What is the Difference Between Tartan and Plaid?

The terms "tartan" and "plaid" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings:

• Tartan: A tartan is a patterned cloth consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors, typically associated with Scottish culture and heritage. Tartans have an identical pattern of stripes running vertically and horizontally, resulting in overlapping square grids. They are often woven in a two-over-two twill pattern, which forms the illusion of new colors blended from the original ones. Tartans are always associated with a clan and have a specific name or history.
• Plaid: A plaid is a patterned fabric with horizontal and vertical stripes intersecting at 90-degree angles. Plaids can vary widely and may feature stripes or checks in multiple colors. They are not necessarily associated with a particular family or clan and can be found in various cultures and traditions. In North America, the term "plaid" is often used to describe a variety of patterns, including tartan designs.

In summary, the main differences between tartan and plaid are:

1. Tartans are always associated with Scottish culture and heritage, while plaids can be found in various cultures and traditions.
2. Tartans have an identical pattern of stripes running vertically and horizontally, resulting in overlapping square grids, while plaids can have varying patterns and colors.
3. Tartans are associated with a specific clan and have a name to identify a community, while plaids do not necessarily have a specific name or historical association.

In the United States, the terms "plaid" and "tartan" are often used more or less interchangeably, which can lead to confusion. However, in Scotland, the word "plaid" comes from the Gaelic word for blanket and is used to describe the large kind of kilt worn over the shoulder, not the fabric pattern.

Comparative Table: Tartan vs Plaid

The main difference between tartan and plaid lies in their patterns and associations. Here is a table summarizing the key differences:

In summary, all tartans are plaids, but not all plaids are tartans. Tartan is a specific type of plaid associated with a clan and has a distinct "sett" pattern, while plaid is a broader term for any crisscrossing woven pattern.