Greetings,

As might be obvious from my post count, I am a new member and relatively new kilt-wearer. I know that the question of wearing plaids has been addressed, to little consensus. That said, I am specifically wondering about whether or not the use of a plaid not solely as an item of fashionable apparel, but as a functional accessory may be considered acceptable.

Here's the story behind my question:

Shortly after purchasing my kilt, I ordered a plaid from Stillwater in Black Watch tartan, to match my kilt. Knowing that the fly plaid (pinned at the non-dominant shoulder and simply allowed to hang) makes for a very ostentatious appearance, I do not wear it as such. I generally tend to carry it as a "laird's/day plaid" or wear it over one shoulder (as the fly plaid) counter-weighted with a subdued brooch, but tucked between my belt and the kilt to keep it discrete and under control. When it is somewhat cold, I wear it over both shoulders (like a shawl), with the edges pinned with a brooch over the center of my chest (I never pin it to my shirt). In any of these configurations, I use it when sitting down to keep my pleats straight and isolate my legs from the seat.

The question is this: worn and used as I described above, might the plaid be considered a proper piece of apparel? I plan to use it regardless (as it's a useful piece of tartan), but was just interested in seeing what the rabble might have to say.

Thanks for any opinions,
Livonian