in addition to clan tartans, many tartan patterns have been developed for individuals, families, districts, institutions, and corporations. they have also been created for various events and certain ethnic groups. tartan has had a long history with the military and today many military units — particularly those within the commonwealth — have tartan dress uniforms. tartans or tartan-like plaid patterns are also commonly worn as skirts or jumpers / pinafores in catholic school uniform and other private school uniform codes in north america.