Suit patterns are just as important as a suit’s style, fit, and color. They offer a unique dimension to one’s attire, allowing for individual expression and setting the tone for the entire outfit. A pattern can subtly elevate a look or make a bold statement, depending on its intricacy and design.
There are five main suit patterns to consider: solid, pinstripe, windowpane, plaid, and check patterns. Each of these patterns carries its own legacy, aesthetic appeal, and context of appropriateness. As we delve deeper into each category, you’ll gain insights into their distinct characteristics and the occasions they’re best suited for. Let’s explore these patterns in more detail to help you make an informed decision for your next ensemble.
Solid Suits
The solid suit, characterized by its singular color and absence of patterns, stands as a timeless testament to simplicity and sophistication in menswear. Its lack of intricate designs, such as windowpanes, pinstripes, or checkered patterns, grants it a unique versatility, allowing it to seamlessly fit into a myriad of occasions. This minimalist design not only underscores the elegance of the wearer but also offers a canvas that can be paired with a range of accessories, from bold ties to understated pocket squares.
While patterned suits often make distinct statements and are typically chosen to convey a specific style or mood, the solid suit offers a more adaptable and subdued appeal. Its undistracted appearance makes it an essential piece in every gentleman’s wardrobe, as it can be dressed up or down with ease. For the discerning individual seeking a suit that effortlessly bridges the gap between formal business meetings and casual evening dinners, the solid suit remains an unmatched choice.
When to Wear a Solid Suit
This type of suit is great for office situations as it is very non-distracting. It is also very versatile and can be worn with all sorts of accessories. Choosing a shirt or tie is easy with this suit because you can choose any type of design to match the suit.
While the pinstripe suit is great for interviews and for visually asserting your authority, the patternless suit is great for blending in and relating to your co-workers, sales prospects, and customers.
Styling Tips
The plain solid suit can be paired with a pair of plain black shoes, a white shirt, and a solid tie to give off a very formal and non-descript look. This is great for formal events as well as for giving speeches in.
You’ll notice that some politicians will wear this type of outfit in an attempt to try to look like they can relate to their fellow citizens.
Another way to use this suit is to pair it up with a more lively shirt and tie. Since the suit is not very distracting on its own, the tie can quickly and easily become your focal point. It is a nice choice for those looking to show off a flashy new tie.
Takeaway
This suit is a staple among business wardrobes and should absolutely be in your closet. A solid-colored suit should be the first or second type of suit that you buy. Mix and match your accessories with it and you have a wide range of outfits to use each week.
Stripe Varieties: Pinstripe, Pencil, and Chalk
Stripe suits, popular among professionals and fashion-forward individuals alike, are recognized for their elegant vertical lines that elevate the appearance of the wearer. These come in three main variants – pinstripe, pencil stripe, and chalk stripe.
Pinstripe suits feature thin, closely spaced lines, often seen in business settings. Pencil stripe suits, on the other hand, have even thinner lines than pinstripes, offering a subtle and sophisticated look. In contrast, chalk stripe suits are characterized by wider and more distinct lines, giving them a bold presence, suitable for those wanting to make a statement.
When to Wear a Striped Suit
The classic pinstripe suit exudes an air of professionalism and has long been a favorite among business executives and leaders in various industries. Its signature thin lines, paired with the right accessories, create an image of authority and sophistication, making it a staple for formal settings. The subtle pencil stripe follows closely, offering an understated elegance that’s versatile enough for boardrooms and upscale events.
On the other hand, the chalk stripe suit stands out with its bold and wider lines, creating a distinctive appearance. While it might be too audacious for traditional corporate settings, it’s perfect for individuals looking to make a statement at relaxed occasions. Whether attending a semi-formal event or a creative business meet, the chalk stripe suit lets the wearer express confidence with a touch of flair.
Styling Tips
Patterns, when carefully selected and integrated into clothing, can convey powerful messages about the individual donning them. In the realm of professional attire, certain patterns stand out for their ability to subtly communicate authority, competence, and confidence. This inherent quality makes them a top choice for individuals who wish to leave a lasting impression, be it in an interview where one seeks to display their suitability and readiness for a role, or in meetings where the stakes are high.
