how do I put on a fly plaid?

[Chas]

I just got a fly plaid, from still water kilts very good store for me. How do I put it on? I know I need a pin for it, but how far on my shoulder, up, down, left, right? height in the back? do I fold it before putting it on or just throw it on my shoulder and say, "that looks ok"?

Having done this a couple of times and I think, fallen into all the traps, I can say that there are a couple of considerations.

1. Will you be standing around, looking good, or will you be moving around and standing and sitting?
2. Will you be wearing miniature medals.

The first thing that needs to be said is that although it is possible to do yourself, you really need a second person to do the pinning. With the best will in the world, you can't be in the jacket and round the back at the same time.

So slide the pre-folded (or stitched) end through your left epaulette from the back.
First decision - How far down should this end hang down? Anywhere from a couple of inches to a foot and a half - the choice is yours. (If you are going to be wearing miniature medals (which will be on your lapel), put them on now. See how the end interacts with them.

Second decision - Where to put your broach? It does not have to be on top of your shoulder (as in the old days). If it is of high quality, you might want to wear it lower, so people can see it.

You, or second person holds the weight of the plaid while the other pins in the broach. Second person, puts in a safety pin (1") into your jacket at the height of the broach. The safety end of the pin goes over the pin of the broach. So the safety pin pins the jacket to the broach and not the fly plaid.

That's the first pin.

The second one is at the top of your shoulder under the plaid and epaulette. So pinning the plaid to the jacket. Lift the plaid up slightly (1/4 to 1/2 inch). Takes any pressure and pull off the front of the jacket.

Next, you stand up straight while the second person arranges the plaid.
Third decision - Straight down to cover left buttock of spread out more. The more it spreads, the more kilt it is going to hide.
Three more safety pins (or maybe four or five). Second person lifts up the weight of the plaid, about an inch and pins it into a seam, again and again and again.

The danger with pins, is not using enough of them. You are trying to fix the weight of the plaid to the jacket so they become one garment, not hang the weight from it. Remember, it is a flyplaid - not Batman's cape.

So now the only free weight is from the waist downwards. If you don't pin at the waist the weight of the plaid will try to constantly pull it backwards off your shoulder - taking the jacket with it.

Once you are totally happy with everything the jacket can be taken off and put on a hanger.

Either a fly plaid can be a high-end accessory that doesn't give you a care in the world or it can ruin an evening, by making you feel uncomfortable.

Regards

Chas