A fly plaid is an added form of a pleated cloth in the same tartan as the kilt, cast over the left shoulder and fastened in front of the shoulder with a plaid brooch. It is commonly worn during the evening, particularly for formal activities and other special events, such as weddings, dining, and other celebrations.
It can be a square piece of fringed tartan cloth anywhere from 36"X 36" up to 50"X 50", with the most common size being 40"X40". It is used as a modern alternative to the more traditional small or "Drummers Plaid" which belts around the waist.
To wear the fly plaid, run the plaid through the left epaulet of the jacket, if it has them, so the corner comes to about the level of the left nipple. The brooch should be the type with the standard pin on the back. The thick pin type is for the "full (piper's) plaid". It should be pinned through the jacket just below the left shoulder. The rest hangs down the back. The "drummer's plaid" is longer and tucked under the belt.
