Do You Need a Day Plaid? Should You Buy an Inverness Cape? No, really 

An Inverness Cape is an absolute MUST for a gentleman's highland wardrobe, so go for the full tweed if your budget allows, or else a lighter, rainproof version (in say, black), or preferably both. But not the cheap lightweight/roll up cape variety that crease and look like a garbage bag. The trad tweed cape/kilt is ideal for a fashion statement, look amazing and absolutely unbeatable for really cold days, but they are heavy, thick and too warm for milder weathers. A lighter cape is more practical for most mild-to-cold, wet days for wearing over your highland outfit. I've only seen day plaids worn at highland games, but why not have one as long as it matches your tartan? For walking or hiking in cold weather I generally wear a duffle, or perhaps a fawn colour military coat. For camping, an apron over the kilt (as in WW1 Scots soldiers) is ideal for protecting the kilt, especially when cooking. Finally, always wear a bonnet and stout walking stick, also a spare pair of hose. And have haggis, neeps, tatties wait'n for ye at the end of a long, cold walk. Simmering in a slow cooker, enough for the dogs too!

I’ve worn both day plaids and Inverness capes, and agree that day plaids are a better bang for your buck, though an Inverness rain cape is somewhat of an exception. Inverness rain capes, while not directly solving heat retention issues anywhere nearly as much as a day plaid (or especially a wool cape), can work well as keeping oneself dry, and don’t cost nearly as much as their woolen counterparts. Their design can also make it possible to wear over a warm coat with thick sleeves (as Inverness Capes have no sleeves, which does stand in contrast to Inverness Coats that do have sleeves). Some come with straps in the upper, cape part, which for me have helped manage its flowiness. The garment also squishes down pretty small.

You could use a ruana, which is cheaper than an Inverness cape. It's more from spanish background (I think South America?). But it's quite practical and I bought one from Ireland made of tweed, with a simple hering bone and overcheck patern. Wore it almost every day last winter. Was using a heavy tweed plaid as a coat as well, which could be used as a blanket, but I think the ruana looks more contemporary in my humble opinion. The way a ruana is made is so simple, that it's easy to make yourself one out of tartan or tweed fabric.

An Inverness cape pairs well with a deerstalker cap and a giant magnifying lens. "The game's afoot, Watson!" 😁

Day Plaid is the man's version of a wrap? I love a good wrap! As a woman, I can use it as a scarf, a shoulder wrap, a lap blanket, something to sit on on a cold bench... an Inverness rain cape though is amazing for men & women! Super useful, keeps you dry & therefore warm & cozy. I could see such a thing being great if you walk a lot of places regardless of the weather. It's certainly an investment piece. You wear it for the next 30+ years obviously.

On a somewhat side note, if you could get a day plaid thats lighter, you could wrap it around yourself kilt of like a Sashe, and have the rest lay on the back like a Fly Plaid. I know its not in style for guys to wear Sashes anymore, but I'll continue to advocate for it because I like the look.

For some reason I never get bored of these guys dunking on day plaids. It doesn't matter how many times they say it.

I like them both.

My favourite is the Inverness, but there are lighter Pipers’ Inverness styles too. Thinking outside the box, the Outback coat used to be popular, rainproof and warm, but please don’t wear a cowboy hat or boots. Wear a tweed cap and hiking boots. Neither of the ones mentioned are as expensive, but they are a bit more casual.

+USAKiltsOfficial *Thanks for the stylist perspective.* Bias-cut Tartan Inverness capes, which I'd order to match woolen Five- and Eight-Yards (potentially _Triubhas_ hose), approach the _Feiladh mór_ in compliance with contemporary apparel codes. The day plaid I consider as casual for instances where uniform is optional.

I would love to get an Inverness Cape, but I don't think I could wear it to very many places. Also I live in the Desert Southwest and while it does get quite cold in the winter (mornings below freezing) it would just be too awkward. Shame, because I think the look is cool. I'm an avid hiker and always take enough of a day pack that I can spend an uncomfortable night out (no, that wasn't a mistake) if needs be. An Inverness Cape is a total no-go for hiking with a pack. I do have a 'rain kilt' to cover the lower half just in case. I do have a heavy wool full circle cloak with a cowl hood but I never go anywhere in it. It's great for curling up on the sofa with a good book by the fire on a cold winter night. Totally impractical for hiking.... that thing must weigh at least 10 lbs.!

He may be thinking of an actual cape, as a wrap to throw around his shoulders. Perhaps one that is waist length vs knee/mid-calf length - it would be more similar in amount if fabric to a day plaid. That said, a day plaid may be more versatile. Depends on style he likes best.

You want to go hiking? You're not that far from the Blue Ridge. We want pictures of how YOU go hiking! David

Please lots of pictures for those of us who don’t know the vernacular.

I had a cloak very much like an Inverness cloak. You can wear it with almost anything.

Inverness capes are great but not really for hiking where it could get snagged by brambles or muddied. Hey shoot me if you like, but how about a Welsh cape?

For the poor man there's always the fleece blankets you can pick up at the dollar store for a few bucks. They aren't traditional but they are light, warm and affordable and I have seen some in tartan style (assuredly not authentic) patterns.

I think a diagonal, regimental day plaid… wrapped around the shoulder and under the arm is the classiest form of wearing the day plaid. I absolutely hate fly plaids, and think they will date very poorly in 20 years or so. I’m Scottish, and live centrally in Edinburgh. I have seen all types of highland dress, and the military does it best.