plaids

Plaids are textiles defined by a pattern of crisscrossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors. The resulting grid of squares or rectangles can vary in block size and color, yielding a wide range of looks. The term plaid can refer to the pattern itself, the cloth bearing it, or—in Scotland—a long piece of fabric worn draped over the shoulder or under the arm as part of traditional dress. The word is linked to Scottish Gaelic plaide, meaning blanket or cloak; over time, plaid has become both a general pattern word and a specific garment reference.

In Scotland, tartan is a term for a clan-specific set of plaids, named for its unique color arrangement; outside Scotland, plaid is commonly used as a generic label for tartan or any checked pattern. Most plaids are produced by weaving colored threads into warp and weft, producing a stable grid. Wool has long been favored for warmth and drape, but cotton, synthetic fibers, and blends are common in contemporary fabrics.

Plaid patterns appear in a wide range of products, from shirts and skirts to blankets and upholstery. They remain culturally associated with Scottish heritage while also functioning as a versatile aesthetic in fashion and interior design, valued for visual texture, pattern repetition, and the ability to coordinate with many color schemes.