On its company website, Woolrich says the designer of the iconic plaid owned a herd of buffalo, and thus used the name for his brainchild. But the design could have had its roots in the 18th century.

You’ll also need to choose a plaid pattern that complements your tree’s theme, whether it’s a classic red and green or a more subtle buffalo check. Woodland Plaid Creatures.

The buffalo plaid pattern was also deployed across a range of gauzy tulle dresses and skirts to surprising effect. It was as if, by redeploying patterns traditionally associated with heavy-duty, ...