Fly Plaids - When, Where & Why?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Am I mistaken, or were fly plaids originally part of a highland dancers costume?

[David Dalglish]

Not a lover of Fly Plaids for any occasions--Especially not with a sweater.

[wyldathart]

Personally I like how a simple tweed crail or argyle jacket with a simple white dress shirt, simple tie with a balmoral bonnet to top it off, looks. Understated and nice. But, is it really that bad to throw a nice fly plaid over ones shoulder along with a nice brooch? I don't think so! Maybe instead of " That doesn't look good or that isn't according to custom" try taking a step back and maybe rearrange the plaid to better effect? I would think that a fly plaid would come in handy, for example, at games or at any outdoor gathering. Use the plaid to keep warmer just in case it's windy or gets a little nippy. Also to why not let some lad represent his clan a little more if he or she so desires No harm in that ;)

[JSFMACLJR]

Personally I like how a simple tweed crail or argyle jacket with a simple white dress shirt, simple tie with a balmoral bonnet to top it off, looks. Understated and nice. But, is it really that bad to throw a nice fly plaid over ones shoulder along with a nice brooch? I don't think so! Maybe instead of " That doesn't look good or that isn't according to custom" try taking a step back and maybe rearrange the plaid to better effect? I would think that a fly plaid would come in handy, for example, at games or at any outdoor gathering. Use the plaid to keep warmer just in case it's windy or gets a little nippy. Also to why not let some lad represent his clan a little more if he or she so desires No harm in that ;)

Why not wear something that was intended for that very purpose, a "day plaid" or "laird's plaid," as they are called? I can't see how a scrap of material can be an effective covering in the event of inclement weather.

Plus, I would not want that "lad" to reflect negatively on his clan by wearing such a plaid, for without a doubt his chief wouldn't be caught dead wearing one.

[hylander]

It breaks all the "rules" I'm sure, but this I wore at a Burns night, do what you want . . .

[Nighthawk]

Personally I like how a simple tweed crail or argyle jacket with a simple white dress shirt, simple tie with a balmoral bonnet to top it off, looks. Understated and nice. But, is it really that bad to throw a nice fly plaid over ones shoulder along with a nice brooch? I don't think so! Maybe instead of " That doesn't look good or that isn't according to custom" try taking a step back and maybe rearrange the plaid to better effect? I would think that a fly plaid would come in handy, for example, at games or at any outdoor gathering. Use the plaid to keep warmer just in case it's windy or gets a little nippy. Also to why not let some lad represent his clan a little more if he or she so desires No harm in that ;)

I have a long plaid for that reason exactly. I take it camping, and I wear it as part of my kit for my living history group, based on the paintings of RR McIan. That is obviously a long plaid wrapped around that guy. This is the look I have worked to recreate, and I don't yet have the baldric or sword, but the rest, I have- including piper's plaid. Oh, and my jacket is not done yet, but it is being made currently. So take this as you will- I wear my piper's long plaid based on weather; not occasion.

[Colonel MacNeal]

I've worn them before and generally find them a nuisance. They get caught on everything, and some of them are really heavy. I'm thinking about getting a 2 color military aigulette (cords) for my left shoulder instead, to match my kilt and bring some color to the top half of a charlie jacket or mess jacket. The aigulette evolved from a similar tradition of hanging fabric (non-tartan) from the shoulder of a military uniform. Your thoughts?

[macwilkin]

I've worn them before and generally find them a nuisance. They get caught on everything, and some of them are really heavy. I'm thinking about getting a 2 color military aigulette (cords) for my left shoulder instead, to match my kilt and bring some color to the top half of a charlie jacket or mess jacket. The aigulette evolved from a similar tradition of hanging fabric (non-tartan) from the shoulder of a military uniform. Your thoughts?

Just my twa bob, Colonel, but would you wear them (aiguilettes/fourragères) with a blazer, suitcoat or dinner jacket? I can't say I've ever seen them worn with mufti before.

Again, just my twa bob...

T.

[Colonel MacNeal]

Sir,
I had never considered wearing an aigulette with anything but a prince charlie or my mess jacket. Thanks for the inquiry though.
Cheers, CM

[macwilkin]

Sir,
I had never considered wearing an aigulette with anything but a prince charlie or my mess jacket. Thanks for the inquiry though.
Cheers, CM

My apologies; my point was that I can't say I've ever seen anyone wear them with civilian kit. I was trying to make a comparison to full-size "gongs", which are worn on civilian suitcoats and blazers, and miniature medals, which may be worn on civilian formal attire.

I can see wearing one on mess dress, since it is a uniform, though.

T.