Difference between tartan and plaid
Difference between tartan and plaid
Historically tartans and plaids are related with the Scottish clans and particularly the Highlanders of the Medieval Period. In modern time, the term tartan and Plaid are used interchangeably for the fabrics; tartans signifying the Scottish family’s clan whereas plaids are considered as cloaks or blankets in Scotland that are worn as kilts.
There are woven patterns on Tartans that signifies the special clan of the Scottish family. There are alternating strips of the colored yarns repeated in horizontal and vertical pattern. On the other hand, plaid is a similar US/ English fabric with a similar design and is dyed or woven into a fabric. The patterns on the tartan are always geometric. Plaid designs can be even or printed meaning it may have overlapping squares, geometric, straight or vertical lines that are interconnected.
Currently the terms plaid and tartans are used interchangeably meaning a type of fabric featuring a geometric design. But on tartan, there is always a print that is specific to their history. It was worn to identify the clan members to differentiate from the rest of the people. Plaid is the symbol of Scottish culture and is used in traditional Scottish highland dress and is reserved for ceremonial and formal events.
The main disparity between tartan and plaid is that the word “tartan” refers to the crisscross pattern found on conventional Scottish dress. “Plaid” refers to the blanket-like piece of clothing worn before the kilt was invented. The pattern of the tartan is created by weaving the thread at the right angle producing solid colors or lighter shades. When the cloth is weaved, it produces a material. There is a material cut in the plaid and is stitched into the blanket making it about 3-6 meters.
Plaid is uncommon now and tartan has become more popular among the fashion designers. When Scotland was incorporated with Great Britain, the English king forbade the use of tartan for almost four decades. After 19th century when Scottish nationalism was reestablished Tartan became the formal dress of Scottish men and even British royals start wearing them while visiting Scotland. Today tartan is exclusively associated with the Scottish heritage and more than 7000 patterns are recognized by Scottish Tartan Museum. There are also official uses of tartan outside Scotland. The United States Air Force Pipe Band uniforms include the Innis Tartan. German heritage tartans have also been developed and are famous among German and expatriates alike.
Thus in conclusion we can say that tartan and plaid are just two ways through which a cloth can be designed. The older people have associated some cultural as well as norms with the way these clothes are woven. Therefore the clothes have become historical masterpieces.
SUMMARY:
1. Tartans and plaids have a Scottish historical background.
2. Tartans symbolize the specific clans of Scotland.
3. Tartans and plaids differ from one another in woven patterns.
4. Plaid is uncommon and is not popular among the fashion designers.
5. The historical background of tartan is more enriched and is currently used more comparatively to plaids.
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