What is a Fly Plaid and do I need to wear one? Two questions we are frequently asked by our customers, but wonder no more today we explain what a Fly Plaid actually is, when it should be worn and how it should be worn.
As discussed in our How To Wear: Men's Kilt guide, the Kilt has been around since the 16th Century, then more commonly referred to as a Feileadh Mor or the Great Kilt. In those days a Kilt was a long piece of fabric, roughly 9 yards long, that was wrapped around the body and belted at the waist, the fabric left over was then draped over the shoulder and gathered in the belt at the front. However, over time the amount of fabric used in a kilt lessened and so the fabric that was once draped over the shoulder evolved into its own product, now known as the Fly Plaid.
Traditionally a Fly Plaid is worn with a Kilt and either a Prince Charlie Jacket or an Argyll Jacket. The Fly Plaid should be made in a tartan that matches the kilt and is worn draped over the left shoulder pulled through the epaulet of the jacket and pinned in place with a brooch. Our Clan Crest Badges are always a good option. The corner of the Fly Plaid should be pinned in place at breast level and the rest of the cloth should hang down the back of the wearer finishing slightly below the kilt. If the Fly Plaid has been pinned in the correct place it should sit comfortably in place all day, giving the wearer no bother. Our Fly Plaids are made to the dimensions of 100cm x 100cm, with fringed edges and can be made in either 10oz, 13oz or 16oz tartan, ensuring you can choose one to match the weight of your kilt. Colours can vary slightly from mill to mill so if we didn't make your kilt it is worth checking with us which weight to choose.
While a Fly Plaid is not an essential part of Highland Dress, if you are wearing one it should really only be for formal occasions. Sometimes Fly Plaids can be considered too formal and so it is good practice to contact the organisers of the event you are attending to clarify whether a Fly Plaid would be acceptable dress. Due to this, one should be careful when wearing Fly Plaids as in certain situations they could be deemed inappropriate, for example it would not be acceptable to wear one to a wedding that is not your own as you could be at risk of upstaging the groom - a big no-no. A Fly Plaid can be worn with Tartan Trews but this is not typical formal wear, however it is quite commonly worn as part of a Pipe Band Uniform.