What Is A Fly Plaid And How Do You Wear It? Leave a comment

Carry a piece of the past into the present with a Scottish fly plaid, an accessory inspired by the traditional Great Kilt. Draped elegantly over the shoulder, a tartan fly plaid creates a striking silhouette that pays homage to your Scottish ancestry and is a perfect final detail to your wedding outfit or highland dress. Discover more about this stunning essential to your look, rich in history and tradition.

What is a Fly Plaid?

A fly plaid is a large piece of tartan cloth and a traditional element of Scottish highland wear, styled draped over the shoulder. It is typically only worn at formal occasions such as your wedding, graduation, or clan gatherings.  

To ensure a perfectly coordinated outfit, your plaid should be made in the same tartan as your kilt. For the most accurate match, it’s ideal that both pieces are cut from the same cloth, or at least from the same mill, so the colours and texture align flawlessly.

When did the Fly Plaid Originate?

Originating from the traditional 16th-century Féileadh Mor (Great Kilt), worn throughout the Scottish Highlands. The Great Kilt was a large length of fabric worn half pleated and belted at the waist, thrown over one shoulder, and around the body. Originally designed as a cloak for protection against the weather, it was warm and allowed freedom of movement, dried out quickly, and could provide adequate overnight blanketing.

As centuries passed, the modern kilt evolved and took its familiar form. With this, the fly plaid emerged, a separate garment, worn alongside the kilt today, designed to be draped over the shoulder in a way that is reminiscent of this aspect of the Féileadh Mor. A plaid offers an authentic nod to historical Scottish dress without bulky excess cloth around the body.

How to Wear a Fly Plaid?

Traditionally, you plaid is worn alongside your kilt, made from the same tartan, and worn with a formal jacket and a plaid brooch. It is drawn through the epaulette of your jacket, usually a Prince Charlie jacket or Argyll jacket, styled over the left shoulder, and fastened with a brooch. Position your plaid so the corner sits at the breast plate, allowing the fabric to flow gracefully down the back, finishing just below the bottom of the kilt.

At Lochcarron, our classic fly plaids are made with a 25cm (10″) deep pleat in one corner so they are easy to wear and style. If your plaid doesn’t have this feature, here’s a simple way to prepare it.

• Lie your fabric on a flat surface.
• Select a corner of the fabric, then fold the two adjacent corners inward to form a neat point in the chosen corner.
• Flip the material over and draw this point through the jacket epaulette. Secure the fabric of your plaid in place with a brooch.

A plaid brooch is not only worn to keep the fly plaid in place, but is also a statement piece, adding a sense of grandeur to your highland wear attire. Positioned proudly above the heart, it brings a personal touch, celebrating your heritage and Scottish pride.

When Should a Fly Plaid be Worn?

Fly plaids are most often worn by the groom at their wedding, giving a spectacular lift to their Scottish Highland dress. While they make a striking impression, it is not an essential component and are typically reserved for very formal occasions. Due to this formality, it’s important to consider the occasion. For example, you wouldn’t want to upstage the groom by wearing one to someone else’s wedding. Use your judgment to decide whether it is appropriate for the event you’re attending.

If you admire the look but feel a full fly plaid is too formal or bold, consider opting for the mini fly plaid. This is a smaller, more compact accessory due to the pleating, offering a more understated alternative that still maintains tradition and style without drawing too much attention.

Our Fly Plaids

Here at Lochcarron, both our fly plaid options are available made to order in our lightweight and heavyweight fabrics in an extensive range of tartans, woven at our mill in the Scottish Borders.

Classic Fly Plaid

For a bold and distinguished statement, the classic fly plaid is an exceptional choice. Ideal for the most formal occasions, such as your wedding, a key part of authentic Scottish dress offering timeless elegance and cultural pride.

Mini Fly Plaid

For a more modest yet stylish touch, the mini fly plaid offers a compact and pleated alternative while still enjoying the vibrant colours and pleating. Providing an understated, sophisticated alternative for a more intimate celebration to enhance your highland wear attire.

Add a meaningful touch to your highland dress with a tartan fly plaid. Perfect for the right occasion, it is an accessory steeped in Scottish history that beautifully elevates your look, offering a refined and authentic finishing touch.