Fly Plaid

What is a Tartan Shoulder Plaid?

A Shoulder Plaid is a piece of cloth draped over the wearers shoulder which can add a flash of grandeur to your Highland Outfit. Also known as a fly plaid, it generally measures approx. 1.5m x 1m and has fringed edges all around.

A Shoulder Plaid can be worn at formal occasions when you are looking to stand out from the crowd. Often the Groom will add one to his Highland Outfit to make himself known on his special day! Tartan Shoulder Plaids are usually made in the matching tartan to the wearers Kilt. Plaids are also worn by Piper’s and members of Pipe bands.

The origin of the Shoulder Plaid

The Shoulder Plaid is a modern interpretation of the traditional ‘Great Kilt’. Historically the Great Kilt was a large piece of cloth that wrapped around the whole body and draped over the shoulder of the wearer. As the modern Kilt was developed, the cloth over the shoulder was lost. A Fly Plaid brings back this traditional look, while providing a more comfortable experience for the wearer.

Other uses for the Shoulder Plaid

The Plaid can serve other functions after wearing. Once photos have been taken wearing the Plaid it can be taken off and used as a table runner, table cover etc. to add a tartan touch to your surroundings. It can also be given to the bride to use as a stole for warmth on a cool evening. Long after the wedding or function, there are many uses for the plaid in your home and life. The stitching holding the gathering in the corner can be undone, giving you a piece of fabric approx. 1m x 1.5m, usually in lightweight pure wool. It can be used as a lap rug for warmth on the lounge, a small travel rug for the car, or for train travel. One of the most lovely uses would be to welcome a new baby to the clan, by using it to bring your new baby out of hospital or on their christening day. These are just a couple of uses for your Tartan Shoulder Plaid after your wedding.

Plaid Brooches

Plaid Brooches are usually pinned through the plaid and into the jacket lapel to hold the plaid in place and add some silverware to the wearers outfit. Plaid brooches come in a variety of styles and designs, they can be generic or clan crested, and some incorporate coloured stones to compliment or contrast to the tartan plaid.

How a Shoulder Plaid should be Worn

The Shoulder Plaid is easy to wear. The stitched edge should pass through the left shoulder epaulette of the wearers jacket. This end can be fastened to the front of the jacket with a Plaid Brooch or a Simple Pin

Australia Wide kilt hire has plaids to hire that match most of our generic tartans and can also have them made to purchase in any tartan you would like to match. We also have a range of Plaid Brooches to compliment your plaid.