The Hidden Meaning of Your Suit's Pattern (2024)

by Peter White

The Hidden Meaning of Your Suit's Pattern (1)

Every gentleman knows that the type of suit they wear speaks volumes about them. We discussed in an earlier blog what a suit's material says about the wearer, but even the pattern featured on a suit can reflect upon your personality. So what does the pattern of your suit say about you? There are three common patterns to consider: pinstripe, plaid and plain.

Naturally, we shall start with the simplest option. What does a plain suit say about you? Suits that use plain, block colours with a minimum of patterning are very modern and have a clean, minimalist appearance. Unsurprisingly, gentlemen who favour plain suits tend to have a forward-thinking outlook and a willingness to meet the modern world head-on: they are daring, dynamic and ‘on-the-ball’. If you favour plain suits, you are probably an individual of exceptional energy and vision.

In contrast, pinstripe suits are somewhat more conservative; they have long-standing association with high-flying business tycoons and gentlemen of influence. As such, a good pinstripe suit hints at its wearer’s power and unshakable self-assurance. If you regularly don one of these confidence-boosting garments, you are almost certainly a man who’s in charge of his own destiny and who relishes the feeling of power and independence.

Finally, plaid suits are quintessentially and charmingly old-fashioned. They have an undeniable retro allure; wearing one makes a bold statement about your vintage sensibilities and sense of style. Those who wear plaid suits dress to please themselves before anyone else. By doing so, they end up looking amazing. If you tend to wear plaid suits, you are likely to be idiosyncratic, free-spirited and unconcerned with convention.

Plain, plaid and pinstripe suits dominate the world of men’s fashion. Bespoke tailoring can create any pattern the wearer desires, but these three designs are eternal touchstones for suit lovers. They have the power to express their wearer’s personality clearly and simply, while remaining indisputably stylish.

Do you favour the modern sensibilities of a plain suit, the free-thinking panache of a plaid suit or the unbreakable confidence of a pinstripe suit? Whatever pattern you prefer, that pattern advertises your character to the world in general. So choose your suits wisely. They say more about you than you might think!

The Hidden Meaning of Your Suit's Pattern (2024)

FAQs

What does the pinstripe suit symbolize? ›

Pinstripes have long been a symbol of power dressing. Years before Mr. Wolfe's Masters of the Universe, gangsters like Al Capone wore the pattern to convey bravado and a sense of orderliness.

What does a three piece suit say about you? ›

Wearing a three-piece suit doesn't take more effort than pulling on a regular two-piece, but it says a lot about your approach to life. You have an uncompromising attention to detail, which makes you the perfect man to take on difficult tasks and to do your very best no matter what.

What is a crosshatch suit? ›

Crosshatch. When the termcrosshatchis mentioned, sometimes people get this confused with checkerboard or even plaid. But crosshatch is an entirely different design scheme. It's best to visualize crosshatch as intersecting narrow overlaid strands, giving the suit a soft yet more defined visual texture.

What is a chalk stripe suit? ›

A chalk-stripe is a fabric with a plain background and equidistant vertical stripes which are traditionally white and reminiscent of a line drawn with chalk.

Is pinstripe suit OK for funeral? ›

Ideally you should keep the colors solid, but pinstripes and texture variations are acceptable. Bold prints and patterns, however, do not work even in a dark color. The only exception to this rule would be specific requests from the family.

What is the code in pinstripe? ›

So the code is 4, 10, 3. Continue left to Dicky's house. Enter and go right. Climb the tree again and input the combination.

What does a dark blue suit mean? ›

A Navy Blue Suit: The Colour of Understated Authority

Navy blue denotes authority, dependability, and loyalty, making it a staple choice for men who want to make a serious sartorial statement.

What does 4 piece suit mean? ›

A 'four piece suit', on the other hand, has often been used to describe a three-piece suit that comes with an extra pair of trousers.

What does a dark suit mean? ›

Dark Suit: Level of Formality

The dark suit dress code is considered as semi-formal to formal, resting quietly and comfortably right under "black tie" on the formality scale. It is one of the most common dress codes for the somewhat formal occasions you might encounter in life.

