Fly Plaid - When?!

[usonian]

The consensus that I have gleaned from many fly plaid-related threads here is that they are best worn at very special events ("Your own wedding" is one that has been used a few times) and even then they can be over the top, in addition to being hard to manage for all the aforementioned reasons.

After attending a few functions kilted I find myself leaning towards understatement; Earlier this summer at a reception for the Duke of Atholl (here in the U.S.) there were a few other kilted folks: I saw another gent in what looked like a converted jacket, subtle and tasteful. If I recall correctly our own Tulloch was dressed for the rainy weather, with a sweater and raincoat. I was making a presentation to His Grace, and while I wanted to look presentable the reception was really for The Duke and his men, and I didn't want to call undue attention to myself; I opted to tone it down with just a necktie and dark converted sports jacket. Finally, there was one other kilted gentleman there who was totally blinged out, with ghillie brogues, white hose, waistcoat, Prince Charlie, fly plaid, and even a dirk on a belt. It really was a bit much for an event where most people were wearing jeans and sneakers.

I attended a gala dinner and charity auction in September, and because the level of dress was not specified I again opted to err on the side of less formal, and was glad of it; I think a lot of people hear the word "gala" and immediately think black tie but perhaps the word has evolved/devolved a bit in the U.S.... most of the men were wearing ties and jackets and most of the women were wearing dresses, but I don't think I saw a single dinner jacket in the crowd. I stood out quite enough as it was in a kilt and matching tartan waistcoat. My spencer jacket, much less a fly plaid, would have been overkill.

All of that being said, I think fly plaids look smart when pinned securely and worn with confidence, and I totally understand the appeal of them. I have enough leftover tartan from my kilt to make one, and I'll probably do that as soon as a suitably "over the top" occasion presents itself. And as frustratingly vague as this discussion almost always ends up being, I still agree with what most everyone else says: Ultimately, wear what you like.

[SemperFyffe]

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".

THANKS Tobus! Just after reading your story, there I was on a flight watching everyone loading and taking their seats when on comes a woman with a plaid scarf tied around her purse at the shoulder looking just like your "fly plaid" story. It took all I had not to laugh out loud.

[creagdhubh]

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.

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Save your money.

[davidlpope]

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Save your money.

Use your money and the yard of tartan fabric to make a bias-cut tartan waistcoat instead!

[TheOfficialBren]

Use your money and the yard of tartan fabric to make a bias-cut tartan waistcoat instead!

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[creagdhubh]

Use your money and the yard of tartan fabric to make a bias-cut tartan waistcoat instead!

Sounds good to me!

[Thomas H]

Use your money and the yard of tartan fabric to make a bias-cut tartan waistcoat instead!

Now that sir is a good Idea - I was reading this wondering what on earth will I do with my
Fly plaid now - learning that there may never be an event that I would wear it to.
Now I can start the process of making a waist coat of it .
Thank you

[mookien]

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

Yes, it is just personal preference. A fly plaid is "too much" whenever you think it is too much.

Full disclosure: I love plaids of all kinds (fly, half-belted, folded), because they recall the breacan feile. But, most of the time I do not wear one, because as some folks have pointed out, they are a bit difficult to don and to manage in use.

[New World Czech]

Well done Tobus!

As for the OP, do as you wish but I for one cannot think of an occation I would wish to wear one, unless flying of course.

[JohntheBiker]

I have only worn a fly plaid once and that was at my own wedding. The only time I have seen someone in these parts wearing a fly plaid is at the local St. Andrew's Ball and even then it is pretty rare. At a black tie function where you might be the only one kilted, I think that I would hesitate. You are going to out shine the other men anyway.