Fly Plaids - When, Where & Why?

[Bob C]

I wear my fly plaid almost every time I wear my Prince Charlie. I like it. If you like yours, wear it.

[piperdbh]

As a fan of the fly plaid, I'll go on record to say they take a little getting used to, as they're heavy and pull the coat up, as has been discussed in great detail in another thread. I like to wear it to play for a funeral, because I like the way it flows in the breeze. Apart from that, or maybe to the tartan ball, I leave it in the closet. I have no experience with the other versions of the plaid.

[cavscout]

It is a look that some will like or dislike. Who would have thought it? While I've never worn one, I like the look of it worn as in the MacLeay prints here with tweed jacket. Loosely pleated across the chest gives a very casual and functional look to me.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

As many think that Fly plaids are to be worn either on VERY formal occasions, or when being the groom I do not agree. I think fly plaids may be worn with any formal outfit (not day outfit, thats what you got that day plaid thing for)

As for wearing - stick it through the left epaulet and secure it on your chest with a brooch.

there is also a plaid which you wear the same way, but because it's longer you tuck the bottom under your belt (not sure what that's called)

Regards, Daniel

I think you may be referring to a belted plaid-- it has an attached belt that is fastened around the waist, under the waistcoat. It then passes under the epaulette, where it is secured by the plaid brooch.

Because some of the weight of the plaid is taken by the waist belt, their is very little "pull" on the shoulder-- this allows you to wear the brooch in it's proper position, on your shoulder.

[pastorsteve]

These photos certainly aren't the best example of what I was thinking about. I don't wear period shirts (not that there's anything wrong with that ). I usually wear a button down or sweater or similar. I certainly don't have large swords or dirks ( again .....).

[Jock Scot]

These photos certainly aren't the best example of what I was thinking about. I don't wear period shirts (not that there's anything wrong with that ). I usually wear a button down or sweater or similar. I certainly don't have large swords or dirks ( again .....).

Steve,if you want to wear a plaid,then wear one. It is not going to get you struck down by a bolt of lightning. Honestly it won't! What I and others are trying to gently point out, is that there is a time and a place that fly plaids are normally worn.What we, well OK me at the moment, are respectfully trying to say is, what you are suggesting is the wrong time, the wrong place and with the wrong attire.It's down to you what you choose to do, not me(us),but at least you know the full picture of what you are thinking of doing. It is also absolutely nothing to do with large swords and dirks either. All the best, Jock.

[The Barry]

My fly plaid only comes out for formal events. I don't wear it to Burn's night, kilt nights, etc.. I'll wear one when I get married, but not to another couple's wedding. But I might bend the rules from time to time, if the event is formal, and I just 'feel' like it, I'll throw it on.

[Panache]

I wear my fly plaid almost every time I wear my Prince Charlie. I like it. If you like yours, wear it.

My fly plaid only comes out for formal events. I don't wear it to Burns' night, kilt nights, etc.. I'll wear one when I get married, but not to another couple's wedding. But I might bend the rules from time to time, if the event is formal, and I just 'feel' like it, I'll throw it on.

I have two fly plaids and though I love the look of one with formal wear, it really is a dashing look. Personally I feel that it is an element best used sparingly. As the MC of our Nor Cal Burns Night Supper I wore mine proudly. I'm not sure if I would if I would wear it were I not in such a prominent role at a gathering though.

I believe if that one has at least a full black tie formal outfit then it is worthwhile to have a fly plaid for those events that you really want to stand out in. Hey you never know when you might have to get married!

Cheers

Jamie

[Scotus]

what you are suggesting is the wrong time, the wrong place and with the wrong attire.

I'll not be as polite as Jock Scot. I say please, do not wear a fly plaid with a sweater, as you indicate in your original post. This would look horrible. A fly plaid should never, ever be worn with a sweater.

[piperdbh]

The weight of a fly plaid would distort a sweater, unless it were pinned to a shirt underneath. Dinna dae it, lad.