The Appeal of Plaid Pants

Retro-chic, biker-hip or traditionally classic, plaid pants have enthralled the fashion-conscious for decades. They cross the generations and social strata. They appeal to the teenager and grandparent. They are worn for work, school, or play.  Both genders love them. They are never boring; rather, they spice up an average day, adding pizzazz to a sleepy moment. They have an aura of comfort and respectability. They are traditional enough for the golf course--and funky enough for a night of dancing to seventies’ music-from your living room to a New York club.

Flannel plaid pajamas, or the soft Flannel Friday long-sleeved shirt from high school, evoke comfort with a little brightness. Plaid is a fabric print that most people are comfortable with; it can be completely casual or dressy enough for an interview; worn by the preppy or punk teen; it can be arranged to look hip or spartan. One thing is consistent with plaid; it’s never boring. There’s always activity in the lines, boxes, and play of colors-whether it’s a large boxy print with loose lines, or one with tightly connected boxes; the colors and movement are playing-within an organized pattern. Plaid pants always stand out.

Traditional Scottish tartan prints are a stylish standby. Although they’re popular in skirts and kilts, they make beautiful pants for either gender.  The tartan-styled cloth is highly respectable, and it’s appropriate for most occasions.  It evokes a more modern approach to a timeless fashion. There are the true tartans, created for Scottish nobility; then, there are patterns based on, or created along the theme of, the tartan. If you’re looking for woolen styles, I recommend Pendleton woolen mills for their high-quality fabrics.

A popular design for plaid pants comes in women’s leggings. In Lycra or in tapered fabric, like spicy skinny jeans-they’re perfect to wear under a bulky sweater. Just pair a solid color on top. Plaid pants are a fashion standby for the classic look. They look great in the office, or for a walk in the park. People can personalize the colors and fabric. Are you looking for wool, linen or cotton? Blue and white, or bright green pants? They are lovely in spring pastels-and cropped as capris. A good pair of red, green, or blue plaid pants brightens the winter. They look great in almost every color-from orange to turquoise, purple to navy, or yellow to bright pink.

Plaid pants are perfect for a stroll through a European or urban square, to sit on a bench and feed the pigeons, or to go to the beach and lounge in the sand. Drawstring casual pants are best for the beach; they can be slipped on over a swimsuit, if it gets a little chilly. They are nice for hiking along the Cape. Plaid pants are traditional but can be jazzed up, to reveal the sparkle of the personality of the person wearing them.