Fly Plaid - When?!

[Jock Scot]

Hey all,

I have searched the forum with no success in addressing this question:
When is it appropriate to wear a fly plaid? When is it not?

I have been to ceilidhs and seen people wear PCs with no fly plaid, and other occasions and receptions where some wear one and others don't. I have even seen fly plaids with Argyll jackets and vests!

Is it just preference? When is wearing a fly plaid too much?

Personally, I was thinking that if I am wearing Argyll and vest, no fly plaid; and occasions calling for a PC over an Argyll jacket and vest, would call for a plaid. Is that logic sound?

For an upcoming gala hosted by the Smithsonian in DC, I intend to wear one along with my PC coatee, as the dress code is black tie. Is that normal and appropriate?

Well in Scotland it would not be normal to wear one and I think many would not consider it appropriate either, but if you want to wear one then, do. They are a real bind to wear though and in all honesty, probably an unnecessary item.

[Chas]

We are all aware of our own personal space. So we find no real difficulty manoeuvring ourselves through a crowded room with out bumping into people and things and causing an international incident. Add a fly plaid into the equation and all things you thought you knew go out of the window. It takes but seconds to sweep all the glasses from a table onto the floor, or drag it through someone else's plateful of food.

Fly Plaid - There is a reason it is called fly and the clue is in the name!

Regards

Chas

[creagdhubh]

I tend to agree with Jock and Chas. However, if you do decide to wear one with your Highland attire, please restrict its use to black tie events.

Cheers,

[Cygnus]

I tend to agree with Jock and Chas. However, if you do decide to wear one with your Highland attire, please restrict its use to black tie events.

Cheers,

I would say that it's best only with white tie or if a groom wants to stand out more from the rest of the wedding party. Even for white tie events I would probably leave the plaid at home most of the time.

[TheOfficialBren]

Personally, I'm not a fan. They get to be one of those accessories that seem a bit "costumey," with all due respect. The kilt with a smart dinner ensemble looks infinately better in my humble opinion than with everything but the kitchen sink but wear what you like.

Jock's and Tobus' advice, as usual, are spot-on.

[creagdhubh]

I would say that it's best only with white tie or if a groom wants to stand out more from the rest of the wedding party. Even for white tie events I would probably leave the plaid at home most of the time.

White or black tie events, mate. It really doesn't matter and the colour of bow tie is irrelevant. Fly plaids, in my opinion, are specifically designed for formal functions. And whether to choose to wear it or not is completely subjective.

Cheers,

[HuDonald]

Thanks for everyone that replied! I knew I could count on all of you to point me in the right direction!

That said... I guess I won't be wearing a plaid to the benefit gala. It is a "Formal" event, and black-tie is specified on the invitation, but as most suggested, it's not my event, and it's definitely not white-tie formal. Most men there will be in tuxes, and women in gowns.

Some food for thought/conversation (not to start an argument):
If the PC/coatee is considered appropriate black-tie attire, and doublets are usually more for white-tie, then why do we see so many images of fly-plaids worn with PCs?

[Chas]

Some food for thought/conversation (not to start an argument):
If the PC/coatee is considered appropriate black-tie attire, and doublets are usually more for white-tie, then why do we see so many images of fly-plaids worn with PCs?

I think the simple answer is, people just don't know. The lines between white tie and black tie are clearly defined, but often men don't have a white tie outfit so they try and stretch their black tie outfit. I have seen dirks, swords, sashes, piper's plaids and full sized medals all worn with a PC - at noon.

Knowledge is a weapon. Once a man arms himself with the knowledge he is unbeatable.

Regards

Chas

[Tobus]

Some food for thought/conversation (not to start an argument):
If the PC/coatee is considered appropriate black-tie attire, and doublets are usually more for white-tie, then why do we see so many images of fly-plaids worn with PCs?

I think it's just because people (mostly Americans) like the way it looks. They think it's what Highland black-tie attire should be. This is pushed by vendors and hire shops who can make a few extra bucks by selling fly plaids and convincing people that it completes the look. The trend is even growing with younger generations in Scotland, from what I've seen.

Honestly, I think the whole concept of fly plaids pretty much took off on its own (despite my obvious tongue-in-cheek description earlier in this thread). A few people did it, others copied them, and then more people started copying the look, and now it has become ubiquitous. In fact, the backlash against fly plaids seems to be a relatively new (and growing) thing, with only a small following of people who want to remain true to actual Highland tradition. But for the most part, fly plaids remain wildly popular amongst those who have only a passing knowledge of traditional Highland attire, or those who simply like the way a fly plaid looks whether it's 'proper' or not.

[Tobus]

When is it appropriate to wear a fly plaid? When is it not?

To answer that, we must look at the origins and history of the fly plaid. It originated in the 1950s when jet-liners were really becoming popular for global travel. Highlanders of the time were looking for a convenient blanket to take on the plane so they could sleep on those long overseas flights. Hauling a full-size plaid onto the plane was just too much. So a smaller version was adopted for trans-oceanic flights which would provide light cover over the torso whilst sleeping, and be portable enough to make for easy stowing when the flight was over. It was designed with one corner pleated so it could be tucked into one's collar whilst eating an airline meal so as to serve as a long napkin. It was very well suited for airline travel. Hence the term "fly plaid". This is its most appropriate (and originally intended) role.

There was a curious occasion where a Highlander by the name of Hugh MacSnodswold was to be married to an American girl in New York. He was to fly from Scotland to America on the day of the wedding and proceed directly from the airport to the church. So he traveled in his finest kilt outfit for the wedding. This being a trans-Atlantic flight, he of course brought his handy fly plaid. However, the plane was late in arriving due to weather, and he was all discombobulated when he arrived. In his haste to disembark from the airplane, he forgot about his fly plaid, which fortunately got hung up on the epaulet of his jacket. As he ran through the airport, kilt pleats swishing, the fly plaid managed to find its way over his shoulder and behind him. He arrived at the ceremony in the nick of time, and the guests were delighted by the stylish addition to his otherwise traditional wardrobe. And so the tradition of the fly plaid being worn at weddings began.

And now you know "the rest of the story".