Wearing a Plaid as a Practical Accessory

[Livonian]

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

[unixken]

I would think that if you want a day plaid, you should consider getting a true day plaid. They are larger, and not pleated in one corner the way a fly plaid is. You are correct that there is little consensus regarding the use of day plaids, but if you are in the camp that would like to have one, it seems you'd be happier if that's what you actually had.

EDITED TO ADD: This is the plaid I have.

[McMurdo]

I always caution not to mix formality, as well I think that the kilt gets a bad rap as being a costume by those in the general public. For these reasons I would not wear the fly plaid casually. In fact I think it is a strange item formally as well. Another thought is that a fly plaid is not a day plaid and should not be used as such.

[MacCathmhaoil]

Personally not a fan of fly plaids and can only shake my head when I watch those wearing them continually struggle with sitting on them, getting them caught in doors, etc.. I have seen countless ripped epaulettes as a result.
Why not see if it can be converted into a sash for your partner and if you want a day/ Laird's plaid save your money and get a proper one from one of the advertisers here.

[Geoff Withnell]

Actually, Stillwater Kilts sells what they call a "pipers plaid" that is a 4 foot X 8 foot fringed piece that works very well as a laird's plaid. I have found that a laird's plaid can be very convenient if the weather is changeable, wearing over my shoulder when it's nice, and wrapping up in it as it gets damp/misty/rainy. YMMV.

[Livonian]

About the size issue: I purposely went for the smaller fly plaid (although mine lacks a pleat) instead of a true day plaid specifically because the true day plaid seems excessively large. Folded in fourths lengthwise, the 4-foot plaid sits comfortably on my shoulder, hanging to just below my natural waist in front and back. It's also just big enough to be used as a shawl, should the winds pick up. I purchased it mainly for its utility: I use it to keep my kilt in order when sitting (and to isolate the chair from my skin), or as a shawl-type garment when the weather is cool or if the wind is bothersome.

[jhockin]

image.jpg
IMHO it can be very practical
( mine is 4 meters of double wide weathered MacNaughton)

[Chas]

The two items (laird's/day plaid and the the fly plaid) are not the same and really cannot do each other's function.

The laird's/day plaid is practical and has a place amongst casual outdoor activities.

On the other hand the fly plaid is a most impractical garment and is mostly used indoors at more formal events.

This is really "using the right tool for the job".

[Pleater]

as one often at odds with convention, I find that my long plaids are very useful when the weather is uncertain or wet or cold or windy.

I made one so that when I go to the week long folk festival in Sidmouth, Devon, and am often out and away from the van for long periods during the day I have something to keep the weather off and me cool or dry or warm - it is adaptable and useful.

They have been covered in mud, soaked in rain and seawater - and once, beer, I even have one which has been sun bleached in places, and the greens have faded to lime and yellow - that was an unusually fine hot week at the end of July.

I often carry a small drum to beat for the morris dancing, and the plaid acts as a cushion for the strap and drum - I used to get bruises and weals particularly in processions before I put on a plaid.

The plaids I use are a little longer than a military one, and I wear them wrapped in the same way but looser - like a classical toga. In bad weather I can tuck one corner under the drum strap and wrap it around my kilt anticlockwise, then around again over my shoulders or head so as to be well protected - and the wool is warm.

I do carry a lightweight poncho style waterproof, but the plaid is the main insulation and protection from the elements.

The size of a fly plaid makes it the minimum amount of fabric for anything useful, but it is obviously still useful and serves a purpose other than a decorative one.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Tobus]

Livonian, I can see where you're coming from. A fly plaid can have many uses, even ones for which it wasn't intended. There's no question that it can be a practical item in many ways.

I think the reason it isn't used more commonly, though, is that its size and design are a bit of a compromise. It's not quite large enough to really wrap up in when it's cold, and the shape of it isn't very useful compared to a full plaid or a day plaid. And to be honest, it seems a bit ...shall we say... "dainty" for everyday use. That daintiness makes it appealing as a formal accessory (for those who like the look with formal attire). But as a practical everyday item, I think a good old fashioned day plaid serves the purpose much better and just looks more robust and masculine.

Of course, I am speaking from the viewpoint of a male. I could see where a fly plaid would make a nice elegant everyday accessory for a female, much like a shawl but with a bit more functionality.