Thomson was a border clan most numerous in the region stretching from the West Marche to Edinburgh. Clan history is thus influenced by close proximity with England.
The earliest record of a Thomson tartan is 1906 (Johnston). D C Stewart discusses it in 'Setts of the Scottish Tartans' in 1950. Many "Thomson" tartans have arisen over the years of which Thompson Grey and Thompson Camel are perhaps the most famous although these are both technically fashion tartans.
Thompson Dress Blue, originally woven for Lord Thomson of Fleet, is registered as the official tartan for the international Clan Thomson Society. The Society recommends that those wishing to accurately represent the clan use this tartan or the Thomson Hunting tartan.