Can You Wear A Fly Plaid Without A Jacket
Andrew Davis
In Scottish Highland attire, a fly plaid is a historically significant feature that adds an eye-catching detail that is rooted in history and tradition. When worn with a formal ensemble, tartan fly plaids give a touch of elegance, allowing you to feel and look your best. The wearer of Highland attire is considered a cultural symbol in Scotland. Highland apparel has been existed for hundreds of years, with a form of the kilt reaching back to the 16th century in Scotland and Ireland. Kilt clothes have undergone significant evolution over time, eventually resulting in the classic Highland dress that we see today. In addition to full dress sporrans and kilt flashes, several specific elements have become essential to the overall style that we have come to know and love. It is the fly plaid that stands out the most among these different design accessories, giving the Highland dress a great pop of color and flare. It used to be that the traditional kilt was much larger and longer than it is now, with the tartan plaid looping around the waist before being draped over one shoulder.
As the purpose and shape of current kilts changed, less cloth was necessary, and the extension over the arm was no more required. The fly plaid is an addition to the classic Highland uniform, which is used to highlight Scotland’s rich historical heritage without adding bulky extraneous cloth around the body as is common in modern Highland dress. Even if you opt for a more casual three or five-button waistcoat rather than a full-on Prince Charlie jacket and vest ensemble, your waistcoat should always match the colors of your kilt. The jacket is typically left open in order to display the polished buttons on the waistcoat and cuffs.