Tartan or plaid?

[TheOfficialBren]

I know that tartan and plaid can both be nouns describing a garment. That is not related in any way to the following question so please don't stray there.

Here is my question:

What defines "tartan" as a pattern and what defines "plaid" as a pattern? Similarities? Differences?

Thank you.

[McElmurry]

Tartans are defined by the order and ratios of their thread counts. I try not to use the term plaid to describe a pattern of material. Although, if someone not in the know says they like my plaid I generally do not correct them.

[David Thorpe]

All tartans are plaids (with a short "a"), but not all plaids are tartans.
To further complicate matters, some here (and elsewhere) will, upon seeing the word "plaid", assume that you mean "plaid" with a long "a", a term which means blanket and/or a usually rectangular length of tartan worn above the waist in various forms.

[TheOfficialBren]

David, much appreciated but, as stated above I am fully aware of that and specifically stated that so that the thread would not veer that direction.

[kiltedrennie]

Great question.

[David Thorpe]

David, much appreciated but, as stated above I am fully aware of that and specifically stated that so that the thread would not veer that direction.

OK. You can disregard all but the first statement then.
Don't look for a cut-and-dried differentiation though. The two main differences between a tartan and non-tartan plaid are that a tartan usually has an identical weft and warp, and is usually symmetrical, but there are exceptions. For example, many Welsh tartans (which some do not consider to be tartans) have warps and wefts which differ considerably. Then there are the asymmetrical tartans...

[McElmurry]

In the context of your question both tartans and plaids are patterns consisting of a repeated series of straight lines intersecting at right angles overlying a solid background.

Other than the fact tartans are registered I don't see a difference which is why I generally avoid using the term plaid to describe a pattern.

[TheOfficialBren]

In the context of your question both tartans and plaids are patterns consisting of a repeated series of straight lines intersecting at right angles overlying a solid background.

Other than the fact tartans are registered I don't see a difference which is why I generally avoid using the term plaid to describe a pattern.

***! That's what I'm saying.

David, thank you for the heads up.
Even assymetrical tartans toe the line...sometimes a lot.

Perhaps they require that STA or SRT mark of approval to be considered "real" tartans and not just another plaid pattern?

[David Thorpe]

Perhaps they require that STA or SRT mark of approval to be considered "real" tartans and not just another plaid pattern?

That doesn't really work as a criterion either. Go to the tartan design section of Scotweb and you'll see dozens of lovely, genuine, unregistered tartans.

[MacGumerait]

I know that tartan and plaid can both be nouns describing a garment. That is not related in any way to the following question so please don't stray there.

Here is my question:

What defines "tartan" as a pattern and what defines "plaid" as a pattern? Similarities? Differences?

Thank you.

OB , I understand your question , although your question is a bit odd . I mean no offense , but let's discuss a few things .

Tartan is an adjective and plaid is a noun , in the true definition . I understand that you understand what a plaid is , as an actual garment .

Tartan is a pattern , plaid is not a pattern . Modern terms use the word " plaid " as opposed to " tartan " to describe the pattern .

So to answer your question , tartan can be defined as a pattern .... but plaid can't be defined as a pattern .

You are asking for the differences between tartan patterns and plaid patterns as a fabric , but they are two completly different items . There is really no such thing as a plaid fabric pattern , it's just a word mis-used to represent tartan .

Therefore , your question can only be answered as follows . Plaid is not a pattern , thus there is no way to correctly compare the word to tartan . All in all , there is technically no such thing as a plaid pattern .

Hope this helps . Cheers , Mike