What is a herringbone suit? ›

The herringbone jacket is a British style classic. Its distinctive zig-zag pattern is what gives it its name, the shape resembling the skeleton of a herring. This bold pattern gives the cloth a richness and texture that's perfect for autumn and winter style.

What does plaid suit mean? ›

A plaid suit, on the other hand, is a type of men's suit that features two or more colors in a plaid pattern.

What is a Dobby blazer? ›

It's a relaxed sportcoat, with soft, fall ready fabric. Size shown: Medium on 5'10” / 185. The slightly lighter blue, subtle striping gives it some good visual texture, but it won't look awkward with jeans. Patch pockets keep it casual, and there's little to no structured to the body.

What is a stripped suit called? ›

Pinstripe suits are most commonly worn in corporate settings, but they can be worn to certain formal events outside of work as well.

What is a blue striped suit called? ›

Overview of the Caccioppoli Seersucker Blue Stripe Suit

Also known as railroad stripe, seersucker consists of either a striped or checkered pattern. Seersucker patterns have been around for over a century. Some of the first seersucker suits emerged in 1909. Since then, they've become more common.

What is a Bengal stripe? ›

A bengal stripe is a particular sort of striped dress shirt fabric, most often featuring an even 1/4″ alternating stripe. It can either be a color and white or color and color stripe and sits on the bolder end of the stripe spectrum.

What color is not appropriate for a funeral? ›

Wearing dark grey or deep blue is just as appropriate as black, while brown and lighter greys are suitable for the vast majority of funeral services. However, unless specifically requested by the deceased or their family, you should avoid any bright colors such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds.

Is black lace OK for funeral? ›

A funeral isn't the time to dress down so you want to avoid sundresses, even if they are black. A black lace co*cktail dress is the perfect blend of somber and dressy. Whether long or short, the lace adds a touch of glamour to the dress and allows you to stand out.

Is navy blue OK for a funeral? ›

Because a funeral is often a somber occasion, it's best to choose clothes that reflect that. Your clothing does not have to be all black. It's common for funeral attendees to wear navy blue, dark grey, violet, and many other colors.

What tie pattern goes with pinstripe suit? ›

Choose your shirt to complement – Patterned shirts and ties work well and refreshes the pinstripe suit style. Prints in combinations of blue, white, and maroon are fail-safe options under navy or grey suits. When it comes to the tie, pick one that either coordinates with the suit. It's all about smart styling!

How do you match pinstripe? ›

If you're wearing a pinstripe suit to a formal occasion, you should stick to a formal look; a properly-fitted dress shirt and a well-assorted tie are great pairings. If you decide to sport a pinstripe to a less formal event, consider breaking up the style with a turtleneck or v-neck t-shirt.

What are the color codes for please don't touch anything? ›

Use the screwdriver to open the top right panel to reveal the coloured buttons. Press the colored buttons in this order: [Red] [Yellow] [Yellow] [Blue]. Place the telephone in the drawer on the device that appears from pressing the coloured buttons. Dial the following number: 311 399 2364.

What color suit is most attractive? ›

We recommend sticking with dark-colored suits, like black, navy, or charcoal gray for a formal event. For a day at the office, an all black men's suit is way too formal. Instead, we recommend wearing a gray or navy blue men's suit to work.

What are the most powerful suit colors? ›

Sophisticated Color – Black is traditionally the color of authority and power. At many upmarket functions, people will wear black to signify timeless elegance.

How many suits should a man own? ›

Every man should have at least three good suits in his closet, although frequent suit wearers may want more. Knowing how many suits you need and planning ahead by purchasing a handful of well-fitting suits will go a long way.

What is a 7 piece suit? ›

The seven-piece set comes as a complete set including a jacket, double-breasted waistcoat, shirt, trousers, bowtie, tie and hanky.

What is a suit without a tie called? ›

Instead, forgo the tie only when you're wearing a more casual/stylish suit that fits better with dressed-down social occasions. Think lighter colors and fabrics, less structured, slimmer notch lapels.

