Tartan Vs Plaid: What's The Difference Between Them?

Although the two words have many similarities, there are some key differences between Tartan vs Plaid that should be considered, particularly when it comes to the US and UK distinctions.

The Difference Between Tartan Vs. Plaid In The UK

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The term "tartan" refers to cloth with patterns of colored check boxes and intersecting lines, and it is important to note that it is associated with a clan. It is primarily made of 100% pure worsted wool and is used to make kilts as well as other highland wear accessories and clothing.

In the United Kingdom, a "plaid" is a long, often rectangular-shaped tartan piece worn over the shoulder of a kilt outfit, typically worn by Grooms at their weddings. So you'd go to MacGregor and MacDuff and buy "a" plaid. You would not buy some plaid.

Tartan And Plaid Are The Same In The US

Both plaid and tartan have horizontal and vertical lines that intersect at 90 degrees. Plaid is a term used in the United States to describe a multi-colored, cross-linked pattern.

When Americans use the word tartan, it should be to describe the plaid associated with a clan. To make matters more complicated, all tartans are plaids, but not all plaids can be tartans.

The repetitive pattern of lines on tartan does not change along the length of the fabric. This is the sett pattern, which is usually 5-6 inches long and repeats endlessly.

Plaids differ in that the sett pattern is not always present and, more importantly, is not required. In the case of tartans, the "sett" pattern is crucial in distinguishing it from other tartans.

The most important different between tartan vs plaid for people in the United States is that tartan is plaid associated with a clan. Plaid, on the other hand, has no historical clan association.

Gingham, which has two intertwining colors but is not associated with a historic clan or family, is a good example of plaid.

All tartans are also registered with the Scottish Tartan Authority and can be designed using our tartan design service. The final step would be to associate the tartan with a clan, family, or organization. This would never be done with a plaid pattern.

In the United States, you would not go to a store to purchase 'a' plaid. This is because in the United States, the term "plaid" refers to any checked cloth of two or more colors. You would therefore go to buy some plaid because you are ordering the fabric rather than a specific product.

What Is Plaid In The UK?

Belted Plaid

The word is pronounced 'played' in the United Kingdom and was first used in Scots Gaelic around 1510 in reference to the word blanket.

For Scots, plaid refers to a specific rectangular piece of tartan worn over the left shoulder and accompanied by a plaid brooch. It is used to accessorize Highland Dress outfits. The over-the-shoulder plaid is thought to have been used in Highland Dress since the 16th century.

Plaids come in a variety of styles, including:

• Belted Plaid
• Arisaid Plaid
• Shepherd’s Plaid
• Fly Plaid
• Straight Plaid
• Pipers Plaid
• Drummers Plaid

Although the most popular to wear with traditional Highland wear is a Fly Plaid.

So, for our American customers, if a 'plaid' is associated with a clan, it is actually a 'tartan.' The words are undeniably versatile in their application, but keep in mind this key defining feature of clan affiliation.