So... which plaid is which?

[figheadair]

The piper's plaid is also known as the drummer's plaid.

There is a 'belted plaid', which is similar, but has a belt holding the cloth to the back of the body. The plaid does not come across the front of the body. OCRichard might be able to write a better description and provide some pictures.

That should about cover it.

No, they are different garments. As has been said, a piper's plaid is worn across the body and nowadays often has the folds sewn in. A drummer's plaid is ties at the waist under the doublet and fastened at the shoulder. Here you can see both

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The drummer's plaid is refinement of the early 19th century style that replicated the old belted plaid but was a separate garment to the kilt. I think it was simply referred to a a plaid at the time but for clarity, is something I refer to as a Half Plaid. Here is the outfit worn by Donald Munro Ross c.1820 comprising a kilt, jacket and (half) plaid.

Donald Munro Ross c1820_02.jpg