What does a 42 suit mean? ›

Suit Measurements & Size Chart

Fit matters. Suit and sport coat sizes have one number and one letter (for example, 38S, 40R, 42L). The number is your chest measurement and the letter refers to the jacket's length ' short, regular or long.

What does a grey suit say? ›

Hence, they are appropriate in almost any situation. Gray suits say that you are mature, wise and conservative. Gray suits are one of the most versatile colored suits to wear.

What does light suit mean? ›

New Word Suggestion. a dark suit with LED lights, designed to produce dramatic effects when worn in darkness.

Why can't you wear a black suit? ›

Black won't make you look good

A black suit just doesn't flatter most men. Black absorbs other colours, and will wash out your complexion, unless you are a high-contrast individual (think: dark black hair and either dark or very pale skin). By wearing black, you risk looking waxen and pasty.

What is a sharkskin suit? ›

What is a sharkskin suit made of? Rest assured, it's not made from great whites or hammerheads – a sharkskin suit is one with an eyecatching, metallic tone, built between two different coloured basketweaves, typically one in white, and one in grey or navy.

What is a birdseye suit? ›

Birdseye (Bird's Eye or Birds-Eye) is an all over woven suiting made from a small geometric pattern with a dot suggesting a bird's eye. The fancy-solid suiting fabric is a favourite of bespoke tailors and their more stylish patrons.

What is a tweed suit? ›

Tweed is a wool patterned fabric that has become synonymous with Scottish and Irish style. The rough, twill fabric originated in the Scottish highlands in the nineteenth century, and it is still used today for coats, jackets, suits, and more.

What is a windowpane suit? ›

Windowpane pattern are thin/slim lines that cross like squares/rectangle on fabrics. It is an ongoing trend and have been making their way into suits at Italian labels and at bespoke tailors too. Windowpane can be the contender for the most perfect suit patterns.

What is a Glen check suit? ›

Glen plaid, also called glen check or prince of wales check (for the Duke of Windsor, who popularized the cloth) has been a wardrobe staple of stylish men for decades. Made up of small and large checks, it often has an overlaid windowpane in a subtle shade of blue or red.

What is windowpane check? ›

A widely spaced check pattern resembling panes in a window. Commonly used on suits, shirtings, and accessories. Example(s) of Windowpane Check.

What is different between Blazzer and suit? ›

Blazers are less formal than suit jackets. A blazer must not be as poised as the suit jacket, therefore it's typically unlined, unpadded, the lapels aren't edge-stitched. The blazer is very light, comfortable to wear over multiple clothes.

What are winter blazers called? ›

Puffer jacket: Also known as quilted jackets or down jackets, puffer jackets are quilted and insulated with down feathers or other warm materials that make them great for the winter months.

What are pimp suits called? ›

Traditionally, zoot suits have been worn with a fedora or pork pie hat color-coordinated with the suit, occasionally with a long feather as decoration, and pointy, French-style shoes.

What are the 3 pieces in a suit called? ›

Sometimes called a waistcoat suit, a 3-piece suit consists of a matching set of waistcoat (vest), jacket and trousers. Typically, this type of suit consists of a double-breasted vest worn under a single-breasted jacket.

What are the three types of suits? ›

There are three basic types of suits: the two-piece, the three-piece, and the tuxedo. Within those suit styles, there are endless variations on the material (wool, cotton, polyester), button style (two- vs. three-button and double-breasted), pocket arrangement, venting, and cut (slim-fit, classic fit, and more).

What is a 2 button suit called? ›

A double-breasted suit is a jacket, mostly intended for men. It has overlapping front lapels and two columns of buttons. The term “double-breasted suit” normally refers to the whole garment: double-breasted jacket, and trousers. Jacket, blazers, coat, and trench coats can all be double-breasted.

What is the green suit called? ›

Green velvet suit

Often called bottle green velvet, this dinner jacket (worn with black tuxedo formal trousers) is dark and much like its namesake filled with a dark liquid.

