Plaid is a pattern formed from criss-crossing lines of varying widths in one, two or three colours. Plaid is more commonly used on shirts as it can also come in sheer fabrics. The most famous plaid pattern is probably seen on famous trenchcoats and scarves. The plaid is a symbolism of many different things If you begin tracing it, the plaid can symbolize loyalty or even rebellion (as in the case of The Dress Act of 1746). The fact remains, the plaid is not just a simple pattern of the fabric, it's a symbol of a country's identity and rich history Is there any difference between 'plaid' and 'tartan'? ... Whilst tartan refers to woollen cloth woven in one of several patterns of coloured checks and intersecting lines; plaid can refer to the same thing but, usually in the UK, it refers to a specific long piece of tartan worn over the shoulder as part of Highland dress Flannel and plaid are not the same. Although flannel and plaid often go together, flannel is a fabric; plaid is a pattern. ... Flannel is a warm, comfortable fabric traditionally made of wool, but also commonly made of cotton. The difference is that the Buffalo check (also known as a Buffalo plaid) originated as an alternating red and black pattern with a larger pattern size as compared to gingham prints. Gingham is typically a smaller check pattern originating with red, white and blue prints woven with white. Buffalo Plaid - its Origins Roy Rogers wore it . . . ... Officially, Buffalo Plaid or check is " plaid with large blocks formed by the intersection of two different color yarns, typically red and black." Hang on a minute . . . . It was called in Gaelic feileadh-mór, meaning "great wrap" or breacan-an-feileadh, meaning "tartan wrap." The belted plaid became a popular dress among Highland men during the 17th century and as late as 1822, when they were worn largely for ceremonial purposes as opposed to being a part of everyday dress.