Plaid and Proud

Did you think plaid was out of style? Think again.

There is plaid and then there is "Tartan" plaid. Tartan is recognized by the world over as the fabric of the Scottish kilt. Tartan is a material that can be woven from many colors and was originally a sort of uniform for distinguishing the many clans in the Highlands and islands of Scotland and can be traced as far back as the middle of the 5th Century to Ireland, where the Scots originated.


The very first form of tartan is nothing like its modern day counterpart, being a type of shirt that ended just above the knee, known as léine in Irish Gaelic. It is generally accepted that it was made of linen, and although the earliest references to this garment describe it as light-colored, it may have been of a darker yellow shade which led to the English describing it as a saffron shirt.

Today thanks to Prada, Chanel, and many many more designers - we use this tartan as a fun, trendy addition to any wardrobe. The runways have been full of it this season and don't forget the accessories like the plaid socks, shoes, belts and even purses. Have fun - throw out all the rules and let the inner tartan come out in you!