A Brief History of Buffalo Plaid
No matter what the trend, a buffalo plaid shirt never goes out of style. With origins dating back to the 1800’s in Scotland, this type of plaid was originally brought to America in the form of warm blankets. Later popularized by Woolrich and traditionally red and black, buffalo plaid consists of two colored yarns woven in stripes to create large intersecting blocks.
WHEN AND WHERE SHOULD YOU WEAR BUFFALO PLAID?
You can rest assured that a buffalo check shirt is something that won’t go out of style. Whether you’re a rugged outdoorsman or a city dweller in search of some extra warmth, this is a look that you can certainly work with as the weather gets colder. At flagandanthem.com we have the buffalo plaid Harrells Shirt available for those seeking this quintessential look!
WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF BUFFALO PLAID?
The Harrells Shirt has been one of our top sellers throughout our young history dating back to the Fall of 2016. It has become a staple in our line and is now available in four different colors: choose between black, maroon, red, and blue on our shirts page. Purchase one or all four colors of the classic pattern to wear throughout the Fall and Winter. The Harrells Shirt is created from a super soft cotton flannel material that will be sure to keep you warm on those cold days ahead. Whether it’s worn as an outer layer during a brisk day or under a heavy coat on a frigid night, you’ll certainly be comfortable in this soft and toasty shirt.
WHY IS IT CALLED BUFFALO PLAID?
Lastly, you may be wondering why buffalo plaid is in fact called “buffalo plaid?” It sure is an interesting name and there are two widely accepted yet contrasting stories. One is that Jock McClusky, a direct descendent of Clan MacGregor, who brought the Rob Roy tartan to North America, was also the proud owner of a herd of buffalo. The other is that Woolrich first released the buffalo check shirt in 1850 when founder John Rich traveled throughout Pennsylvania in a mule cart selling the warm flannel shirts to wives of lumberjacks. Coincidentally, he was also the owner of a buffalo herd giving the pattern its’ name.
Whether or not you think Jock McClusky came up with the style or that John Rich is the inventor, buffalo plaid shirts are not going anywhere any time soon. Take a look at some of our men's Buffalo Plaid Shirts, here.
*Much of our historical buffalo plaid information can be found in Urban Daddy, The Reed, and the Scottish Tartan Authority.