Fly Plaid - Why on the LEFT Side?

Only rarely will you see someone wear formal Highland Dress with the Fly Plaid on their right shoulder. It is almost always on the left - why?

The answer is one part practicality and one part a nod to tradition and romance.

The Fly Plaid is purely for show - there is no point in history where this large rectangle of tartan cloth was worn as a functional, practical accessory. It is not large enough to be a blanket or effective as a shawl or capelet; especially since most plaids have one corner permanently sewn into a box pleat to make them look better when the plaid brooch is attached.

The Flay Plaid is merely a dashing nod to the shape and flow of the old Great Kilt (or Feileadh Mòr in Gaelic) – a long piece of cloth which is hand-pleated and wrapped around the body.

From what evidence we have, the Feileadh Mòr could be worn in a number of ways. However one very common technique was to arrange the excess fabric over the shoulder - the LEFT shoulder.

Erik and Rocky discuss and Erik reveals what you may have already guessed is the reason why the fly plaid is traditionally worn over the left shoulder.

Tartans in this video:
Rocky: Celtic Nations Muted
Erik: Tweed
Ian: Pennsylvania State Seal


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