fly plaid?

[tuathanach]

On the advice of some of the folks on this forum, I bought a copy of "So You're Going To Wear The Kilt", by J. Charles Thompson. It is pretty good, but one thing that Mr. Thompson says I found rather surprising. He says (on page 77 of my edition):

"This is one of the commonest mistakes made by American wearers of Scottish attire.
One sees pictures of Americans at Highland Games accompanying visiting chiefs from
Scotland. If the Scot has any tartan above the waist, it is the folded plaid laid over
the shoulder. The American will have an evening plaid fastened at the shoulder by a
"poached egg" brooch. The contrast is appalling. This time I am not expressing just
a personal opinion. If anyone cares to confirm it, I suggest that he write to someone
in Scotland who habitually wears the kilt. In my personal opinion (which anyone is
free to disagree with) the evening plaid is even too dressy to go well with the Prince
Charlie coatee. As I have said (and will say later at least once more -- sorry!), I like
to see the Prince Charlie kept as simple as possible, saving the plaid, jabot, and
dirk for full dress."

So is he right? What think ye? Is it a faux-pas to wear the evening plaid with less than full dress??

[Father Bill]

Probably.

Best use for a fly plaid? Give it to your lady as a shawl.

[Tarheel]

I see you're in Virginia where it may not get cold enough to often need a fly plaid. A simple but elegant ensemble can be put together with fewer extra items to keep up with (ie. dirk, sword and baldrick, etc) and be acceptable to host even the best guests in a variety of settings.

[Macman]

I'm in agreement with Mr. Thompson on this one.

[Jock Scot]

I have not been to North America, so I have no personal experience there, but from what I have seen and read on this website over many years, then I cannot help but agree with Mr. Thompson.

[Jock Scot]

I see you're in Virginia where it may not get cold enough to often need a fly plaid. A simple but elegant ensemble can be put together with fewer extra items to keep up with (ie. dirk, sword and baldrick, etc) and be acceptable to host even the best guests in a variety of settings.

In Scotland if one was meeting a VIP in an official civilian capacity at a Highland Games, for example, then a tweed argyll,shirt and tie, kilt of course, day sporran, plain coloured hose and black brogues are quite sufficient. The only slightly unusual addition that might be added could perhaps be a balmoral bonnet.

All this swords, dirks, plaids and shiny baubles stuff,is nothing more than pure brigadoonary in most cases. However, I would not necessarily include the cromach in that category.

[figheadair]

In Scotland if one was meeting a VIP in an official civilian capacity at a Highland Games, for example, then a tweed argyll,shirt and tie, kilt of course, day sporran, plain coloured hose and black brogues are quite sufficient. The only slightly unusual addition that might be added could perhaps be a balmoral bonnet.

All this swords, dirks, plaids and shiny baubles stuff,is nothing more than pure brigadoonary in most cases. However, I would not necessarily include the cromach in that category.

I agree completely Jock. I've never worn a Fly Plaid and cannot conceive of an event when I might. It’s a piece of Highland Revival frippery that has no practical use so far as I’m concerned. And year, apart from some of those dreadful Hire Shop outfits, is a rare beast in Scotland these days.

[Tomo]

Pipers maybe... otherwise I can't see the need or the desire to wear a fly plaid

[Karl R]

It’s a piece of Highland Revival frippery that has no practical use so far as I’m concerned.

There's a USA Kilts video that convinced me that a fly plaid is a really impractical accessory.

The key points I took away from the video:

• It looks awesome in photos.
• It's a pain to wear, because it pulls up on that corner of your jacket.
• You shouldn't wear it as a guest to a wedding, because you'll upstage the groom.
• Even at Rocky's wedding, he wore the fly plaid for the ceremony and the photos, then took it off for the rest of the evening.

[imbrius]

Were I asked to be the guest of honour at a black tie event where others would be kilted, I would remotely consider wearing an evening plaid. I probably would not consider it for very long, however, since it's an unneeded and fairly ostentatious accessory.

I'd think for this day and age, a day plaid is nearing anachronism, even for Scottish armigers.