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Plaid. It’s a pattern we see everywhere, from cozy flannel shirts to sharp suits. But have you ever stopped to think about all the different kinds of plaid out there? It’s not just one thing.
There are actually a bunch of unique patterns that fall under the plaid umbrella, each with its own look and history. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a tartan different from a gingham, or why that big red and black pattern is called buffalo check, you’re in the right place.
We’re going to break down some of the most common types of plaid so you can spot them easily.
Key Takeaways
- Plaid is a pattern made from crossing horizontal and vertical stripes of different colors and widths.
- Tartan plaid is specifically Scottish, with symmetrical patterns often tied to clans.
- Gingham features simple, even checks, usually in two colors, often on a white background.
- Buffalo Check is a large-scale, bold plaid, typically in two contrasting colors like red and black.
- Windowpane plaid has a simple grid design resembling panes of glass.
What is Plaid? A Brief History
Plaid. It’s a pattern we see everywhere, from cozy flannel shirts to stylish scarves. But where did this crisscrossing design actually come from? Well, it turns out plaid has a pretty long and interesting story, stretching back thousands of years.
“Plaid,” originally, the Gaelic word “plaide,” referred to a woolen cloak or blanket. In the old days, particularly in the Scottish Highlands, they would wear these big woolen cloths, usually slung over one shoulder. They were functional, keeping shepherds warm during the day and doubling up as a blanket at night.
These weren’t your run-of-the-mill blankets, though. These cloths were woven in a distinctive pattern, and the pattern came to be known as a tartan. Each tartan pattern was specific to a given family or clan, a bit like a visual ID card. It’s interesting to ponder that what we now think of as a fashion motif was once at the very heart of Scottish identity and pride.
Later, “plaid” came to mean the pattern itself, not just the garment. Although the connection to Scotland and tartans is a strong one, plaid as an idea — intersecting lines of different colors and widths — has shown up in many places.
But it was the Scottish tartan designs that really caught on and achieved popularity. There was a major resurgence in interest in such designs, known as The Great Tartan Revival, started by George IV’s 1822 visit to Edinburgh.
This revived a lot of traditional designs and etched them in history. Now there are thousands of tartans that have been officially registered, each with its own history and ties to Scottish history.
Understanding the Anatomy of a Plaid Pattern
So, what exactly makes a plaid pattern, well, plaid? It all comes down to how the fabric is woven. Think of it like building with LEGOs, but with threads. You’ve got two main sets of threads working together: the warp and the weft.
Warp and Weft: The Foundation of Plaid
The warp threads are those that run parallel to the length of the fabric — from top to bottom. They are typically arranged on the loom first. The weft threads are then woven back and forth between the warp threads, horizontally.
It’s this cross of warp and weft that, when woven into fabric, forms the gridded structure we recognise as a plaid. Where these threads cross — especially when they are different colors — is where the magic happens, as it were, resulting in new shades and blocks (or lines) specific to the pattern.
A plaid is essentially a design made up of 2 sets of intersecting lines, at right angles to each other, which have different-weighted and colored threads. This crossover is what makes plaid look, well, like plaid. For a deeper look into how these patterns are formed, you can explore the concept of intersecting constraints.
It’s not simply a question of throwing threads together, though. What distinguishes the various forms of plaid is how these warp and weft threads are colored and how closely spaced they are. For example, some plaids have pairs of the same even stripes lining up when matched both vertically and horizontally – a key feature of tartan.
Others may have stripes that don’t quite match up, or they may play with very thin lines versus broad blocks. The way the warp and weft interact — and the colors selected for each — is what gives each plaid its distinctive character. It’s all a rather nifty bit of textile subterfuge, actually.
Different Types of Plaid:
Plaid is one of those patterns that will never go out of style, and you can wear it in so many ways. It’s not one style but quite a few, and they are all fairly different, vibe-wise and history-wise. They’re like the different strains of music — they all have rhythm, but they’re totally distinct.
Some plaids are super traditional, deeply rooted in certain places or families, while others veer more toward a bold, modern look. You’ve got your classic Scottish tartans, which are all about heritage and color combinations that mean something.
