How Are Plaid Patterns So Popular And Trendy?

One of the most common patterns in contemporary clothing is plaid. Designers enjoy the cross-hatched pattern and its both preppy and punk meanings, from Alexander McQueen to Vivienne Westwood. Given its current appeal, the history of plaid might surprise you; after all, it hasn't always been the preferred pattern in our nation. Let's examine how plaid became so popular.

The Origin Of The Plaid Pattern From The 1500s

Plaid 1500s

The majority of us are unable to distinguish between plaid and tartan. The term "tartan" refers to the distinctive fabric designs that set one Scottish clan or geographic location apart from another. According to the traditional Scottish description, a "plaid" was a Celtic kilt or blanket worn as a protective layer against the elements in the Highlands.

Tartan was outlawed in Britain during the 18th century, even though many of us may wish to put a plaid embargo on our most hipster-adjacent acquaintances. Due to tartan's rebel uniform associated with the Scottish Rebellion of 1745 against the union of Scotland and England, the fabric was outlawed throughout the nation under the Dress Act for almost 50 years. When plaid became lawful, and it became fashionable to wear plaid gowns to formal occasions in 1782, the pattern didn't fully come back into fashion until then.

Plaid’s Popularity Grew Massively In The 19th And 20th Century

The design crossed the Atlantic from Europe to the United States throughout the 19th century, where it picked up the name we currently associate with it: plaid. Buffalo plaid was created by Midwest enterprise Woolrich Woolen Mills in the 1850s, which helped to increase plaid's appeal. The striking red and black checkered pattern of buffalo plaid became popular among people who work outdoors, especially lumberjacks.

In 1924, the clothing brand Pendleton introduced a plaid shirt for men that was mass-produced and instantly popular for casual wear. The modest hamlet of Cedar Springs started manufacturing its own red flannel in 1936, and the pattern started to gain traction as a winter essential. This was flannel's next big break. Pendleton introduced a women's version of the shirt in 1949 in response to the increase in demand.

In the 1950s and 1960s, plaid was so widely used that it was worn for both official and informal clothing. It was fashionable to wear plaid skirt suits to the office. Teenagers paired their plaid shirts with rubber shoes for a laid-back aesthetic, while almost every man owned a plaid shirt to go with denim.

Plaid was worn Daisy Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard

The 1970s fashion revolution owed a lot to plaid. It was the go-to material for the young people of that era who were all about having more personal freedoms. When celebrities like Catherine Bach donned it for her part as Daisy Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard, it became fashionable and seductive.

The plaid pattern was so widely used by the late 1970s that it frequently appeared in hit films like Charlie's Angels. On the tablecloths, bedclothes, and upholstery of furniture it was also visible outside of fashion. Plaid was worn by rock bands like Nirvana as well.

Plaid Today

In the 1980s, plaid briefly fell out of favor before making a major resurgence in the 1990s, especially in the wake of the smash hit adolescent film Clueless, in which wealthy, affluent teens donned plaid. Since then, plaid has frequently been seen in fashion presentations, particularly those featuring winter designs. Plaid is a favorite of high-profile fashion designers like Michael Kors, Coach, Alexander McQueen, and Vivian Westwood, who frequently create beautiful designs in this well-liked material.

Plaid Michael Kors

Plaid Coach

Plaid YSL

Plaid Vivian Westwood

Plaid is a bit of a renegade pattern right now. While J. Crew models wear pearls, slightly mussed buns, and beautiful red lips with their plaid shirts with popped collars, couture designers have looked a more rebellious twist in recent years. When Hedi Slimane created the Fall 2014 collection for Saint Laurent, critics were horrified by his overt grunge influence. Fall 2013 had been known as the fall of casual plaid.

The plaid fabric has also come to be associated with Hipsters, whose retro fashion nods to both the '90s and lumberjacks.

No matter the era, whether worn with crisp khakis or a pair of loose jean overalls, plaid will always have the tiniest whiff of irreverence. Regardless, we don't think this fashion trend will ever go out of style.

Where Can You Buy Plaid Pattern Items?

You can choose from a wide selection of plaid fabric on our website. Please visit our online store here.

Please feel free to get in touch with our knowledgeable team if you have any questions about the plaid fabric we offer or if you are seeking something slightly different.

In particular, we have a 15% discount code exclusively for the readers reading this article! Please insert code: VBLOG15 for your cart. Happy shopping!