Yesterday we ran through suit patterns, so today let's run through shirt patterns. Like we said yesterday a lot of customers come to us and have no idea where to start when it comes to choosing a new suit, it's not the same with a shirt. You can't really go wrong since shirts are easy to match to that staple suit or even a soft patterned one. But let's run through some of your options.
1.) The Solid
A solid color shirt is easy to match to anything, especially if you choose a soft or muted color since they go with everything. If you have a patterned suit like a Houndstooth or Check it is best to match it with softer colors and solid patterns.
2.) The Gingham Check
A pattern that is very much in style right now, just ask John Oliver. You choose the color and it holds its own. It’s such a great look and one we encourage all of our customers to own. The pictures above are a great example of how to wear patterns as well, see the end of this post for an example of that.
3.) The Check
There are many different types of check patterns besides the gingham check. You can go large, medium or small depending on what you want and what you are wearing with it. If it’s a solid colored suit then go with anything, especially larger to medium checks, if it’s a Houndstooth then go very small tight checks.
4.) The Stripe
The vertical pin stripe is a must in your wardrobe and it’s also a power shirt but there are many types of striped shirts. Like the check pattern you can mix and match stripes into your wardrobe all depending on the thickness. Besides the pin stripe the bengal stripe is another must have since it’s in the middle of the stripe sizes. A hairline stripe is the skinniest and adds that subtle color to your outfit that you can match with your accessories.
5.) The Windowpane
A pattern we touched on in our suit patterns feature yesterday, the windowpane is absolutely in right now. Usually it’s not as wide as a windowpane design on a suit, which is good because under a suit you would barely see the pattern, but it looks great. Again like the stripe you can take the color of the windowpane pattern and match it with your accessories to upgrade your style.
The best way to mix and match patterns when it comes to suits and dress shirts is to make sure one pattern is at least half the size of the other. For example:
This look has a subtle pin stripe pattern and a larger check pattern on the shirt.
The Windowpane Suit with a Check Pattern is a a great example of a larger pattern paired with a smaller pattern. If you look at yourself in the mirror and feel the patterns are competing or too busy opt for a windowpane of striped option instead.
Let us know what your favorite is in the comments below.
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