The Anderson Tartan is unique among all of the Scottish tartans, because it is the only tartan to have seven colors. All other tartans have six or less. Because of this, the Anderson tartan must be woven on a special loom. The colors are primarily a rich blue with yellow, green and red in the plaid.

The Royal Canadian Air Force tartan, which has only five colors, is an officially registered variant of the Clan Anderson tartan.