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All our tartan accessories are made in Scotland.
Plaid vs Tartan: What’s the Difference?
The terms "Plaid" and "Tartan" are often used interchangeably, especially outside of Scotland.
but they are not the same thing...
In Scotland, tartan is a woven pattern with deep historical and cultural significance, whereas a plaid is a specific piece of cloth, often worn as part of traditional Highland dress.
What is A Tartan?
Tartan is a distinct woven pattern that has been part of Scottish heritage for centuries. It consists of crisscrossing horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours, with each tartan being unique to a specific Scottish clan, district, military regiment, or organisation.
Scottish tartans date back as far as the 16th century and became a powerful symbol of Scottish identity. Following the Jacobite uprisings of the 18th century, tartan and highland dress was banned for men and boys for a time under the Dress Act of 1746. Today, tartan remains an important emblem of Scotland and is recognised globally for it’s iconic design and legacy.
At Strathmore Woollen Company, we stock over 400 tartans, all woven from 100% worsted wool. Each tartan carries a story, making it much more than ‘just’ a pattern—it’s a piece of history.
What is a Plaid?
In Scotland, a “plaid” (pronounced “played”) does not refer to a pattern but rather to a large piece of tartan fabric worn over the shoulder or as a blanket. The most well-known and common example is the fly plaid, a piece of tartan cloth traditionally worn over the shoulder with a kilt. Historically, the belted plaid was an early form of the kilt, made from a long length of tartan fabric that was wrapped around the wearer and secured with a belt.
In North America, however, “plaid” has come to mean any checkered fabric, regardless of its historical or cultural background. This usage can cause confusion, particularly when discussing authentic Scottish tartan.
Explore Authentic Scottish Tartans
If you’re interested in learning more about tartan or purchasing high-quality, 100% wool tartan fabric, visit our showroom in Forfar or browse our online collection, here.
