REPOSTED FROM DECEMBER 29, 2019
A plaid cheat sheet. There are numerous different variations of plaid. Well over 1000 actually. With so many variations, plaid is generally broken down into eight main categories and sub-categories. Here is a plaid cheat sheet to keep them all straight:
- Tartan (Red Stewart, Burberry Check, Clan Wallace, Black Watch)
- Gingham
- Check or Checkered (Shepherd’s Check, Buffalo Check, Graph Check, Gun Club Check)
- Madras
- Windowpane
- Houndstooth
- Glen or Prince of Wales Check
- Tattersall
1. Tartan
Red Royal Stewart
This was recently highlighted in my #8daysoftartan countdown to Christmas. It is the most popular and most recognizable tartan. Pairs well with the holiday season because of its colors.
Burberry Check
A recognizable tartan from it’s association to the brand Burberry. Burberry uses this tartan for their purse and jacket liners and has become the brand’s identity.
Clan Wallace
Most associated with the brand 3M (maker of Scotch tape). This is also known as Wallace Red.
Black Watch
Always green and blue check. A popular tartan commonly seen worn by Royals such as Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle. With the dark color and wool material, usually seen worn in winter/cooler months.
2. Gingham
A popular plaid that is seen in many stores like J Crew. It is usually a two color pattern. Colors are commonly blue/white or red/white. Usually seen in shirts and tablecloths.
3. Check or Checkered
Shepherd’s Check
As name implies. Originated by shepherds who made blankets to cover their sheep. Very similar to gingham. The sheep blanket pattern has since become most popular in men’s clothes, particularly jackets.
Buffalo Check
Easily recognized by its large and heavy red and black check pattern. Originated as a wool blanket. Commonly seen in flannel sleep pants and tops.
Graph Check
Simple pattern based on squares evenly spaced on a grid (similar to graph paper). Usually appears on shirts and is most common with a white background and thin blue lines.
Gun Club Check
Adopted by the American Gun Club for shooting jackets. Usually four colors of intersecting lines including green, black, rust and gold.
4. Madras
Most plaids and tartans have heavy coloring but Madras deviates from that. It is very popular because of its vibrant colors. The pattern comes in bright orange, pink, green, yellow, purple and blues. Reminds most people of summer and the Kentucky Derby. Will find on shorts, skirts and clothes associated with summer.
6. Windowpane
A variation of the plaid pattern by its resemblance to windowpanes. The larger version of the graph check. Pattern often resembles rectangles instead of perfect squares. Popular in men’s clothing.
6. Houndstooth
Yes! Houndstooth is a plaid! Characterized by sharp pointy edges. Got its name from a dog bite. When the houndstooth pattern is smaller, sometimes referred to as puppytooth. Seen commonly in womans professional attire. Usually in monochrome black and white.
7. Glen or Prince of Wales Check
Popular plaid for fall and winter styles. Considered a casual plaid even though it has Royal origins.
8. Tattersal
Another variation of the check. Horses originally were seen with this pattern blankets. Usually worn by someone who is fond of horses. Size of squares vary in thickness but the squares are always uniform.
Hopefully this plaid cheat sheet provides some clarity on all the plaid options available. There are so many variations, colors and patterns available that everyone can find a plaid that they love. Plaid can be worn in many ways and depending on your personality and what plaid you prefer, it is a noteworthy fashion staple.
Such a great post ! Very informative, thanks for this info !