Plaid is a pattern of crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors. Where the bands overlap, the colors blend or darken, creating a grid of squares and rectangles. The pattern is woven, not printed, in its traditional form. Each color runs in both directions, and the intersections create new shades. That is why plaid has depth that a printed check cannot match.

Plaid has deep roots. Scottish tartans are the most famous, with specific patterns tied to clans and regions. The word plaid comes from the Gaelic plaide, meaning blanket. In North America, plaid is often called plaid regardless of origin. Tartan, check, and plaid are sometimes used interchangeably, though they have distinct meanings in textile terms. Buffalo plaid, with its large red and black squares, originated in the United States. Madras plaid, from India, uses bright, bleeding colors.

Plaid appears across garments and seasons. Flannel shirts, wool skirts, tailored trousers, and scarves all use it. The scale changes the effect. A small plaid reads as a subtle texture. A large one becomes a statement. Matching plaid across seams is difficult and expensive, so high-quality garments align the pattern carefully. Cheap ones often let it run unevenly. Care depends on the fabric. Wool plaids should be brushed and dry cleaned. Cotton flannels can be machine washed cold.

Các loại phổ biến

• Tartan
• Buffalo plaid
• Madras
• Glen check
• Houndstooth (related)