Difference between plaid and flannel is a bit hard to understand because plaid and flannel often go together. Hence, it often causes the erroneous belief that both are print patterns. These terms are seldom used interchangeably simply for the reason that the soft cotton usually used to make flannel shirts bear the design of the typical black and red plaid print. That is why most people seem to believe that both plaid and flannel refer to the same. However, once you realize that one is a pattern while the other is a type of fabric, it will no longer be difficult for you to tell one from the other. Let us see what the fabric flannel is and what the pattern plaid is.
What is Plaid?
Plaid is believed to be originated from Scotland where it is commonly called as tartan. It is highly identifiable because of its criss-cross horizontal and vertical stripes coming in various colors, though most of the shades are close to red and black. These unevenly spaced stripes, which were used as identification of regions and clans, appear in repeated patterns that are often at right angle from each other. This pattern you will see as a number of squares in different colours. The colours of the squares, though different, go with each other. For example, brown and black. This pattern is very common nowadays. Also, this pattern has a very beautiful appearance. It is also suitable for both males and females.
What is Flannel?
Flannel, on the other hand, was first produced in Wales in the 1600s. It used to be purely made of wool, but was later furnished with a combination of silk, cotton, and other synthetic fabrics. Widely used in the 1990s, this variety of cloth has been associated to grudge music. Owing to the warmth and comfort it can provide, flannel became a common material for winter clothing. A lot of flannel shirts have plaid pattern on them. That is the main reason for people thinking plaid and flannel refer to the same thing. You will see that a flannel shirt with a plaid pattern is very attractive because of the plaid pattern. At the same time, it is very comfortable because of the flannel material. So, they have a good demand.
What is the difference between Plaid and Flannel?
Today, plaid and flannel have become an unbeatable tandem but, though they share so much in common, they exist as separate entities on their own rights. Plaid would always remain to be a pattern, while flannel is a fabric material in which plaid looks best at. So flannel would never be plaid, and plaid by no means would be flannel. To set the differences further, flannel is usually linked to a lumberjack appeal, whereas plaid is not just for the flannel-wearing as it is made to fit every style of demographic existent.
• Plaid is a pattern while flannel is a fabric.
• Plaid is identifiable because of its criss-cross horizontal and vertical stripes coming in various colors; flannel is characterized for its warm and comforting feel.
You can see plaid pattern on flannel. This is why most people confuse plaid and flannel as the same. Plaid and flannel are similar to a set of brothers who does not necessarily have to be identical persons. This combination must have been a match made in heaven for they are bound to be of androgynous, preppy, and practical finish.
Images Courtesy:
- Plaid by CC BY-SA 3.0)
- Flannels by