Leadership events, where the audience’s perception can be a game-changer, also witness a prevalence of these patterns. When a speaker or leader stands before an audience, their attire becomes a silent but potent tool of communication. The right pattern can reinforce their message, instill trust, and underscore their position of authority. It is no wonder that discerning professionals often turn to these specific patterns when preparing for significant career events.
Takeaway
Stripes, though seemingly simple, are a nuanced element of fashion that can deeply influence the perception of the wearer. Their variations, ranging from bold to subtle, can impart different vibes, making the choice of stripe an essential consideration when curating an outfit. For instance, a broad stripe may exude confidence and assertiveness, ideal for occasions where one wants to stand out, while a delicate pinstripe might suggest meticulousness and professionalism, suitable for more formal settings.
Understanding the occasion and the message one wishes to convey is paramount when selecting the right stripe pattern. For a relaxed beach party, one might lean towards light, broad-striped attire, which gives off a carefree and easy-going aura. Conversely, for a critical business presentation, a finely striped suit can convey seriousness and dedication to the task at hand. Ultimately, the stripes you choose are more than just patterns; they’re a visual representation of your intent and personality for the moment.
Windowpane Suits
The windowpane suit stands out as a sartorial choice that intertwines classic tailoring with contemporary flair. Distinctly different from the more understated pinstripe and solid-color suits, its design features lines that run both horizontally and vertically, intersecting to form the iconic square “windowpane” patterns. This geometric elegance lends the suit an added dimension of style, capturing the gaze and invoking a sense of modern sophistication. With its clear-cut grid design, the windowpane suit conveys an air of confidence while maintaining an unimposing presence.
While the solid suit offers adaptability and the pinstripe leans towards formal professionalism, the windowpane suit exists as a testament to a man’s penchant for detail and individualistic style. The intersecting lines add depth and texture to the fabric, providing a visual intrigue that can be both bold or subtle depending on the color and thickness of the lines. Perfect for the modern gentleman who seeks to merge tradition with a touch of artistic flair, the windowpane suit serves as a stylish alternative, elevating one’s wardrobe to new aesthetic heights.
When to Wear a Windowpane Suit
Parties, religious events, and less formal social events are great places to show off this type of suit model. However, this suit is usually not formal enough to wear to the office, and certainly not professional enough to wear to an interview.
This means that if you plan to wear this suit to work, you ought to make sure that your office is casual enough to allow it. While most companies won’t be bothered terribly by the presence of a windowpane suit, but some companies will.
Styling Tips
Matching this suit with a nice tie can require some skill on the wearer’s part. You must remember to take into account the size of the windowpane pattern versus the size of the tie pattern as well as the colors. However, matching this suit with a stylish shirt and tie can be very rewarding in the end.
The easiest way to find a few good outfits is to simply check out the mannequins located in the suit shops. Typically, these arrangements are not made by accident and the professionals that put them together know a great deal about matching up patterns and colors.
Just buy the shirt and tie that sits on the model that is wearing the suit you intend on buying. This way you’ll know that your outfit matches and flows the way it should. Once you get used to seeing which combinations work well, you can branch out and create your own.
Takeaway
In the intricate realm of men’s fashion, certain styles rise above the commonplace to signal discernment and a keen eye for detail. The windowpane pattern in men’s suits, while not an everyday essential, epitomizes this heightened sense of sartorial awareness. This pattern, characterized by thin lines forming a grid-like design reminiscent of windowpanes, isn’t just another design but a reflection of a man’s appreciation for the subtleties of craftsmanship and the nuances of style.
Opting for a windowpane suit is the hallmark of a man looking to make a statement. Unlike the standard solids or pinstripes, the windowpane is both classic and audacious, perfectly suited for those unafraid to stand out. It’s a choice that indicates confidence, sophistication, and a willingness to break away from the mundane. While not every observer may grasp the allure of the windowpane pattern, for those in the know, it becomes a clear indication of a gentleman’s refined taste and sartorial courage.
