What is the Difference Between Plaid and Flannel?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between plaid and flannel lies in the fact that flannel is a fabric, while plaid is a pattern. Although they are often used together, they are not the same thing. Here are some key points to understand the difference:
- Flannel: Flannel is a warm, comfortable fabric, traditionally made of wool but also commonly made of cotton. It is brushed to produce extra fine fibers for added warmth and softness. Flannel is a popular material for winter apparel, such as shirts, jackets, and accessories, as well as household items like sheets, comforters, and blankets.
- Plaid: Plaid is a pattern, originating in Scotland, where it is called tartan. It consists of crisscrossing horizontal and vertical bands of color, which can be found in various fabrics, including flannel. Plaid is the most common pattern on flannel, but flannel can also come in a variety of patterns or solid colors.
In summary, you can have a plaid flannel, but plaid and flannel are not the same. Flannel is the fabric, and plaid is the pattern.
Comparative Table: Plaid vs Flannel
The main difference between plaid and flannel lies in the fact that plaid is a pattern, while flannel is a fabric. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:
| Feature | Plaid | Flannel |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Plaid is a pattern featuring criss-crossing lines of varying spacing, broadness, and complexity. | Flannel is a loose-weave fabric, often made of cotton or wool, that has been brushed to create extra fine fibers. |
| Origin | Plaid originated in Scotland, where it is called tartan. | Flannel originated in 17th-century Wales. |
| Material | Plaid is not a material but a pattern type that can be printed or woven, regardless of the medium. | Flannel is made from different materials, originally from wool, but now more popular in cotton. |
| Construction/Design | Plaid is a design that can appear in any number of fabrics and colors. | Specialized metal brushes are drawn across the fabric, raising some of the smaller fibrous, "fuzzy" bits. |
| Popular Use | Plaid is a classic fabric pattern that is universally recognized. | Flannel is known for its softness and warmth, making it a popular material for the cool seasons. |
In summary, plaid is a pattern that can be found in various fabrics, while flannel is a specific material known for its softness and warmth. Although plaid and flannel are often paired together, they are not the same thing.