Plaid shirt: not only for lumberjacks

Who would have thought the plaid shirt – beloved by hipsters, rock stars, and bushcraft enthusiasts alike – spans more than three thousand years of history? This classic wardrobe staple, now synonymous with casual style, is deeply embedded in Scottish culture. It once symbolized strength and tradition. How did the plaid shirt reach city streets, festival stages, and fashion runways worldwide? Let’s take a journey through its fascinating evolution.

Capes from the Scottish highlands

“Plaid” is often used interchangeably with “tartan,” although they originally referred to different things. Tartan describes the woven patterns of stripes. Plaid refers to the heavy wool fabric often worn by Scottish highlanders as capes or blankets. The earliest examples of tartan date back over 3,000 years! By the Middle Ages, plaid had become widely used by Scots. Local weavers created distinctive patterns using natural dyes from the environment, providing camouflage for hunters. The significance of plaid grew in the 18th centur. Then it became associated with Scottish military uniforms in conflicts like the Jacobite uprising. However, after the Battle of Culloden in 1746, civilians were banned from wearing plaid to suppress Scottish culture. 

Image: An oil painting by David Morier titled “An Incident in the Rebellion of 1745” (circa 1746–1765). It depicts the Battle of Culloden. On the left side, Scottish soldiers are visible wearing uniforms with characteristic tartan patterns.
Source: The Battle of Culloden – Battle of Culloden – Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Plaid’s transatlantic journey to America

Plaid’s journey to America began in the late 18th century when Scottish emigrants brought their weaving traditions. The plaid fabric gained popularity among various groups, including lumberjacks, who appreciated its durability and warmth. One significant moment in plaid’s American success was the introduction of “buffalo plaid”. It’s characterized by bold red and black intersecting stripes. This pattern is often credited to Woolrich Woolen Mills in Pennsylvania. They produced clothing for lumberjacks during the 19th-century lumber boom. 

Image: Example of the „buffalo plaid”.
Source: Javier Canales, Unsplash

Plaid’s conquest of pop culture

In the 20th century, plaid shirts symbolized various cultural movements. In the 1960s, they gained popularity thanks to surf rock bands like The Beach Boys. The versatility of this fabric earned it recognition from both the working class and high-fashion models. The punk movement of the late 70s and early 80s gave plaid a rebellious image. Shredded plaid shirts symbolized resistance to established norms, while films like Clueless showcased plaid in a preppy context. This duality allowed plaid to remain relevant across different communities. Its position was solidified in the 90s with the rise of grunge music, thanks to the iconic bands of Seattle’s “Big Four” – Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Soundgarden. Every grunge fan had a plaid shirt in their wardrobe, mimicking the style of their music idols. 

Image: Eddie Vedder in plaid shirt during Pearl Jam concert in 2016.
Source: File:Pearl Jam Philadelphia 2016 02.JPG – Wikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 4.0

Plaid shirt at Helikon-Tex

The plaid pattern continues to evolve while maintaining its historical roots. Also, its versatility makes it suitable for various styles – from casual shirts and workwear to high fashion. At Helikon-Tex, we love combining functionality with iconic elements. Because of that our collection wouldn’t be complete without plaid shirts for various applications. 

Defender Mk2 – for the city or the woods

The Defender Mk2 is an improved version of our classic long-sleeve shirt from the Urban Line. We’ve created several types of Defenders for different activities, with two plaid-patterned versions available – one for bushcraft and one with an urban style. 

Defender Mk2 City

A classic in a modern, low-profile design. The shirt is lightweight, flexible, and breathable, with mesh panels under the arms to ensure comfort in hot weather. Its anatomical fit doesn’t restrict movement, and the practical pockets – external ones with hook & loop and hidden Napoleon pockets with YKK® zippers – hold all your essentials. You’ll also appreciate other details for everyday use, like the glasses loop and the non-curling collar. 

Defender Mk2 Pilgrim

Perfect for outdoor and bushcraft activities. Made from a lightweight blend of nylon and soft DuPont Sorona® polyester, it feels like flannel to the touch. No need to worry about unpleasant odors – this shirt doesn’t absorb them, and the UPF50 index protects you from harmful UV rays. The practical chest pockets can store your small EDC items, and you can attach your glasses to the dedicated loop. This shirt is a must-have for any adventurer. 

