Wearing a Plaid as a Practical Accessory

**Livonian** · 24th June 14, 05:27 AM

While I do agree that the fly plaid (worn as a fly plaid) looks a tad dainty as a piece of daywear, when carried as a day plaid or at least properly kept under control, it looks more proportional than the full day plaid, which has the tendency to appear oversized. In fact, when carried on one shoulder, it seems to almost belong there.

I will agree that it could stand to be larger, perhaps six feet square.

**creagdhubh** · 24th June 14, 06:02 AM

Originally Posted by 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.

Precisely. Well said, Glen.

In my opinion, the so-called, "fly plaid" is a superfluous garment and really serves no purpose other than a simple fashion accessory to be worn with Highland evening attire. However, the day/Laird's/shepherd's/blanket plaid can serve many purposes (inclement/cold weather, picnic blanket, a tartan throw at home, etc), and isn't just an exclusive fashion accessory to Highland day attire. Along with other Highlanders, many Macphersons at our clan's annual gathering and rally continue the tradition of wearing the day plaid in varying lengths (most have been handed down and are quite old). The majority of the plaids are around 4-5 yards (heavyweight, single or double width tartan), and have a 6-7" of hand-purled fringe at opposite ends, much like a piper's plaid, but without the pleating. The plaid is folded in half by its length, then folded in half by its width to bring the two fringed ends together, and worn over the left shoulder with the fringe hanging in front. When done right, I think day plaids are far from being "costumey" and can look rather smart, as well as being quite practical, functional and traditional.

Clan Macpherson Chieftain, Euan Macpherson of Glentruim and his massive day plaid in the Macpherson Hunting tartan. When not on his person, Glentruim's plaid doubled as a blanket, or a tartan "throw" at his home of Glentruim House in Badenoch. Lachlan Macpherson of Glentruim, Euan's son, once told me that his mum and Euan's wife, Sandra Macpherson, had to assist him in putting the plaid on due to its massive size.

Other visual examples of the day plaid used in a traditional manner:

**Tobus** · 24th June 14, 06:25 AM

Originally Posted by Livonian

While I do agree that the fly plaid (worn as a fly plaid) looks a tad dainty as a piece of daywear, when carried as a day plaid or at least properly kept under control, it looks more proportional than the full day plaid, which has the tendency to appear oversized. In fact, when carried on one shoulder, it seems to almost belong there.

I will agree that it could stand to be larger, perhaps six feet square.

Livonian, would it be possible to post a photo of you wearing the fly plaid like a day plaid? I'd be interested to see how it looks proportionally, compared to a day plaid.

When I ordered my kilt, I bought an extra 5 yards of double-width tartan with it, partly for the purpose of making a day plaid. I have never gotten around to cutting the length I need for a day plaid, because I know there's a lot of work in hand-purling the fringe at the ends. One of these days I'll get around to it, but one of the things that concerns me about carrying around a day plaid is keeping it on my shoulder. Apparently my shoulders are narrow enough and have just enough slope that it's difficult to keep anything draped over them. When carrying a satchel or duffel bag, for instance, I constantly have to readjust it or keep one hand on the strap, lest it slide off my shoulder. If I were to carry a day plaid, I'm thinking I'd have to do the full-chest wrap like Euan MacPherson of Glentruim, rather than folding it over length-wise and simply draping it over one shoulder.

I'm unlikely to go with a smaller plaid like a fly plaid, but it is possible that I might need to scale down the day plaid to account for my small stature and shoulders. Just purely for visual aesthetic purposes, I'd be very interested to see what your fly plaid looks like when worn as you describe.

**creagdhubh** · 24th June 14, 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

I'm unlikely to go with a smaller plaid like a fly plaid, but it is possible that I might need to scale down the day plaid to account for my small stature and shoulders. Just purely for visual aesthetic purposes, I'd be very interested to see what your fly plaid looks like when worn as you describe.

Excellent point here, Tobus. This is something that I haven't really thought of before. We know that a traditional day plaid is around 4-5 yards of tartan (sometimes larger), either in single or double width; however, I do agree that it may be quite beneficial for the wearer to scale down the size a wee bit - not only to ensure that it doesn't fall off the wearer's shoulder, but also to ensure an aesthetically pleasing garment.

**Livonian** · 24th June 14, 08:49 AM

I'll get a picture when I get home from work... For reference, it ends up about a foot wide, not including the purled fringe, and hangs down to just under the natural waist in both the front and back.

**Pleater** · 24th June 14, 08:58 AM

I used the 30 inch wide fabric remaining after cutting off a kilt from the 54 inch woollen fabric. The full width fabric was just too much to control, even carefully folded.

When wearing a long plaid with a drum I always tie the plaid at the shoulder where it crosses over and then wrap the cord around under my right arm and tie the ends - it would be rather a disaster if it decided to make a bid for freedom in the middle of a procession or half way across a busy road.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

**Lodrorigdzin** · 24th June 14, 10:22 AM

I have a few wool chadars, plaids from India, you might say, that I wear while out walking if the weather warrants it. They're usually grey or tan/khaki coloured. Chadars are immensely practical, just like traditional plaids and used in very much the same way.
http://krishnastore.eu/mens-large-ya...shna-2566.html

**Liam** · 24th June 14, 11:56 AM

I purchased a blanket a number of years ago that I have used as my "day" plaid. - Works well for a picnic blanket. I also have a couple of fly plaids collecting dust in the closet. I'm considering having one of them made into a waist coat.

**Livonian** · 24th June 14, 02:08 PM

Here is a picture of the fly plaid worn as a day plaid. I apologize in advance for the dreadful quality: it's been pouring rain most of the day, hence the poor lighting... the use of a phone camera did not help.
PLAID.jpg

**creagdhubh** · 25th June 14, 05:33 AM

Originally Posted by Livonian

Here is a picture of the fly plaid worn as a day plaid. I apologize in advance for the dreadful quality: it's been pouring rain most of the day, hence the poor lighting... the use of a phone camera did not help.
PLAID.jpg

You're right, the lighting isn't that great. However, what I can see from your photo is that the plaid appears to be a bit too small in proportion to your kilt and overall size. The fringe going up the sides and falling across your chest and shoulder looks a bit odd as well. Now don't get me wrong, it doesn't look terrible, this is simply my honest opinion here for what it's worth.