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- United States
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- Every March
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Mad for Plaid Month celebrates the enduring appeal of this iconic textile pattern throughout March. From its ancient Scottish origins to its modern fashion influence, plaid is a versatile design that continues to captivate. Explore its rich history, discover new ways to style it, and join the global community in appreciating this classic print.
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Expected Mad for Plaid Month Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows that retailers often feature plaid-themed sales during March. Look for cozy flannel shirts from L.L.Bean and Eddie Bauer, classic tartan accessories from Burberry, and preppy styles from Ralph Lauren. Home goods stores like Pottery Barn and Target frequently offer plaid blankets and decor. Fast fashion brands such as Zara and H&M will likely release trend-driven plaid collections. Even footwear brands like Vans might offer special plaid editions. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as March approaches.
Platform Guide for Mad for Plaid Month
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #MadForPlaidMonth. Share your favorite plaid outfits, home decor, or even plaid-patterned pets. Run a styling challenge.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #MadForPlaidMonth. Create short videos showcasing plaid fashion transitions, DIY plaid crafts, or ‘get ready with me’ featuring plaid.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #MadForPlaidMonth. Share historical facts about tartan, host a virtual plaid fashion show, or ask followers to post their best plaid looks.
Mad for Plaid Month Hero
Queen Victoria
History of Mad for Plaid Month
Some of the earliest records of tartan come, surprisingly, not from the British Isles but from the Hallstatt Culture that reigned over Western and Central Europe between the eighth and sixth centuries B.C. The earliest evidence of tartan in the British Isles came much later in the third century A.D. in the form of the ‘Falkirk’ tartan found in Scotland. By the 16th century A.D., Scottish tartans could be used to distinguish the region from which the wearer belonged.
To pacify the growing power of the Highlanders, the Dress Act of 1746 banned tartans entirely. Such was the fate of tartan, oscillating between being in and out of fashion and favor across the world. When the Dress Act was rescinded in 1782, tartan became part of the Scottish traditional dress. It was further popularized when King George IV sported a tartan kilt during his 1822 visit to Scotland. The traditional fabric soon started being replicated in America and Britain, thus completing its transition to plaid.
Plaid caught the attention of the American masses by the time the 1970s rolled around. T.V. shows like “Charlie’s Angels” frequently featured characters donning the pattern. By the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, plaid was integral to the aesthetics of countercultures like grunge. The heyday for plaid, however, came with the mid-90s cult classic “Clueless.” The iconic yellow plaid co-ord set helped etch the pattern into the fashion zeitgeist forever. Since then, plaid has been a staple in both haute couture and daily wear.
Mad for Plaid Month timeline
The first evidence of plaid-like patterns comes from Central and Western Europe.
The earliest evidence of plaid in Scotland is found in the form of ‘Falkirk’ tartan.
The British government bans tartan in an attempt to limit Highlander power.
The Dress Act is repealed and tartan becomes part of the traditional Scottish dress.
Movies like “Clueless” and musicians like Nirvana etch plaid into the American fashion zeitgeist.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Mad for Plaid Month
Local fashion boutiques can host ‘Plaid Styling Workshops’ or offer discounts on plaid apparel and accessories throughout March. Restaurants and cafes might introduce plaid-themed decor or special menu items with Scottish influences. Interior design firms could showcase plaid in home staging or offer consultations on incorporating tartan into living spaces. Consider partnering with local schools for a ‘Design Your Own Plaid’ contest, engaging the community creatively.
Mad for Plaid Month FAQs
When is Mad for Plaid Month?
In 2027, Mad for Plaid Month is observed from March 1 to March 31, offering a perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe and home decor with classic and contemporary plaid designs. Get ready for a month of pattern appreciation.
How many distinct tartan patterns exist?
The number of registered tartan patterns is constantly growing, reflecting a rich cultural heritage. Each design often carries historical significance, representing families, regions, or organizations, making the world of tartan incredibly diverse and deeply rooted in identity.
How popular is plaid in contemporary fashion?
The enduring popularity of plaid in fashion is a testament to its timeless appeal and adaptability. Designers consistently reinterpret the pattern, incorporating it into new silhouettes and color palettes, making it a perennial favorite that transcends seasonal trends and cultural boundaries.
What is the difference between tartan and plaid?
In essence, all tartan is plaid, but not all plaid is tartan. Tartan carries a cultural and historical significance tied to Scottish heritage, with each design having a name and meaning. Plaid is a broader term for the pattern itself, regardless of its origin or specific cultural association.
Mad for Plaid Month Activities
Incorporate plaid into your outfit
What better way to celebrate the pattern than to wear it? Grab your favorite plaid piece from your closet and style it with pride!
Rewatch media with iconic plaid outfits
Be it “Friends” or “Clueless,” pull up a movie or T.V. show that features an iconic plaid outfit and get watching. You never know when outfit inspiration may strike!
Learn how to weave the pattern
If you’ve been looking to pick up a new hobby, maybe begin learning how to weave. A month in front of the loom may leave you knowing the basics of how to weave a plaid fabric.
5 Interesting Facts About Plaid
Plaid comes from the Gaelic word ‘Plaide’
The latter refers to a blanket or an outer layer.
A craze in 19th century America
In mid-1800s Pennsylvania, the Woolrich Woolen Mills began producing the red-and-black Buffalo Check Plaid shirt, which became a hit with workers trying to keep warm.
Plaid has been to the moon
Astronaut Alan Bean traveled to the moon on November 19, 1969, and took half a yard of MacBean family tartan with him.
34 American states have official tartans
34 states of the U.S. have their official tartans as a way to recognize Scottish-American citizens.
‘Plaid’ is Welsh for ‘party’
Though the etymology of the word is Gaelic, ‘plaid,’ coincidentally, is also the Welsh word for ‘party.’
Why We Love Mad for Plaid Month
It gives us a chance to celebrate an iconic pattern
Mad for Plaid Month allows us to celebrate a closet staple. Considering how ubiquitous the pattern is, celebrating it only feels right.
It gives us an excuse to wear more plaid
Plaid is a delightful look. Any situation that gives us an excuse to wear plaid is a welcome one.
It highlights the interesting history of the pattern
Plaid has a very interesting history. Mad for Plaid Month and its emphasis on the pattern allows the opportunity to look up the pattern.
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