By Christina Bivona, News Staff

It’s for cowboys and bad boys, truckers and hipsters. You can wear it in winter or rock it in the spring. And although the women in your life might not love seeing it all the time, there is an unspoken acceptance of this sacred garment.

The Word:

The plaid shirt can do no wrong. It is the proper attire for any occasion, because it doesn’t care if it’s under-dressed. Paired with jeans, it isn’t trying to impress – it doesn’t have to, it’s just there to enjoy the ride. It could even show up late to the party if it wanted.

The plaid shirt picks its owner wisely. It’s worn by the boy next door, the average Joe, a simple man. It is the symbol of comfort and certainty, embraced by the manliest of men. A cold beer in one hand and a girl wrapped around its sleeve, it hangs confidently on its owner, a button undone at the top.

The plaid shirt never gets tangled up over silly matters. It doesn’t care about the little things. It is anything but dramatic. It only believes in wholesome causes like which football team is better or what to eat for dinner tonight.

The plaid shirt does not get intimidated; it knows who is boss. A solid, crisp button down doesn’t hold the same worth or versatility.Yet it welcomes the company of a big hooded sweatshirt for warmth in the winter months or a sports jacket when it’s feeling fancy.

The plaid shirt is gentle and kind. It’s there when you need it. It’s always reliable. It will lovingly wrap its sleeves around you in a protective hug and cause no harm unless threatened.

The plaid shirt knows how to have a good time. A short ride in a pick-up truck is just the lift it needs. It enjoys the occasional country concert, rock show or even simple ride down the street on a skateboard, unbuttoned so it can relish in the breeze.

The plaid shirt is not fussy. It does not have to be hung up. It enjoys chilling on the floor with all your other clothes – there’s more room to spread out down there anyway. It may look worn out with all its rips, holes and stains, but that’s just from experience. It is wise beyond its years and waits to learn more of the future.

The plaid shirt is timeless. It is something to be cherished. It is something to be respected. But most importantly, for the right men, it’s something to be worn all the time.