So... which plaid is which?

[Tobus]

I have only recently come across the 'Laird's Plaid' term, knowing it only as a 'plaid'. Pipers', drimmers' and fly-plaids being recognised versions for specific reasons, but I have to wonder why specifically 'laird's plaid' for what here in Scotland is simply a plaid. I mean, a plaid is a plaid, and how it is worn is a matter of personal choice and really has nothing to do with status.

I've no idea where the terminology originated. I will admit to this being pure conjecture on my part, but I would think that this distinction is made specifically for the type of plaid seen in my photos above where both ends are fringed and the length is suited primarily for this purpose of wearing over the left shoulder as a decorative daywear item. Since other types of plaids have their own specific lengths, shapes, and edge/end decoration, and come with their own prefixes or modifiers before the word plaid, it seems like there ought to be a modifier for this specific style as well rather than just calling it a generic plaid. This would not be the type of plaid one hand-pleats and straps on as a great kilt, due to the fringing, so perhaps that's a necessary descriptor to differentiate it from the original simple plaid. *shrug*

I do prefer the term day plaid for this style rather than laird's plaid. I would assume that the laird's plaid nomenclature was applied as a romanticised term, possibly because it's a vestigial ornament that doesn't see much use by common kilt-wearers but still remains popular amongst chiefs and such. *shrug again*

[Jock Scot]

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I do prefer the term day plaid for this style rather than laird's plaid. I would assume that the laird's plaid nomenclature was applied as a romanticised term, possibly because it's a vestigial ornament that doesn't see much use by common kilt-wearers but still remains popular amongst chiefs and such. *shrug again*

So do I. I had never heard the term "lairds plaid"used, until I joined this website........... and I still haven't "out in the wild".

Yes you still see the occasional day plaid worn by some, usually by the Clan Chief and some of his party at an occasion, but otherwise the only time, on rare occasion, I have seen day plaids, is either in a dog basket or draped over the back of a large sofa. I honestly think, the day plaid's day is over and is now solely the territory for the theatrically minded poser.

I actually have one somewhere and I did dig it out of a trunk many years ago when this very subject came to the fore, on this website. I actually took the trouble to measure it! I am afraid that those measurements have slipped my mind now and frankly, I really don't think it matters these days.

From distant memory when I did carry one they were an absolutely a real bind to keep in place draped over the shoulder and on the rare occasion when actually used, they did keep us warm, but as to keeping out the serious wet-------forget it! When the wax coated Barbour coat became widely available, the day plaid on view, swiftly became history for most of us.