What’s the Difference Between Gingham and Plaid?

When we think of plaid, ’90s-era grunge bands or vinyl-toting hipsters come to mind. Gingham evokes images of a slightly preppier, more conservative guy—possibly with Starbucks or a Baby Björn. Both have their style merits, but how can you tell apart these two patterns? The first step is understanding that didn’t start out as patterns, but rather as materials. 

Long ago, plaid was a length of wool cloth with a now-familiar tartan pattern (asymmetrical horizontal and vertical lines in multiple colors with names like Black Watch and Mackenzie) used in traditional Northern English and Scottish garbs. The latter type was rendered in thousands of styles unique to each clan, or family. The material’s name eventually became synonymous with its intricate pattern and was produced in other materials, leaving its original meaning behind. 

Although it carries less historical significance than plaid, gingham started the same way: a cotton or linen cloth that was most often seen with symmetrical, overlapping stripes of the same color that creates a checkered pattern. It’s the symmetry and single color that set gingham apart from plaid. Today, it’s also more closely associated with its uniform pattern than the material it’s made from. 

Plaid and gingham are still go-to patterns for guys and can be worn to formal and informal occasions alike. A finer Glen Plaid works great as a standout suit pattern, and smaller gingham patterns work especially well as a shirt worn under a solid suit. Large iterations of both patterns work well in everyday shirts, coats, and—if you’re feeling bold—pants. But beware: only wear one of these bold prints at a time or people will once again focus on the patterns and completely forget the rest