Let’s talk plaid. Like the timeless plain white T-shirt or a classic pair of blue jeans, who doesn’t have a plaid flannel in their closet? Plaid is one of the most important print trends across all fabrications, whether apparel, accesories or home goods, according to Kristin Slinn of Boxercraft (asi/41325). Right now, the hottest version of this classic print is buffalo plaid, described by Slinn as the “most traditional plaid print” and a “color-block version of plaid.”


This ladies plus essential flannel shirt (PF50RBB) from Boxercraft is a wardrobe classic.

Buffalo plaid is another trend riding on the ’90s nostalgia wave. “We’re really romanticizing that decade as a society,” says Vicki Ostrom of SanMar (asi/84863). “We think of it as the last decade where we can actually define the styles that were worn.” Like the grunge look – with its combat boots and signature buffalo plaid flannel button-downs.

Today, the boxy pattern is embraced as haute couture, with Dior parading the print down fall and winter 2019 runways. Even fashion designer Marc Jacobs has resurrected his infamous 1993 Grunge Collection for Perry Ellis, which also features buffalo plaid pieces.

Way before it became high fashion, buffalo plaid was worn not to look hot, but to keep warm. Legend credits outdoor apparel company Woolrich Woolen Mills for creating the beloved buffalo plaid pattern shirt in the 1850s; the pattern’s quirky name was apparently created by the designer who owned a herd of pet buffalo. And while the buffalo pattern button-down was a wardrobe essential for outdoorsmen braving the elements, it was folklore figure Paul Bunyan who propelled the shirt into the spotlight, making it the signature look of the American lumberjack.

From Bunyan to legendary Nirvana front man Kurt Cobain, the unmistakable red-and-black checkered buffalo plaid print has clearly woven itself into American pop culture. So what makes it so appealing to the fashion masses? According to Slinn, it’s the pattern’s ability to work with unisex trends. Its appeal also stems from people gravitating toward a simple and basic approach to fashion, says George Keppler of Brew City Brand (asi/41730). “Consumers aren’t motivated by kitsch and novelty as much as they were years ago,” Keppler says. “Buffalo plaid is a classic fashion statement.”

Another factor, according to Ostrom, is a renewed fascination with outdoorsy Western style and the ascendance of the sustainability movement. “Buffalo plaid tends to be very well made and therefore sustainable,” Ostrom says. “That’s attractive to those interested in supporting the circular fashion economy.”

And the buffalo has been roaming outside of fashion. Both Christina Marcantelli of S&S Activewear (asi/84358) and Ostrom say the trend is gaining momentum in home décor. According to Marcantelli, “shabby chic home décor” has been gaining popularity over several seasons. “Millennials want to have a stylish and trendy home, and buffalo plaid fits the bill,” Ostrom says.

But millennials don’t own the buffalo plaid trend exclusively. Buffalo plaid transcends generations. “This back-to-basics approach seems to be resonating with both young and older generations,” Keppler says. “And when you can get multiple generations buying into the same fashion trend then you have something.”

Buffalo plaid is an easy pattern for distributors and decorators to work with because it can be scaled smaller or larger without compromising the overall look and integrity of the pattern, Slinn says. Embroidery is a go-to method for decorating buffalo plaid, according to Mark Bailey and Jason Murphy of SanMar. You don’t have to stay traditional, however. “Don’t be afraid to try something exciting and flashy like oversized graphics or glitter,” Slinn says.