Have you ever looked at a criss-cross-pattern shirt and wondered if it’s tartan, plaid, or check? Oftentimes, we use these terms interchangeably. But there must be some difference among the three, so what is it?
The truth is that tartan and check are just two smaller subdivisions of the entire plaid family tree. The label “tartan” brings with it an entire history, and “check” refers to a much simpler pattern. Read on to learn more about the differences among these patterns and how you can make each a part of your wardrobe.
Plaid
Plaid is any fabric pattern that involves criss-crossing lines. This can happen with any number of lines, any combination of colors, and any orientation. You can wear red and green plaid, black and white plaid, or orange, yellow, and blue plaid if you like; it’s all in the plaid family.
There are a dozen adorable ways to wear plaid, starting with simply tying a plaid shirt around your waist to dress up a plain t-shirt and jeans. You can toss on an oversized plaid button-down and tuck it into a pair of skinny jeans and ankle booties. Or you can put a fitted plaid shirt on under your favorite printed top for an extra pop of color.
Tartan
Tartan is a variety of plaid with a little more history. Tartans traditionally have associations with certain families of Scottish lineage. The Royal Stewart Tartan is one of the most popular, but even smaller families like the Sinclairs have their own tartan.
Of course, the best way to wear a tartan is to get the one that belongs to your family lineage. You can get a scarf or cape to wear when the weather turns cold. Shop with reputable companies like Gunn & Grant to get the best-quality made-to-order tartans.
Check
Check is another branch in the plaid family tree, but this time, it’s more about the pattern than the history. Check patterns only use two colors and tend to have large, symmetrical blocks. Some common color combinations can include red and black, black and white, or green and blue.
Check pants can be a great look when paired with a simple, solid-color top. You can get adorable gingham check dresses and shirts for summertime. Or rock a check cape this winter with skinny jeans and a solid-color turtleneck underneath!
Learn More About Tartan, Plaid, and Check
Tartan, plaid, and check are often used interchangeably in our culture, but each refers to a different set of patterns. Plaid describes the whole overarching pattern tree, and tartan and check are just subdivisions of the group. Knowing the difference can help bring more meaning and sophistication to your wardrobe.
If you’d like to read more awesome fashion advice like this, check out the rest of our site. We have content covering everything from dresses and accessories to hairstyles and glamour. Check out our outfit articles to learn how to put together the perfect look for your every day.
