Check yourself before you wreck yourself by confusing the different plaids and checks! There are so many different types, I thought it was a good idea to get together a little guide for the plaid impaired. From Glen plaid to houndstooth, tattersall to windowpane, let’s take a look at the ins and outs of checks and plaids.

 

Gingham

Gingham is a checkered pattern, usually white and a color. The stripes are horizontal and vertical, of the same color, placed over a white background. Below are just two of Mood’s Gingham Fabric.

Gingham is a malleable pattern, as it fits well in every season. Whether it’s a summer picnic, picking apples in the fall, sitting in front of a fire in the winter, or even gardening in the spring. Wear gingham in a matching set, like Boss’ Fall 2017 collection, or use it as an accent under a chambray button up.

 

Buffalo Check

Buffalo check looks like very large gingham, almost to the point where it looks like individual repetitive blocks rather than a checkered pattern. Below are some of Mood’s selection of Buffalo Check Fabrics.

Charcoal Buffalo Checks Blended WoveBuffalo check is a quintessential fall pattern, perfect for long dresses and cozy button downs. Available in a multitude of colors, this print is versatile too! Although it makes a great focal point, it’s also an excellent accent, whether it’s a belt of buffalo plaid, or even a hair accessory or necklace!

 

Glen Plaid/Prince of Wales Check

Glen plaid is most commonly found in suits. A twill pattern, it contains broken checks where groups of alternating dark and light stripes cross each other to create a pattern of small and large checks. This is typically done with a muted color and white.

Glen plaid may be a suit special, but designers like Akris and Aganovich show that glen plaid is suitable for many garments. Akris’ sheer glen plaid is a funky twist on this classic pattern, while Aganovich’s skirt and blazer takes busy business attire from basic to boisterous.

Graph Check

Graph checks look like, well, graph paper. Solid, thin, single-colored stripes cross each other to form even and small-sized checks. Below are just some of Mood’s Graph Check Fabric.

Blue and White Graph Check 100% Cotton ShirtingGraph checks may look like gridlock, but you’ll be anything but stuck in graph check garments. Any time of the year, graph check is a good choice. Get professional in a skirt suit of graph checks, or stay warm in a coat like Audra’s graph check coat.

Houndstooth

Houndstooth is a derivative of Shepherd’s check. The checks are broken and pointy-shaped. Although traditionally black and white, houndstooth is now done in a variety of colors. Check out some of Mood’s Houndstooth Fabrics.

A quintessential pattern, houndstooth is popular in the fall in its original black and white fashion, but houndstooth’s recent foray into colors has made it the perfect pattern for the summer season. A bathing suit of bright houndstooth is the perfect statement piece, while a sundress in orange and white houndstooth is great for relaxing at the drive-in.

Madras

Madras features different colored stripes that cross each other to form uneven checks. It’s typically a preppy pattern, as the bright colors and patched pattern lends itself to an upbeat atmosphere.

This preppy pattern is perfect for picking peonies and participating in summer parades. Bright colored madras are a perfect statement piece, while a muted madras makes for a stunning scarf. Thom Browne’s depiction of madras makes for the perfect business attire, while Esteban Cortazar’s madras is meant for relaxing outside on a summer evening.

Mini-Check

Mini-check is a very small, even sized checkered pattern. It is typically one color with white, and although it is similar to gingham, it is much smaller. Mini-checks are more casual than stripes, but dressier than large checks. These are just some of Mood’s Mini-Checks.

Mini-checks make for the perfect party attire, as their dressy look is a great way to feel comfortable at a classy party. Although it may look like a great shirting, mini-checks can also be fashioned into a dress or cardigan. The Brock Collection pairs two different colored mini-checks, while Adam Selman fashions mini-checks into a long button down that goes great with purple socks.

Pin Check

Pin check has pin sized stripes that cross to form tiny checks that look like dots. It is typically one color with white. Peruse some of Mood’s Pin Checks.

Pin check’s small pattern makes it an excellent accent, as it isn’t overstated. A suit of pin check takes professional to the next level, while a bodysuit or romper of pin check makes a dazzlingly dizzying and distracting ensemble. Pin check’s versatile colors mean it can match with any outfit, so wear pin check to a wedding or family picnic.

Shepherd’s Check

Shepherd’s Check is a twill weave of small, even-sized, colored checks. It resembles gingham check, but the visible twill weave distinguishes it. It was worn by shepherds in the Scottish hills, which is where it got its name. Check out some of Mood’s Shepherd’s Check.

Shepherd’s Check is perfect for coats and jackets, almost as if the patterns help keep you warm! But this flannel favorite isn’t simply for fall, it’s perfect for midsummer night bonfires or rainy spring days spent at the library. A.L.C.’s simple shepherd’s check jacket is great for throwing on to run to the coffee shop, while Akris’ thicker coat is perfect for a moonlit stroll on a chilly November evening during the first snow of the season, a light one of course.

Tartan Plaid

Tartan Plaid may look familiar, which is because it is the pattern of Scottish kilts. Vertical and horizontal or diagonal stripes cross each other to form different sized checks. Take a look at Mood’s collection of Tartan Plaid.

Italian Aqua Metallic Tartan Plaid Cotton VoileAlthough it’s the pattern of kilts, that doesn’t mean you need one to wear this plaid. Tartan plaid is a casual pattern, and great for button ups. Baja East takes tartan to new levels with a matching tartan ensemble, and Balenciaga’s tartan coat is completed wonderfully with a golden brooch.

Tattersall

Tattersall is a check pattern that consists of thin, regularly spaced stripes in alternating colors that are repeated both horizontally and vertically. The stripes often come in two different colors and are usually darker than the background color. Peruse some of Mood’s Tattersall.

Tattersall’s white background and thin lines are reminiscent of the 90’s. The light colors are great for summer days, and a suit of tattersall is perfect for a summer wedding, while a coat of tattersall takes this pattern into the colder months. Pair tattersall with a chunky tie or little black dress to complete this look.

Windowpane Check

Windowpane check resembles the pattern of window panes. The stripes are thicker and farther apart than the pattern found in graph checks. Look through Mood’s Windowpane Check.

Windowpane check’s rigid lines and firm structures may sound overbearing, but the rules make it fun. Combine funky colors to experiment with different looks. Akris’ sheer windowpane checks is an edgy way to play with this pattern, while AG’s thicker lined flannel is a great accessory for any casual outfit.

Are you just peachy for plaid? Do you check out checks? Let us know in the comments!