So how does a fly plaid fly?

[gcummins-lugn]

Question:

If you are going to wear the fly plaid -- I know, not everyone likes the idea -- just how is the fabric folded/hung & then [normally] placed on one's jacket?

What if you're wearing a regular blazer/sport coat or Eton jacket w/ no eppellette?

(I'm thinking ahead to Nat'l Tartan Day & considering just how much tartan I want to display that day: do I want the added expense or not...)

Thanks for your help!

~ gl

[Carolina Kiltman]

I'll start this off. I have one, 54" sq. (I'm 6'5" tall ) I started by laying it on a table (or floor if you find that easier), folded it in half on the diagonal to produce a triangle, then pleated it several times by folding each side in half again several times. Fastened with a large brooch to hold the shape. I use it for formal events only. I have seen others that were about 1 by 1 1/2 yards rectangle, but again usually pleated or gathered the same way.

As far as fastening it to a jacket w/o epaulets, a large nappy (diaper) safety pin on the under side should keep it in place, and do no damage to either plaid or jacket.

I'm sure you will get ideas from others.

[gcummins-lugn]

Thank you for the information & wonderful picture!

I gather, then, that the plaid is mostly kept in place by the tension created by being pulled thru the shoulder strap/eppellette [sp?] & the weight of the broach, which just gathers the material together rather than pinning it to the jacket.

It's more simple than I thought.

I take it, though, that a fly plaid is more of a formal/evening wear item, not really appropriate for day wear.

By the way, what tartan are you wearing in the picture?

You make a fine looking couple!

Thank you again.

gl

[Carolina Kiltman]

Yes, you are correct. The fly plaid is for formal occasions, but can be worn during the day as well as evening if the occasion is sufficiently formal (A Wedding comes to mind). There is another shown in a picture well into the thread on Gillies in the accessories section which is a "laird's" plaid. Worn folded lengthwise over the shoulder, mostly I would guess, as a mark of office when the laird is serving in his official capacity.

The Tartan is my family tartan, (My mother's actually), MacLaine of Lochbuie. The lady in the picture is my bride of 50 years.


Cheers

[kypnkilt]

One of my favorite pics on this site. What an awesome looking couple!!

Anyway...I only wear the fly plaid on formal occasions. However, I have worn it when I wear a more traditional style when piping. But since I have a pipers plaid now, the fly is only for formals. I usually pleat it the same way and the brooch pin holds it pretty well on the shoulder.

[Bob C]

The advice you've gotten is good. Here's one of me wearing mine on my wedding day, followed by a side shot taken after a banquet. In case you wonder what I'm doing in the second, I'm beheading a champagne bottle with my dirk.

[Robertson]

I use a safety pin (or two) in the jacket and then pin the brooch to it. Some brooch pins
are very big!

[gcummins-lugn]

Thank you to all of you who provided such excellent help -- and such wonderful pictures!

Bob: Would your tartan be the blue Clergy pattern by chance? And why are you decapitating a Champaign bottle w/ your Dirk?! Didn't your father ever tell you to respect the bubbly, lest it erupt in revolt and attack some poor innocent bystander!...

(Now, if only I can look so good in full Scottish regalia...)

Again, thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom.

~ gl

[Bob C]

Bob: Would your tartan be the blue Clergy pattern by chance? And why are you decapitating a Champaign bottle w/ your Dirk?! Didn't your father ever tell you to respect the bubbly, lest it erupt in revolt and attack some poor innocent bystander!...

~ gl

No, it's Scottish Borderland, #5359 in the ITI. I was decapitating champagne bottles because people enjoy seeing me do it.

[Mr. bone]

No, it's Scottish Borderland, #5359 in the ITI. I was decapitating champagne bottles because people enjoy seeing me do it.

How many decapatations "went bad" before you got the hang of it?