National Tartan Day

All tartans are plaid.  

That said, not all plaids are tartans.  

So what's the difference?  Well a tartan is a specific type of plaid design that is specific to a family clan, a place or even a military unit.  There is even a registry that notes the specifics of the design as to the colours and threads that cross each other.  

Not so for plaids.  Here in North America a plaid refers to any fabric that has a crossed checkered design.  

And did you know that Canadian provinces and the territories have their own tartans? So even if your heritage is not Scottish you can wear your local tartan to observe national tartan day.  Although, many provincial "tartans" fabrics found online are actually printed cottons.  Guess that would make it a plaid. 

Stay Safe and Happy National Tartan Day!