement in Short, Regular, or Long lengths. As a result, you receive a genuinely handcrafted Highland waistcoat worthy of the Elliott clan’s celebrated motto — Fortiter et Recte — Boldly and Rightly.

Key Features

• Authentic Elliott Modern tartan — bold sapphire blue with deep crimson and near-black stripes
• Classic 5-button front with Celtic detailed silver buttons for an authentically Scottish finish
• Made from 16oz machine washable acrylic tartan — durable, comfortable and practical for regular wear
• Fully premium quality satin lined interior for all-day comfort and a polished professional finish
• Traditional black satin back with adjustable waist belt for a perfectly tailored fit
• Two functional front pockets — practical and smartly finished
• Sharp V-neck design — clean traditional Highland waistcoat silhouette
• Available in chest sizes 34″ to 52″ — Short, Regular, and Long lengths
• Custom made to your exact chest measurement for a perfect fit
• Care: Machine washable — cold wash, reshape and lay flat to dry

About Clan Elliott — Scotland’s Most Notorious Border Reivers

Clan Elliott is one of Scotland’s most fascinating and historically compelling Border clans — rooted in the wild, lawless frontier lands of Liddesdale on the Scottish-English border. The Elliots were Border Reivers — fierce raiders who rode back and forth across the border, plundering from both sides and often doing so with the explicit backing of the Scottish Crown as the first line of defence against English armies headed north. Furthermore, the Elliot Clan Society was formally established in 1977 under the late hereditary chief Sir Arthur Eliott, 11th Baronet of Stobs and Laird of Redheugh — with the current chief being Margaret Eliott of Redheugh, the 29th clan leader.

One of the most defining moments in Elliott history was the Battle of Flodden in 1513 — where many Elliots, including Robert Elliot of Redheugh, perished alongside King James IV in Scotland’s disastrous defeat against the English. Consequently, the Elliott clan’s motto Fortiter et Recte — Boldly and Rightly — carries the weight of this extraordinary history of courage, loyalty, and fierce Border pride. Moreover, anyone descended from Clan Elliott lands may wear its tartans — making this vest accessible to all Elliott descendants worldwide regardless of the exact spelling of their surname.

The Modern vs Ancient Colourway — Which Should You Choose?

The Elliott tartan comes in two main variants — Modern and Ancient — and the choice between them is one of personal preference and occasion. In particular, the Elliot Clan Society notes that the Modern colourway is more pleasing to contemporary tastes in daylight, while the Ancient’s brighter, scarlet-toned variant shows up better at evening events. Additionally, the Modern’s deep sapphire blue gives it a bold, commanding daytime presence that works magnificently in a Highland waistcoat — making it the preferred choice for daytime Highland events, outdoor gatherings, and formal occasions held in natural light.

• Sapphire Blue — the dominant and defining colour of the Elliott Modern tartan — bold, commanding, and one of the few truly blue clan tartans available
• Crimson/Deep Red — courage, sacrifice, and the martial heritage of the Elliott Border Reivers at Flodden and beyond
• Near-Black Stripes — strength, resilience, and the fierce determination that defines the Elliott clan across five centuries

Construction & Materials

Each Elliott Modern Tartan Vest is handcrafted by our