The Plaid

Fly Plaid

The modern day Fly Plaid is a piece of fringed tartan material worn with the kilt, generally made from the same fabric as the kilt itself. It is cast over the shoulder and fastened at the front of the jacket with a brooch. The Fly Plaid is worn traditionally with a Prince Charlie jacket for formal occasions. However, in modern days it is acceptable to wear a Fly Plaid with a semi dress jacket (e.g. Argyll, Braemar etc.).
Tartan fabric is woven in different widths. Most mills weave the cloth in "double with" (approx. 150 cm wide), with some mills (e.g. House of Edgar) opting to weave in "single width" (approx. 80 cm). Therefore, a Fly Plaid from House of Edgar will be approx. 80 cm in width, unless the material is sewn together. 
Size: It is best not to think too much about the width of the cloth, the important factor when ordering a plaid is the length. A tall person will require a longer length plaid, otherwise the plaid will fall too short at the back.


Piper Plaid

The Piper Plaid is also referred to as a Full Plaid, traditionally worn as part of the military full dress uniform, generally made from the same fabric as the kilt itself. This particular plaid is much more elaborate than a fly plaid. The amount of cloth used on this plaid is at least twice the amount used to make a traditional 8 yard kilt! The Piper Plaid uses the full width of the tartan fabric (approx. 150 cm), which is pleated and then stitched, allowing it to be wrapped around the wearers chest. The standard length of a Piper Plaid is 3.5 yards, with the each end of the cloth finished nicely with hand purled fringing. 
Size: It is very important that the correct length of plaid is chosen. The Piper Plaid is worn over the left shoulder and under the right arm, pulled firm to the body. When worn, the edge of the plaid level should come to the top point of the left spat, with the fringing hanging below this point.


Drummer Plaid

The Drummer Plaid is sometimes referred to as a Half Plaid, traditionally worn as part of the military full dress uniform, generally made from the same fabric as the kilt itself. The Drummer Plaid uses the full width of the tartan fabric (approx. 150 cm) and is generally 2.5 yard in length. The cloth is tailored at the shorter ends, with the sides fringed and hand purled. One end of the plaid is fitted with a cloth waist strap, the opposite end tailored to a narrow point, allowing this end to be pulled through the epaulete of the tunic and fastened with a brooch. The plaid hangs at the back from the shoulder and is strapped to the waist, giving it a belted plaid effect. Some folks may refer to this type of plaid as a belted plaid.
Size: There is no set rule with regards to the correct length of a Drummer Plaid. However, we do recommend that taller persons consider buying a 3 yard plaid.

Belted Plaid: 

Belted Plaid, Great Kilt (féileadh-mór). 

The18 century belted plaid (Great Kilt) is a large blanket-like piece of fabric which is wrapped around the body with the material pleated or loosely gathered and secured at the waist by means of a belt.