Plaid can be defined as a pattern on any type of fabric, including long stripes that run horizontally and vertically, intersecting each other. The plaid pattern can be made on the fabric as part of the fabric weave or it can be a printed pattern.

Plaid fabric can be wool or cotton or blended. Flannel plaid fabric is used to make casual and comfortable shirts for men, skirts for girls. Thick plaid made of wool yarn is used to make warm jackets and kilts.

BRIEF HISTORY OF PLAID

Plaid is not the original name of this fabric. It was originally called “tartan”, which was first used to describe the individual colors and patterns used to decorate the clothes of different Scottish clans. Since the plaid became popular among textile manufacturers in Britain and the United States, the plaid replaced the tartan. They would recreate the fabric that looked like the tartan, but without centuries of symbolism embedded in their clothing.

Over time, these local patterns became synonymous with regional clans scattered around Scotland, a bit like how people today wear baseball caps from their home teams, Paulas writes. But while baseball may be only a few centuries old, Tartan dates back at least 3,000 years, the oldest example being the mummy of Caucasian origin”cherchin” buried in the desert of western China found in the desert.

In recent years, however, plaid has had such a strong resurgence that in some places you would be hard-pressed to look around and not see at least one person wearing checked plaid.

Whatever the color and context, it seems like plaid is one pattern that may never go out of style.

PLAID VS CHECK

People tend to confuse a plaid and check fabric but the fact is that all plaids are checks but not all checks are plaid. While the check pattern consists of squares of colors, the plaid consists of stripes of different colors intersecting each other.

GENERAL STYLING TIPS FOR PLAID

1. Wear one plaid dress at a time.

   Plaid comes in many different colors and styles. However, its crisscrossing lines mean that it’s almost always quite compelling. This means that pairing multiple plaid outfits with each other can look very busy or overwhelming.
   There is one exception to this rule. If you have a plaid accessories(such as scarves, purses, hats, a pair of shades, etc.). This is to match your main plaid piece, which you can usually get away with wearing together.

2. If in doubt, pair your plaid with a neutral solid.

   This is a great “go-to” style option when you’re trying to add a plaid to your wardrobe. Solid color provides simple contrast to the complex interwoven pattern of plaid. On top of that, neutral shades are versatile plaid patterns that they can match. For example, not every plaid shirt will go with bright yellow chinos, but most will go with a simple pair of jeans or khaki pants.
   Neutral colors include: white, black, khaki, pastel blue denim, gray and most Brown and beiges.

3. Match the Plaid of one color with the clothes of other colors you wear.

   You don’t have to always wear plaid with neutral shades. However, if you want to wear plaid with colored clothes, try to pick a plaid piece with one color that is close to the other color in your clothes.
   For example, if you’re wearing a set of bright blue jeans, you might wear a plaid shirt that includes some blue-like stripes. The colors do not have to match exactly, light blue can be paired with dark blue and so on.

4. Choose the right color for the occasion.

   Today, clothing sellers offer plaid clothing in a wide variety of colors and shades. This means that you have a lot of freedom when it comes to assembling your clothes. As long as you follow the color matching rules above, there are no strict rules here, but there are some general recommendations below:

   * Brighter, more gorgeous shades tend to be the best for leisure activities and warmer months.
   * Darker, softer shades tend to be more formal and more suitable for cold weather. For example, you may       not wear a pink plaid for an interview, but a navy blue plaid may work just fine.
   * Intricately stitched patterns can give an upscale, intellectual atmosphere, especially when paired with a         smart coat and beautiful shoes.
   * Simple, bright plaid gives a very strong blue-collar impression. For example, Paul Bunyan and                     other “traditional” Lumberjacks are usually depicted in bright red and black plaid shirts.

5. Choose a comfortable fabric for the season.

   Plaid is the name of the pattern (not the material), so you can find lattice items in a variety of materials. In general, you will want to find something that is just suitable for the weather outside-not too hot, not too cold.
   Here are some seasonal recommendations:
   Spring: light cotton or flannel shirts, umbrellas, stockings, hats, shoes.
   Summer: light cotton shirt (tied to the waist when hot), skirt, shorts, jumper, T-shirt.
   Autumn: heavier flannel shirts, wellies, windbreakers, hats.
   Winter: heavy flannel shirts, jackets, boots, scarves.

6. Don’t forget the plaid accessories.

   Your clothes are more than your top and bottom clothes. Wearing plaid accessories is a great way to give a burst of color to clothes that desire to look a little more vibrant.
   However, keep in mind that it is not a good idea to wear more than one plaid piece at a time, unless the pieces exactly match.
   Possible plaid accessories include: hats, scarves, stockings, socks, purses, backpacks, shadows, ties, bows, handkerchiefs and much more.

HOW TO WEAR PLAID

Plaid is a cool and cozy outfit that can be worn in variety of ways ranging from casual to formal depending on how it is styled.

• PLAID SKIRT WITH SWEATER TOP

This plaid skirt, styled with a sweater is a very simple and cute combination. Plaid can be worn as a casual outfit.

• PLAID TOP WITH SKINNY JEANS

This is another simple and casual combination. Very comfortable yet chic and classy.

• PLAID SHIRT WITH FEDORA HAT 

The fedora hat combination adds some level of sophistication to the overall outfit.

• WITH RIPPED JEANS

• LEATHER SKIRT WITH PLAID SHIRT

• PLAID DRESS

The plaid dress comes in various designs. As a straight dress, skater dress, or A-line dress. Plaid can be styled for formal outings or as casual wear on date with friends.

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