First traditional Kilt

**jrhonea** · 3rd July 21, 05:25 PM

I order my first traditional kilt recently, and I am excited for it to be delivered. Its a Black watch muted, wool 16 oz 8 yards. I figured that was a good choice as a first kilt. And a nice introduction to the more traditional side of things. I do have a question, I had the option to order a Day plaid with it, but being new to wearing kilts I am not entirely sure what that is. I know it is a odd question, and I am showing some inexperience with kilt accessories. But I am excited for the kilt to get here and can't hardly wait.

**Father Bill** · 3rd July 21, 05:34 PM

A day plaid is a blanket, folded into a long rectangle and carried over your shoulder. Useful if you're in the field and it gets cold or rains. They are rarely worn and usually only in the field, and can be a real nuisance, so if you didn't order one, you avoided paying a lot of money for something generally of little use.

**jrhonea** · 3rd July 21, 06:20 PM

I did a little research after the post, it looks like they are worn a lot with formal attire. Is that correct? When they are worn in the field do they have any benefits that makes the purchase(If I decide to later) worth the investment?

**ThistleDown** · 3rd July 21, 07:19 PM

No, never with formal attire. On occasion we still see so-called 'day' or 'laird's' plaid in the field when the weather is chilly in Scotland, but rarely otherwise.

And never -- ever -- with formal wear.

**jrhonea** · 3rd July 21, 07:36 PM

I think I might have been getting fly plaid and day plaid mixed up.

**jrhonea** · 3rd July 21, 07:38 PM

does the day plaid have to match the Kilt?

**ThistleDown** · 3rd July 21, 07:53 PM

I'm not sure of the origin of the 'fly plaid' (I'm sure OC Richard will inform us), but it is virtually unknown today -- in Scotland -- except as supplied as an add-on by wedding outfitters. An unnecessary bit of unnecessary, even in formal settings. But if you wish to wear one, it should be of the same tartan as your kilt. Interestingly enough, in the days when day plaids were commonly carried, they sometimes differed in weight (but not tartan) from the kilt. I've no confirmed idea why, but perhaps because the plaid was a blanket intended for its function and not for fashion?

**jrhonea** · 3rd July 21, 08:25 PM

The Fly plaid really doesn't interest me that much. I am intrigued by the Idea of the Day plaid however. I am all about items being functional, the idea that I could wear a day plaid and use it as a blanket, or cover when things get cold or some protection from weather interest me. the weather here can be unpredictable, and if I am out for a short hike or walk, and have no need for a pack this would serve as multiple garments in one if I am understanding the use correctly.