fly plaid

**sailortats** · 28th December 11, 07:20 AM

I know that some of you here wear a fly plaid from time to time. I am interested in getting one but wonder just how often it is worn. Is it really worth the expense if one does not attend a lot of formal affairs?

**Chas** · 28th December 11, 07:31 AM

I would say, not worth the expense. It is not just a question of formal. A black Argyle or a PC is quite correct for 'black tie' events. A fly plaid would be for uberformal or 'white tie' events. How often do you go to those? And even then, a fly plaid will get in your way and try and drag your jacket off.

You will get far more use out of a full mask sporran or a good pair of Argyle hose for the same money.

Regards

Chas

**ForresterModern** · 28th December 11, 07:36 AM

You will hear varyiing opinions but the general consensus from regular kiltwearers will probably be that the standard "fly" plaid is an item that is of relatively limited if any use to most. I own two, have worn one exactly once in 4 years, and do not foresee many instances where I will ever wear either again. Other than maybe a full scottish wedding, with the groom in a fly plaid, and possibly best man and/or father of the bride and less likely other groomsmen, I think there are really few good uses of the standard fly plaid.

Many suggest other more usefull and larger versions of plaids, particularly the day or laird's plaids, as also being more authentic and attractive. Do a search for these terms and you should find numerous threads on the topics, and I think Matt Newsome's site also has at least one very good piece on the subject.

Others will chime in with opinions and info shortly.

j

**Father Bill** · 28th December 11, 07:50 AM

If you're gong to get one, at least order it with your kilt so that it'll be the same dye lot and sett size.

**Panache** · 28th December 11, 08:02 AM

I am a pretty regular kilt wearer (3-4 times a week), go to all sorts of different functions, and own two fly plaids.

I have worn one of them exactly four times in the past four years.

While they do look quite sharp with a formal outfit and have a certain flair, I have only felt it was "right" to wear one in my role as Master of Ceremonies for our Nor Cal Rabble Burns Night Suppers over the last 4 years. There are a couple of other events I go to where I could wear one, but frankly I have always felt they are for (in Spinal Tap turns) taking an outfit to "11". So if you are a featured speaker, a president of a Society, an MC, the groom at his wedding, etc they are a neat way to stand out. For me they are just too much for most events where I am simply attending*

Beyond this they also have tendency to get in the way and are terrible for any event with dancing.

If you want one then by all means go out and get one. Personally I have found in my experiences that they are one of the most limited and least used bits of kit I own.

Cheers

Jamie

* And when XMTS's resident tartan peacock says something is "too much..."

**Thomas H** · 28th December 11, 08:16 AM

If I had it to do over again I would not have bought mine as I have not attend a formal event yet. I wear mine now as a Half belted plaid .

only becuase it is a longer plaid. If you were thinking of getting one .

May I sugest getting a Shepards Plaid for Day instead ,thats what I am trying to do now.

**Elf** · 28th December 11, 08:22 AM

Pardon me for the "devil's advocate" air of what follows. I sometimes volunteer/work at an historic site. It is mentioned that in the 1850's the manager's parlor table was covered by a tartan shawl. The curator has also placed a tartan shawl in proscribed casualness on the sofa arm. So if you don't really advertise this at an event, you could be using your fly plaid in other ways between those very formal occasions where it is on one's shoulder. (Do I need to duck and cover now?)

**Thomas H** · 28th December 11, 08:33 AM

Your right , I guess you can use it for other things

I have thougt about making something from it. Good idea

**Silent Raven** · 2nd January 12, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

If you're gong to get one, at least order it with your kilt so that it'll be the same dye lot and sett size.

+1 on this

i thought about ordering one with my kilt a few months back, but decided not too, after reading so many posts that said not too. but then there was a post about alternative uses for the fly and it kinda got me wanting it again. but i would indeed order it from the same people as your kilt, i have seen different kilt and other tartan items from different makers and there can be quite a difference!

here is the tread about other uses for the fly plaid