Then there’s gingham, which is generally more straightforward, often two-toned and sort of crisp and checkered — a handsomer tablecloth or summer dress vibe. Madras plaids are a different animal entirely, usually super bright and colorful and slightly more chaotic in their stripe arrangement, suited for warmer weather.
And it doesn’t stop there. You’ll see prints like Buffalo Check, which can be big and bold, typically red and black in color, that feel rugged — it’s the sort of thing you’d wear if you were going outdoors. Windowpane is super simple, like nothing more than very thin lines that resemble the panes of a window. Tattersall is a little bit more refined and charming, usually with thinner stripes and a less obvious look.
And then there is Glen Plaid, also known as Prince of Wales check, a little more intricate with the intermingled small checks and houndstooth often found in suiting. Houndstooth itself is its own pattern, not a plaid exactly but often listed along with them, with its broken check that suggests rows of dog teeth.
Tartan Plaid
When you think of plaid, the odds are good that you’re picturing a tartan. This tradition has a long history in Scotland, and each tartan is associated with its own clan. It’s not any ol’ bit of criss-crossed color; a proper tartan has a pretty specific construction. The vertical and horizontal threads have to meet exactly, forming a repeating, symmetrical block. Picture it as a jigsaw puzzle where each piece has its place.
There are thousands of tartans registered in the world, and each has its own story. The Royal Stewart, a pantomime name if there ever was one (at least anyone with the surname who proudly wears something in that tartan), is just the most famous. You’ve probably noticed that one, with its vibrant red background and bands of vivid yellow, blue, and green. That’s the kind of pattern you might associate with kilts, or dressy Scottish attire.
There’s also the Black Watch tartan, which incorporates darker, more subdued hues such as navy, black, and forest green. There’s a military tie-in with this: it was once the dress uniform for a well-known Scottish regiment.
And what’s interesting are the ways these traditional styles have been imported and translated. Originally, they were used as clan emblems; today, they are design motifs that have worked their way into fashion and even politics. Tartans famously featured in Vivienne Westwood’s punk designs, transforming an emblem of tradition into one of rebellion. It’s amazing how a pattern can have meaning and continuation from era to era. So, when you see a tartan, don’t just think of it as fabric; think of it as a design woven into history.
Gingham Plaid
Gingham is one of those patterns that simply feels … cheerful. You know? It’s all that classic checkered look, often with a white background and other colored stripes crisscrossing. Think picnic blankets, summer dresses and perhaps your grandma’s favorite tablecloth. It’s pretty simple, really. They’re all the same width,” she said, and they cross each other to yield those neat squares.
That’s the cool thing about gingham — a lot of it is cotton, so it’s comfortable and breathable. It’s not difficult to figure out, which is perhaps why it has been around and looking good for an eternity.
You’ll find it in all sorts of colors, but red and white, blue and white, and green and white are super common. And it’s such a versatile pattern. You can make it a little more formal, or super relaxed.” It’s among that handful of dependable patterns that, by Jove, you can always count on.
Madras Plaid
Madras plaid. It sounds kind of posh, doesn’t it? But actually, it’s just a type of plaid pattern that originated in India. The name, after all, is rooted in Chennai, which used to be known as Madras. Several Scottish weavers even went to India in the 1600s to create these cotton plaids, and their descendants are continuing that tradition today. Pretty neat history, huh?
Madras is distinct in that it uses bright, vibrant colors. Think bold reds, blues, greens and yellows all swirled together. It is typically interwoven with thin, lightweight cotton, which makes it super comfortable for hot weather. You often find it in summer shirts, shorts, and even dresses. It’s so easy-going and playful, and it just feels like ‘summer vacation, baby!
Not like some other plaids, which are really kind of strict and symmetrical, Madras can be a bit more free-spirited. Sure, the stripes may not march up perfectly straight, and that’s kind of the point. It makes it look a little handmade-y, which is cool.
