When it comes to the world of tartans, it’s easy to get caught up in a swirl of plaid patterns, rich heritage, and brand prestige. But one question that often comes up among tartan aficionados and fashionistas alike is: What’s the difference between the classic Burberry Check and the Thompson Camel Tartan? Spoiler alert: they may look like twins at first glance, but these two iconic designs are as different as a kilt and a trench coat. 

So, let’s get into it and break down the differences with style and a dash of tartan trivia.

1. Sett Pattern: Simplicity vs. Tradition

Imagine the Burberry Check as the minimalist city slicker of the tartan world. It features a smooth, straightforward beige background with crisp black, white, and a pop of red lines. This pattern is deliberately symmetrical and simple, making it the perfect backdrop for a runway debut or a London street scene.

Now, the Thompson Camel Tartan? Well, this one’s a classic, and not just in the “this is vintage” sense. Its pattern is far more intricate, with a crisscrossing effect of black and white lines. It’s got that quintessential Scottish charm, designed to be worn with pride (preferably on a misty Highland moor). While the Burberry Check likes to keep things minimal, the Thomson Camel Tartan embodies the heart and complexity of traditional Scottish craftsmanship.

2. Colour Scheme: The Battle of the Beige

Both tartans sport a warm camel or beige background, which may explain the confusion. But while the Burberry Check uses the simplicity of black and white lines to frame a statement-making red stripe, the Thomson Camel Tartan keeps things a bit more down-to-earth with its classic combination of black and white, sans any daring red accents.

That crimson line in the Burberry Check is more than just a design choice; it’s a signature feature that gives the pattern its unmistakable brand identity. The Thomson Camel Tartan, meanwhile, lets the camel, black, and white speak for themselves—rich, elegant, and rooted in Scottish tradition.

3. Origin and Purpose: Clan Pride vs. Catwalk Cred

Here’s where it gets really interesting: The Thompson Camel Tartan is a piece of Scottish heritage. It’s a traditional tartan tied to the Thompson clan and follows the time-honoured conventions of Scottish tartan design. It carries a sense of pride, ancestry, and history—like an heirloom that tells stories of yesteryear.

On the flip side, the Burberry Check has an entirely different pedigree. Designed as a lining for trench coats in the early 20th century, it’s become a global fashion icon. More than a pattern, the Burberry Check is a badge of luxury, instantly recognizable on scarves, handbags, and, yes, those signature trench coats. It’s not about clan loyalty but brand loyalty.

4. Cultural Significance: Legacy vs. Luxury

The Thompson Camel Tartan carries a cultural weight that can’t be denied. It’s a nod to the deep roots of Scottish heritage, to the clans and the highland traditions that tartan patterns embody.

The Burberry Check, however, represents a different kind of prestige. It’s a global symbol of luxury fashion. When you see that beige-and-black pattern with the iconic red stripe, you think of high-end runways, British elegance, and the legacy of Burberry as a trendsetter in the fashion industry. It’s more about catwalks and red carpets than Highland gatherings.

In Conclusion: Same Beige, Different Story

So there you have it! While the Burberry Check and the Thompson Camel Tartan may share a similar camel-coloured canvas, their purposes, patterns, and cultural meanings couldn’t be more different. One is a fashion powerhouse, a minimalistic yet striking badge of luxury. The other is a heartfelt homage to Scottish tradition, embodying the craftsmanship and pride of generations.

 SHOP THOMPSON CAMEL TARTAN

Whether you’re dressing up for a London fashion week or a traditional Scottish gathering, knowing the story behind your tartan makes wearing it all the more meaningful—and stylish. After all, it’s not just about the colours or the pattern; it’s about the story you’re draped in. So, next time someone points to your plaid and asks, “Is that Burberry or Thompson?” you’ll be ready to share the facts!