Plaid Suits
The plaid suit is a bit more ornate when compared to other suit patterns and designs. You will not see this as often as many of the other suit patterns on the market because of its high cost and difficult tailoring methods.
This suit is similar to the windowpane suit with its use of vertical and horizontal lines. However, the lines will run in close-knit groups with various gaps to create box-like openings.
When to Wear a Plaid Suit
While these patterns are very interesting to look at, they tend to be frowned upon in business settings. This is probably because they appear less formal. Just like dress shoes, the more patterns on the suit, the less formal it is.
Patterns such as this can be worn to less formal office settings and fun social gatherings such as church, weddings, and parties. One may also wear it to casual Friday’s at the office.
Styling Tips
Choose carefully when adding your accessories as not all ties will match appropriately with this type of pattern. While many people opt to wear patterned shirts and ties with this suit, I feel wearing a solid-colored shirt can also work very well.
In fact, wearing a solid-colored shirt and a patterned tie can help break things up. Sometimes people go too far with the patterns and end up looking very “busy”. Although this suit isn’t meant to be formal, you probably shouldn’t try to make it look like a piece of art either. After all, the suit is intended to make you look elegant, sophisticated, professional, or all three; it is not intended to make you look like a freshly painted canvas.
Takeaway
This suit is certainly not a “must-have” suit for your closet. A good rule of thumb is to start out with a solid suit, then a pinstripe suit, and then a plaid or windowpane suit.
People that wear suits mostly for work can get away with only buying the first two. However, if you have five or six suits already, it doesn’t hurt to make a plaid suit your seventh.
Check Patterned Suits
The checkered suit is a great addition to an already complete wardrobe but is not an absolute necessity. Reserve a classic navy, charcoal, or black suit as your first, but don’t count this suit out when mixing up your day-to-day apparel.
Suit aficionados looking to add a little extra swagger and flare to their look often sport a bolder pattern of suit. It may be one of your trendier outfits that you save for important social events or for when you want to stand out, but be sure to wear it sparingly.
When to Wear Patterned Suits
Patterned suits offer a distinctive blend of tradition and flair, making them an excellent choice for occasions that call for a dash of individuality while still maintaining an essence of formality. Whether you’re attending a romantic formal date, where the intention is to impress and leave a lasting memory, or stepping into the spotlight at an award ceremony, the intricate designs of a patterned suit ensure you stand out with grace. Furthermore, they perfectly complement celebratory environments such as weddings, where the ambiance is both joyful and ceremonial. The intricate detailing and unique designs can encapsulate the festivity of the moment, while exuding a sense of elegance fitting for such significant events.
However, while patterned suits can be the highlight at special occasions, they might not always be the ideal choice for daily professional settings, especially in conservative corporate environments. The expressive nature of these suits, while perfect for showcasing personality at parties or Sunday church services, could be perceived as too flamboyant for the monotony of everyday work life. Thus, while it’s essential to have a patterned suit in your wardrobe arsenal for those special moments, it’s equally crucial to discern when its charisma is most appropriate.
Checkered Vs Plaid
There seems to be a fair amount of confusion between these two terms, so let us settle this in the same fashion that we settled the business casual ambiguity.
Checkered patterns consist of squares in which colors generally do not overlap. Think of a checkerboard. Plaid patterns, on the other hand, consist of crossing stripes and bands of color at right angles.
From a production perspective, a checkered suit requires a highly skilled tailor to run perfect vertical and horizontal lines through the jacket and pants. The lapels and pockets create a lot of difficulty for the tailor, as they can be hard to match up with the main body of the suit.
Styling Tips
If you’re going to wear a checkered or plaid suit, then wear a solid-colored shirt and tie. You don’t want your patterns to clash, creating an unnecessarily “loud” outfit.
Just because your trendy friend wore his checkered jacket with a polka-dot shirt and yellow tie doesn’t mean it’s going to work for you or for everyone else looking at you.
However, if you want to deviate from a solid colored suit, you could also go with a check patterned shirt to go with the suit.
Parting Thoughts
If you’re new to the suit-buying experience, this can all seem overwhelming. When in doubt, buy a solid or pinstripe suit and add to your suit wardrobe as necessary.