There are even rules laid down by the US Federal Trade Commission about it – it has be made in Chennai from domestic cotton. So, if you’re in the market for a breezy touch of color for your summer wardrobe, Madras plaid is definitely worth considering.
Buffalo Check
Buffalo Check is one of those patterns that just screams “cozy winter vibes. It is essentially one big, bold check in two colors that are opposite to each other. Think squares big, not small. The most iconic pairing you’ll find is black and red, and let’s be honest, it’s a tough one to top. It just feels super American, almost apple pie-ish, and it’s been around for a minute.
This pattern became known among woodsmen and others who worked outside, partly because it was easy to see. Think about searching for a friend in a dark wood – bright red and black would definitely be an asset! Woolrich is a brand that really made this pattern very famous in the late 1800s. They were selling shirts and blankets that were harsh enough to keep you warm and bright enough to be seen.
There are some amusing tales about how it came by its name, with a popular theory being that the original creator took care of a herd of buffalo, in fact. Whether that’s an accurate distinction or not, the name stuck, and it has become a go-to for tough, dependable clothing.
You’ll see it frequently in workwear like flannel shirts, jackets, and even blankets, making it an essential for anyone who loves a touch of outdoor style. It’s a pattern that’s both practical and stylish, a real classic in the world of North American textiles.
Windowpane Plaid
You’ve got windowpane plaid — to be honest, that’s one of the tamer patterns you can have. Its name comes from the fact that it resembles the panes in a window. So you’ve got these thin, spread-out lines that cross one another to make big, wide-open squares. It’s actually not a very hectic pattern at all.
This style is super versatile. It’s so simple that it works especially well with tailored clothing like suits, blazers, and dress pants. It just adds some nice visual texture without being obnoxious. You will also find it on sweaters and vests, often in wool or cotton, to wear layered as it cools down. It’s a crisp look that you can dress up or down fairly easily.
The windowpane plaid pattern typically uses just two colors, which helps keep it looking sharp and easy to match with other pieces in your wardrobe. It’s a nice way to add a bit of pattern without going overboard.
Tattersall Plaid
Tattersall is a classic pattern you’re no doubt used to seeing on shirts, notably flannel ones and dress shirts, but it appears on suits and sport coats as well. It’s essentially a lattice of little, evenly distributed lines that intersect each other at right-angles and form a bunch of tiny squares. The difference from something like a windowpane is that Tattersall incorporates two or more colors in its intersecting lines, rather than just one.
These lines can be thicker or thinner, sometimes they are bold and sometimes more washed, but still neatly square. With the variety of colors involved, Tattersall can actually be fairly easy to pair with other accessories, which is a nice treat.
In fact, the pattern is named for Tattersall’s Horse Market, which dates back to 1766. They used this sort of plaid for horse blankets long ago, which is a fun fact whether you’re into textiles or not.
It’s a good option if you’re interested in something a little less flashy, but still want that bit of print intrigue.It’s a pattern that has a long history, dating back to the 18th century, and it’s still a solid choice for classic menswear today.
Glen Plaid (Prince of Wales Check)
Glen plaid, the Prince of Wales check, is a pattern that in reality looks like it’s made up of many smaller patterns woven together. And it is a tiny bit of a visual puzzle, honestly. You’ll find those baby checks, frequently houndstooth or pin-checks that, when all of the checks are put together in a certain way, form bigger squares or rectangles. It’s a twill weave, which gives it some of that subtle texture.
This pattern earned its nickname, Prince of Wales check, because King Edward VIII (when he was known as the Prince of Wales) seems to have worn it with some frequency. I
It’s a fairly posh look, one you see frequently in suits and trousers — and it can be very subtle. It can almost appear a solid color as viewed from afar, especially in finer wools, which is kind of cool.
It’s interesting because sometimes a Glen plaid will have a larger, overlaid windowpane check sitting on the surface. When that does happen it’s usually known as a Glenurquhart check. It adds one more link to the chain, a little complication.
It’s an age-old look that still has its place for a good reason. Tweeds, it turns out, come in all sorts of fabrics —fine wools to flannels — and are a good way both to add interest and texture to an outfit without getting too loud.It’s a pattern that has a real history in Scotland.
