The Men's Plaid Suit

Men’s Plaid Suit

Plaid is a Scottish patterned blanket made from wool. It’s otherwise known as tartan and is seen mostly in Scotland in the form of the kilt. When used in the context of menswear however, plaid suit means one with a check pattern.

It certainly does have the image of a bygone era. There is no way a plaid suit can be considered mainstream fashion, but if worn correctly, and finished off with the correct matching shirt and tie, it’s one of the most elegant and individual looks the brave dresser can attempt.

Be warned though, if you get the look of the whole ensemble wrong, in the eye of the onlooker, you will have been personally transported back to that same era. That’s why its so important to give plenty of thought to the overall image.

Plaid is a mixture of three different patterns that when combined, create an interesting design. Three styles are available, called the window pane, glen plaid and the Prince of Wales.

The window pane creates boxes resembling windows due to the lines formed. These lines are not part of the pattern, but are made through the design of the buttons, pockets, lapels and flaps.

The Glen plaid suit is one with a very tight pattern of open boxes and checked designs. Colors and exact designs vary. The Prince of Wales is an interesting design. It’s actually a combination of the window pane and the glen plaid, sporting the close, tight patterns of the glen plaid with the squared box design of the window pane.

The most important thing to remember when considering wearing a plaid suit is that it must be made to measure perfectly. If not, the whole effect is spoiled. The cut and fit is what makes it possible to transform an “oldies” suit to one suitable for the modern chic wearer.

Finally, the plaid suit will always be a very individual suit. You will stand out from the crowd, so make sure you wish to do so. At the office you will be perceived as a strong willed non-conformist. Ensure you will be comfortable with that perception.