Trip Shirt – fit for the tropics

The Trip Shirt is an ultra-lightweight, breathable garment perfect for activities in high temperatures. It’s made from a quick-drying, breathable fabric that keeps you comfortable even when it’s hot. The stand-up collar with an extended flap protects your neck from the sun, and the back vents and large mesh panels under the arms ensure excellent ventilation. Discreet chest pockets with concealed zippers blend seamlessly with the plaid pattern, and you have additional side pockets for keys or other small items. Inside, there’s a microfiber panel to clean your glasses. With this shirt, every trip will be a success, even in the tropics. 

Winter Warden – your winter warmth guardian

Now for the opposite extreme: the Winter Warden shirt, with 60 g/m² insulation, is designed for fall and winter bushcraft adventures. It’s made with quick-drying synthetic materials and lightweight insulation, making it ideal for situations where a winter jacket is too much but more than a windbreaker or anorak is needed. You’ll have seven pockets for your EDC: two large pockets for gloves or a hat, two chest pockets, two hand pockets, and one flat pocket for small items. Reinforcements on the shoulders protect against abrasion and moisture, while the classic snap-button closure adds a touch of old-school style. 

Greyman – the professional of the urban jungle

The term “Greyman” refers to someone who blends into the crowd. Our Greyman Shirt is designed for covert operations in the city’s heart. Inspired by classic men’s flannel shirts, the Greyman is free of tactical-looking details. It appear completely ordinary, but it holds much more beneath the surface. The shirt surprises with a hidden internal pocket with a zipper and a special glasses loop. It also have a microfiber cloth for cleaning optical gear, subtly incorporated into one side. Want to know more about the discreet Greyman? Check it out here.

Covert Concealed Carry – where speed and reliability matter

The Covert Concealed Carry Shirt is an intelligent solution for those who need to carry a concealed weapon while ensuring quick access in an emergency. At first glance, it’s a classic men’s shirt in a subtle plaid pattern. What’s hidden? Snap buttons disguised as regular buttons allow rapid opening with a single motion. The chest pockets also feature snaps disguised as buttons, and an additional Napoleon pocket with a concealed YKK® zipper can hold your valuables. The anatomical fit with a pleat at the back doesn’t restrict movement. It also makes it easier to assume a shooting stance. Other thoughtful details, like the glasses loop and internal microfiber cloth for cleaning them, make this shirt a reliable companion in action. There’s also a short-sleeve version of the Covert Concealed Carry shirt for warm days. 

MBDU Flannel – built for the range

The MBDU Flannel Shirt, inspired by the MBDU uniform jacket, is designed for dynamic shooting, urban, or bushcraft use. Made from breathable, durable polyester fabric with side inserts of VersaStretch® knit, it provides full freedom of movement. The material has antibacterial properties and a UPF50 rating. Also, zippered chest and arm pockets hold essential gear. Soft hook & loop panels on the arms allow for personalization. The shirt is fastened with stylish Canadian buttons, and the collar design prevents it from curling during wear. Want to see our other range bestsellers? Check them out here.

Marigold – a versatile shirt for active women

Last but not least in our plaid collection is the women’s Marigold Shirt. It’s made from a lightweight, soft, breathable polyester and nylon blend with 24% DuPont Sorona® fibers. It’s perfect for outdoor adventures and everyday wear. The tailored, anatomical cut flatters the figure without restricting movement. The shirt fastens with buttons, and for your EDC, you have six pockets: two classic chest pockets, two hip pockets discreetly hidden in the seams with YKK® zippers, and two internal hip pockets. Comfort features include a collar that doesn’t curl during wear. Also, an internal microfiber cloth for cleaning glasses, and a loop for hanging the shirt. Want to explore our entire women’s collection? Browse here!

Each one unique, all with something special

When selecting plaid patterns, we aim for varied fabrics suited to the shirt’s purpose. Bold, striking plaid works well with our gear’s rugged bushcraft character, while smaller patterns fit perfectly into casual urban style. You also have plenty of colors to choose from. 

A plaid shirt is a unique symbol that blends history, culture, and design. At Helikon-Tex, we love these iconic garments, and you can find all of our functional and tactical interpretations of the plaid shirt here.