Shoulder plaid(e)/ Day plaid(e)

**Panache** · 2nd November 07, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by Hamish

I can see no point whatsoever in day plaids, fly plaids or whatever. To my mind, they are useless pieces of 'costume' which not only look dreadful (and to quote someone else: tacky) but have no relevance in the 21st century at all.

Hamish,

It would seem that the day plaid actually has a function, it provides warmth or a place to sit when one is out or about. I would consider this to be a fairly practical piece of highland kit.

As for fly plaids, I think in the right circumstances they can look rather dashing. I have one for my Black Watch handsewn kilt and will make another for my upcoming X Marks the Scot tartan kilt. Granted since I have become more familar with Highland Dress I realize they are for the most formal of occassions, but I still like them.

As you are someone who always pulls off wearing a kilt so splendidly every day I have nothing but admiration for your fashion sense. I will say (as Todd is wont to) "different horses for different courses".

I hope when I post a picture of my atttire for our formal Nor Cal Burn's Night Supper I might change your mind.

Cheers

Jamie

**thescot** · 30th October 07, 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by Panache

We need a picture of you in this finery you speak of!

Cheers

Jamie

I don't have a digital photo jjust now, but it's coming. I'll see if I can scan the only one I have.

Cheers.

**David Dalglish** · 29th October 07, 01:00 PM

If you start calling people from Scotland, which I am one, "know-it-alls", how do you expect to get information & co-operation from the Scots.

**Dutchomatic** · 29th October 07, 01:09 PM

Originally Posted by David Dalglish

If you start calling people from Scotland, which I am one, "know-it-alls", how do you expect to get information & co-operation from the Scots.

Awww now... I said the "snooty" ones! HAHAHAHA! Have one for us, sir...we're getting dry over here today.

Slainte,
Brent
GCFFP&D

**Ozman1944** · 29th October 07, 06:36 PM

I like the Flyplaid, though.

**Chef** · 29th October 07, 07:57 PM

I'm laughing because I am one of those snooty Scots who didn't have a clue what you were talking about until I saw a picture of the "day" plaids.

There is no great mystery here, my grandfather used to "wear" one and I have done it myself. It's nothing more than a light weight 1/2 size tartan blanket (sometimes called a lap blanket) that is folded and carried over the shoulder. It was used for sitting on, wrapping around a bonnie lassie etc.

I have seen some people wear a pinned fly plaid during the day and I have also seen a very few use tartan folded in the plain fashion you suggest with no brooch. My understanding was that unlike the decorative fly plaid (although it can be used if necessary) this paid was meant to be used. Primarily as a wrap or to sit on. I think what happened is someone figured out it was cheaper and more practical to use one of the 1/2 size blankets. If you think about it, it sort of brings the whole idea back to being a useful garment.

We sell a ton of these blankets as corporate holiday gifts, so they are always around and I almost always take one "worn" this way to events during he cooler months. My wife is always grateful.

**cacunn** · 30th October 07, 03:50 PM

When thinking about matching the tartan between the kilt and day plaid remember what you are going to use it for. It is a ground cloth, a lap blanket, shaw and other uses to keep you warm. These uses will increase the chance that this will get dirty quickly. J. Charles Thompson, in "So you're going to wear the kilt" describes the day plaid as "double width (52 to 56 inches) and three and a half yards long. It is fringed at both ends." At $75-$80 a yard that $250 - $300 I would be putting on the ground. I'll find an inexpensive tartan blanket that is a lot cheaper. The tartans may not match but if I;m sitting on it who will know.

**Chef** · 30th October 07, 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by Panache

Would something like these be appropriate?
http://www.highlandwarmth.com/HW/catalog/throws.html

Those would work but you might find them a it heavy. A half size might work better. You just want a light weight one with a fairly tight weave.

Originally Posted by Daaaaang

One earlier question that was never answered properly: Are day plaids supposed to not match the kilt?

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

I have never heard of this type of plaid called a "day plaid" before,it is as good a name as any though.I have not seen one carried for many a year,but certainly 30 years ago you would not be properly dressed at a Highland Games or a day function without one.The ones that I can remember well, were made of heavy tartan ,usually of the same tartan as the kilt, although not exclusivly.

The only ones I ever saw that were the same fabric as the kilt were when the kilts was from the very heavyweight 22oz material that is so rare these days. Other than that I remember the light weight blankets. So one of the reasons you see different tartans in these pics is that one you can't get the blankets in as many tartans and they look different even if they are the same tartan.

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

I think that we all need to remember that whilst the clan tartan worn with the kilt and the plaid ought, to our tidy modern minds match.

Your right, when you look at old paintings you see many wearing several different tartans.

Originally Posted by cacunn

When thinking about matching the tartan between the kilt and day plaid remember what you are going to use it for. It is a ground cloth, a lap blanket, shaw and other uses to keep you warm. These uses will increase the chance that this will get dirty quickly. J. Charles Thompson, in "So you're going to wear the kilt" describes the day plaid as "double width (52 to 56 inches) and three and a half yards long. It is fringed at both ends." At $75-$80 a yard that $250 - $300 I would be putting on the ground. I'll find an inexpensive tartan blanket that is a lot cheaper. The tartans may not match but if I;m sitting on it who will know.

Hence the reason people started using the blankets.

**Jock Scot** · 31st October 07, 02:51 AM

Originally Posted by cacunn

When thinking about matching the tartan between the kilt and day plaid remember what you are going to use it for. It is a ground cloth, a lap blanket, shaw and other uses to keep you warm. These uses will increase the chance that this will get dirty quickly. J. Charles Thompson, in "So you're going to wear the kilt" describes the day plaid as "double width (52 to 56 inches) and three and a half yards long. It is fringed at both ends." At $75-$80 a yard that $250 - $300 I would be putting on the ground. I'll find an inexpensive tartan blanket that is a lot cheaper. The tartans may not match but if I;m sitting on it who will know.

You have got me thinking now!Whilst it does seem obvious,now, that the "day plaid"could be used to sit on or used as a lap blanket, I do not recall anyone ever even thinking of using them thus.As a shawl most certainly and very effective they were, anything else I am not so sure.

**cacunn** · 31st October 07, 12:51 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

You have got me thinking now!Whilst it does seem obvious,now, that the "day plaid"could be used to sit on or used as a lap blanket, I do not recall anyone ever even thinking of using them thus.As a shawl most certainly and very effective they were, anything else I am not so sure.

I see a research project in the future. Now do not limit your research subjects to only pretty ladies.