Crossword Genius

Seaman has brown pattern for kilt (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tartan

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'for kilt' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'seaman has brown' is the wordplay.
'seaman' becomes 'tar' (Jack Tar is an informal term for a sailor).
'has' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'brown' becomes 'tan' (tan is a kind of brown).
'tar'+'tan'='TARTAN'

'pattern' acts as a link.
I am not very happy about this link. It may be part of another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tartan that I've seen before include "Woollen fabric with plaid design" , "Criss-cross pattern" , "chequered cloth" , "Distinctive pattern of a Scottish clan" , "Scottish plaid design" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app