What is a 1970s suit called? ›

A leisure suit is a casual suit consisting of a shirt-like jacket and matching trousers (pants) often associated with American-influenced fashion and fads of the 1970s.

What is a cabana stripe? ›

The Cabana Stripe conjures various images, but its pattern is unforgettable. Minimalistic, bold stripes in black or various colors alternating with white. Often vertical (but occasionally horizontal), the stripes have become a symbol for chic, sophisticated design.

What are Roman stripes? ›

noun. 1. Roman stripes plural : bright varicolored stripes of equal or unequal widths used as a continuous textile pattern. : a fabric with a pattern of Roman stripes.

What do you call Tiger Stripe? ›

Tigerstripe is the name of a group of camouflage patterns developed for close-range use in dense jungle during jungle warfare by the South Vietnamese Armed Forces and adopted in late 1962 to early 1963 by US Special Forces during the Vietnam War.

What is the history of the pinstripe suit? ›

The banking theory has it that the pinstripe was a kind of uniform for English Victorian bankers and that the difference in the thickness and distances between stripes was a way of indentifying employees from different banking institutions.

When did gangsters wear pinstripe suits? ›

For urbanites in the early twentieth century, the pinstripe suit was about as flamboyant as it got, an outfit that made everyone know you were in the room and a reason why the pattern became a natural favorite choice for mobsters and rum-runners during the Prohibition Era.

What is the origin of the pinstripe suit? ›

It was created by the Britishers, who are appreciated worldwide for their impeccable sense of style. Inspired by British fashion, the pinstripe suit instantly became popular with those men who wanted sophistication and class in their outfits. It later became a popular fashion choice among women as well.

Who is famous for wearing pinstripe suits? ›

Think Al Capone in a wide-striped three-piece with even wider lapels. This popularity only increased when Hollywood stars started adopting the style. Cary Grant famously wore pinstripe suits in a range of films, from 'An Affair to Remember' to Alfred Hitchco*ck's 'Notorious.

What is a striped suit pattern called? ›

A pinstripe pattern is a pattern of thin dashed lines, often used for clothing such as suits, jackets, pants and skirts. Some say that the first pinstripe suits were worn as bank uniforms with slightly different striping to identify employees for different banks.

Did gangsters wear striped suits? ›

The pinstripe suit: Favoured by many

And as the decades rolled by, other sections of society, such as American gangsters, movie stars, British politicians and jazz musicians, all adopted the pinstripe suit as part of their signature style.

What's the difference between pinstripe and stripe? ›

Pinstripes are finer and more structured than chalk stripes. This is mainly because they're woven on top of the background fabric, which prevents the blurring effect from occurring. Often viewed as more conservative than chalk stripes, the pinstripe is best for formal settings.

Why do mobsters wear pinky rings? ›

Especially in the United States, pinky rings also developed an association with criminal activity. Grifters were thought to wear such rings, sometimes to provide their associates with a source of funding for their funeral expenses in case of their death, as were made men in the American Mafia.

What color suits did mobsters wear? ›

Dressing Like an Old-Fashioned Gangster

A typical outfit included an all-black, gray, or pinstriped suit with a tie. Keep the color scheme simple; stick to black, white, gray or brown. If you don't have a suit jacket, then wear a vest and roll up the sleeves of your collared shirt.

What is a mobster suit called? ›

A zoot suit (occasionally spelled zuit suit) is a men's suit with high-waisted, wide-legged, tight-cuffed, pegged trousers, and a long coat with wide lapels and wide padded shoulders.

What do you wear under a pinstripe suit? ›

If you're wearing a pinstripe suit to a formal occasion, you should stick to a formal look; a properly-fitted dress shirt and a well-assorted tie are great pairings. If you decide to sport a pinstripe to a less formal event, consider breaking up the style with a turtleneck or v-neck t-shirt.

Why did the Yankees wear pinstripes? ›

In the 1915 season, they were finally back for good. There is a rumor that the Yankees adopted pinstripes, as their fat and chubby superstar Babe Ruth look leaner in this new uniform. Even though it was a popular story, the club started wearing the famous pattern before the Great Bambino came to town.

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