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The shepherd's plaid

Whether you call it a "laird's plaid" or a "shoulder plaid" or a "day plaid," this very traditional form of plaid is both fashionable and functional.  We have chosen the name "shepherd's plaid," as it was a very common garment among Highland shepherds of the nineteenth century, as can be seen in the paintings of Richard Ansdell (see example).

This garment is approximately four yards in length and woven selvedge-to-selvedge approximately 29" wide, with a fringe on the two ends.  It is made from a heavy weight (16oz) worsted wool, twill weave.  It can be worn wrapped around the wearer in any number of styles, depending on the weather or activity, or your own personal tastes. 

It is not necessary that the plaid match the tartan of the kilt.  Examples in contemporary illustrations often show a simple pattern such as the shepherd's check (seen at right) worn with any tartan.  Often the plaid was a solid color.  It is also permissible to wear a plaid in the same tartan as the kilt, but woven in a different color scheme.

As these are woven to order, we can offer literally any (non-copyrighted) tartan, as well as provide reproductions of traditional eighteenth and early nineteenth century color ways, based on the dye recipes of early tartan weaving firm, Wilsons of Bannockburn.

Made in Scotland.  Custom item, allow 12 weeks delivery.

Color Scheme:

Modern Ancient Weathered/Reproduction Wilsons' historic colors

Desired Tartan:

$275.00

"Crossing the Moor", by Richard Ansdell

“I do not prize the word 'cheap.' It is not a badge of honor. It is a symbol of despair. Cheap prices make for cheap goods; cheap goods make for cheap men; and cheap men make for a cheap country.” -- Wm. McKinley, 25th President of the United States, Scottish descendant.

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