Houndstooth
Houndstooth is a rather distinctive pattern, you think? It’s got this broken check look, sort of jagged teeth or — well, a dog’s tooth is the name.
It’s not your standard tidy square; the shapes are more uneven, pointed. You’ll almost always see it in black and white, where the sharp design really jumps off the worn cover. But don’t assume it’s only available in those two colors; these days, you can find it in all kinds of shades.
This design is the result of a unique weave where the yarn goes over two threads and under two threads. A traditional houndstooth looks like it uses four of each solid color before the pattern cycles. It’s a little more complicated than some of the simpler checks available online.
Thanks to its daring appearance, it makes for a fantastic option if you’re looking to inject some excitement into your outfit. It’s all over suits and jackets, but you’ll find it on skirts and blouses, too. It’s definitely a loud pattern, but it can be subdued enough when it’s in the classic black-and-white tones.
Argyle
It’s a pretty distinctive pattern, argyle, you know? It’s about those interlocking diamonds, typically with diagonal lines crossing them. Think of the patterns like a bunch of diamond shapes all lined up and connected, with lines crisscrossing the middle of each one.
It’s a design that really pops, and you see it on like socks and sweaters, even some ties. It has this kind of classic, preppy feel to it. The configuration of the diamonds provides depth, and the diagonal lines are a tiny bit stimulating on its visual.
It’s not as complex as some other plaids, but it definitely has a distinctive look of its own. You can find it in colors of all sorts: traditional muted variants, and really bright ones. It’s an old-timey style, and it still stands as a stylish choice.
Shepherd’s Check
Shepherd’s Check is a pattern that greatly resembles gingham; however, there is an important distinction: the weave. But instead of plain weave structure, Shepherd’s Check is twill that makes it look more fancy. This means the threads are bound in such a way that forms diagonal stripes, which intersect with the horizontal and vertical lines of the piece. It adds a tad more texture and depth to the fabric than the flat quality of gingham.
This design usually comes in solid white on a white field. You’ll typically see Shepherd’s Check in flannel or suiting fabric. In part, that’s because it’s a good choice for not-too-loud things like light jackets or even pants, offering the type of low-key pattern that also has enough classic appeal to prevent great-uncle Ted from wheeling his backgammon set into Sardi’s. It’s a slightly more classic, weightier pattern — perfect for when it’s slightly cooler and all you want is something as reliable as it is stylish.
WHAT IS PLAID VS. CHECK VS. TARTAN
So, you have plaid and check and tartan — they’re all sort of similar, right? You’ll confuse them because they all have intersecting lines over colors. But there are indeed some real distinctions, and knowing them can make you sound a little bit more in-the-know when discussing fabrics.
In the popular s sense, however, “plaid” has come to mean any such crisscross- pattern made of crossed horizontal and vertical bands in two or more colors. As in the umbrella term. It’s a fairly flexible pattern, coming in everything from cozy flannel shirts to sharp blazers. The important part is that the stripes don’t necessarily need to match; they can look different in both width and spacing for a more nuanced style. It’s a classic look that has been with us throughout the ages, with an origin dating back to ancient Scotland.
Check is a bit simpler. It’s typically composed of uniformly sized squares and usually just one or two colors, conjuring still a cosmetic grid. Gingham, clean and crisp in its squares, is one of the classic examples of checks. Another is buffalo check, often but not always bigger and bolder. Checks are about symmetry and consistency.
Then there’s tartan. Here we get specific. A tartan is a specific type of plaid which has a highly structured, repeating pattern. Each of these tartans historically corresponded to a specific Scottish clan, and the colors and stripe pattern all meant something. For a pattern to be considered a real tartan, it must either be officially recognised or have historic clan connections. All tartans are technically plaids, but not all plaids are tartan. You can find out more about the history of tartan patterns if you’re curious.
