How to wear stripes: A guide to men’s style
A striped shirt, a checked jacket, a patterned tie. Three elements that can work perfectly together when balanced with care.
Pairing stripes isn’t about following rigid rules. It’s about knowing when to create contrast and when to let one piece take centre stage.
Striped Shirts and Jackets: Finding the Right Contrast
The easiest way to wear a striped shirt is to pair it with a solid-colour jacket. Blue and white stripes with navy, for example, are a classic combination that works just as well at the office as it does at dinner.
For a more individual look, try a shirt with fine stripes and a jacket with a larger check pattern. The difference in scale adds visual interest without making the outfit feel too busy.
Stripes and Ties: Why Not Wear Both?
A striped shirt can work beautifully with a patterned tie. The key is to choose patterns that differ in scale and direction.
Fine vertical stripes on the shirt paired with bolder diagonal stripes on the tie create an interesting contrast. For a more understated look, a solid-colour silk tie adds depth through texture without introducing another pattern.
Colours That Work Best
A white and blue striped shirt is the most versatile starting point. It pairs easily with navy, grey, beige and brown.
For a bolder look, introduce a burgundy tie or a jacket in tobacco tones. The important thing is to keep the colour palette cohesive rather than trying to match every shade perfectly.
Three Combinations to Try
- Classic: White shirt with blue stripes, navy jacket and grey trousers.
- Tailored: Fine-striped shirt, checked jacket and burgundy tie.
- Casual: Striped shirt, beige trousers and an unstructured blue jacket, worn without a tie.
Three different ways to wear the same pattern, from professional settings to off-duty occasions.
The Rule to Remember
Not every pattern needs to be subtle. But not every pattern should compete for attention.
When wearing stripes, choose one focal point and build the rest of the outfit around it.
Elegance isn’t about matching everything. It’s about knowing what to let stand out.
