Adding Lines & Stripes To Your Wardrobe

 When it comes to the classic patterns of menswear, those based on the simple line–that is to say, stripes–remain just as popular today as they have been for centuries. In this primer, we’ll discuss the different kinds of stripes patterns in tailored clothes and show you how to “fall in line” with wearing them well.

The horizontal stripes have long been a menswear favourite, but in recent seasons bars of a vertical persuasion have also climbed the ranks. Historically, this would have meant discreet pinstripes and chalk stripes on suiting and shirts, but now almost anything goes (within reason). There are three ways to clash stripes with stripes. The first is to keep them uniform throughout your outfit. 

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The second is to vary the width of the stripes on your trousers and top. And the third is to wear vertical stripes on your torso and horizontal ones on your legs. For a smarter look, keep the colour palette pared-back. Perhaps mix shades within the same colour palette, so it looks considered but not too matchy-matchy.

A tonal navy look with a variety of stripe styles can take contemporary formalwear to the next level, while a mix of neutral colours works well for a casual look, especially when layering something like a lined shirt over a lined T-shirt.