Here’s a quick way to think about it:
| Pattern |
Description |
| Plaid |
Broad term for intersecting horizontal and vertical bands of color; stripes don’t have to match. |
| Check |
Simpler pattern of evenly sized squares, often in two colors; very symmetrical. |
| Tartan |
Specific, named plaid pattern with a repeating, symmetrical design, often linked to Scottish clans. |
Things can get a bit confusing when people discuss plaid, check, and tartan. And at times they are used interchangeably, but there are some differences, especially if you’re being technical about it. Plaid is sort of the big umbrella term for a pattern constructed out of intersecting ( generally horizontal and vertical) bands of color. So, technically speaking, every check is a kind of plaid.
Checks, however, are a bit more particular. They’re typically only two colors and composed of intersecting lines to create a grid. The Gingham and the Buffalo Check are fine examples of checks. They tend to be relatively matter-of-fact and evenly lined.
That’s where things start getting very specific indeed, particularly for anyone who has Scottish ancestry. A real tartan is a certain color and pattern that is associated with a Scottish clan. It’s not just lines all fucked up; it’s a symbol. These distinctive, and often intricate, patterns are due to how the threads of the fabric are woven together—referred to as the warp and weft. So while you might think of a shirt as being “plaid,” if it’s in a traditional clan pattern, then no, actually it’s not plaid, it’s a tartan.
| Pattern Type |
Key Characteristics |
| Plaid |
Broad category; intersecting horizontal and vertical bands of color. |
| Check |
Usually two colors; creates a grid; evenly spaced lines. |
| Tartan |
Specific, traditional patterns linked to Scottish clans; complex designs. |
Wrapping Up Our Plaid Journey
So, there you have it! We’ve already brought you a whole list of plaid options, from the classic tartans that scream Scotland to slightly bolder buffalo checks that come off a little rough and tumble. It’s pretty cool how these crisscrossing lines and colors can make so many different looks, isn’t it?
Whether you’re digging the edgy lines of a Glen plaid for your suit or feeling cozy in some flannel with a Madras pattern, there is most certainly a plaid out there for just about any aesthetic and occasion. It’s a classic look that has endured for generations, and with good reason, it just plain works. So the next time you’re choosing an outfit or decorating your place, go ahead and plaid. You can even see if it’s your new favorite look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is plaid?
Plaid is a pattern consisting of crossed horizontal and vertical bands in two or more colors with variations in width. Imagine it as a woven blanket with stripes running both up-and-down and side-to-side. These lines form squares and rectangles, and when they overlap, new colors can emerge. It’s a motif that has existed for, like, forever and is employed in loads of clothes and home stuff.
Is plaid the same as tartan?
Not exactly! All tartans are plaids, but not all plaids are tartans. Tartan is a type of plaid that has a strict, repeating pattern and is associated with Scottish families or clans. If a plaid isn’t officially registered in Scotland or associated with a particular clan, it’s generally known simply as plaid.
What’s the difference between plaid and check?
Plaid designs can be a little more complicated and do not always need to be perfectly symmetrical. Checker patterns, by contrast, tend to be simpler and resemble a checkerboard featuring equal-sized squares. So, yes, they both cross lines, but plaid has more variation of how the lines/colors are arranged.
What are some common types of plaid?
“And there are a zillion different plaids! Some popular ones: Tartan (the traditional Scottish kind), Gingham (small, even checks, often with white), Madras (amplified and colorful), Buffalo Check (large, loud squares, typically red and black), and Windowpane (thin lines composing large squares like a window).
Where did plaid patterns come from?
Plaids have a really long history, going all the way back over 3,000 years ago in Scotland. ‘Plaid’ used to mean a certain type of woolen cloak or blanket.’ Back in those days, the word ‘plaid’ actually referred to a kind of woolen cloak, so those are some cool hats: (^)(. Tartans in particular were also used to show which Scottish family or clan someone was from.
Can plaid be worn by anyone?
Absolutely! Plaid is such a versatile pattern and looks good on everybody. Whether you’re into bright colors or muted hues, there’s a plaid out there that works for every style. Throughout history, it’s been worn by all sorts of people, from cowboys to musicians!
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