Textiles 101: Understanding Plaid

As the cold weather approaches, the layers are out to play. One of my favorite pieces to layer with is a soft flannel button up because it feels stylish but relaxed, festive, and it keeps me warm. After taking a look at my closet, I realized that I have so much plaid, and I know so little about the textile.

The roots of plaid are thought to go back to Scotland, but first archeological evidence was found with remains in Western China according to a Smithsonian recollection. Scottish plaid is traditionally made from tartan, or dyed wool, and is used to make kilts. Tartan and plaid are essentially the same, but plaid is thinner and used for a wide range of clothing designs.

In modern terms, plaid consists of fabric with intersecting horizontal and vertical lines that form a woven pattern.

To get a better understanding of plaids, here is a visual dictionary:

1. Scottish Plaid

Royal Stewart tartan fabric

Burberry tartan fabric

Clan Wallace tartan fabric

Black Watch tartan fabric

2. Gingham

3. Checkered

Shepherd’s Check

Black-White and Red Buffalo Check

Graph Check

Gun Club Check

4. Madras

5. Windowpane

6. Houndstooth

7. Prince of Wales Check

8. Tattersall