Most men want to show off their own unique personality and style through their clothing, but they want to use more than just solid colours to do it. The problem is, many don’t understand how to use patterns, so they are afraid the patterns they choose will come off as over the top. Sound like you?

Whether you are wearing a pair of chinos and a nice dress shirt or suits for men from Brook Taverner, there is one pattern that can help you stand out without going overboard: stripes. Stripes are as popular as ever in the fashion community and are a fantastic way to dip your toes into world of patterns without having to dive in headfirst.

While stripes are much a much easier pattern to start out with, they do come with a few rules you simply can’t ignore if you want to look and feel your best in men’s suits.

Rules for Wearing Stripes

• To Look Taller- If you are short in stature and want to appear taller than you actually are so you can make a great impression on those you meet, vertical stripes are your friend. Stripes on your dress shirts and pinstriped suits can give the illusion of a longer body, and while this is only an illusion, the perception and impression it obtains sticks.

• Width of Your Stripes- The width and weight of the stripes you choose to wear with your men’s suits will have a direct affect on the way your body looks. For this reason, there are strict guidelines you should adhere to if you want to add extra pounds to your frame or if you want to avoid looking like you are adding extra weight altogether. If you are a big man, or simply have a few extra pounds you would rather not show off, keep your stripes relatively thin and close together. This will draw the eye up, instead of out. If you are thin and want to add a bit of meat to your bones without all the hassle, consider wider stripes that are farther apart.

• Stripes and Colours- Once you have determined which direction and width you need for your stripes, you should next consider the colours you will be using. Avoid complementary colours in your clothing, or those that sit opposite one another on the colour wheel. These can be a bit loud and aesthetically painful when placed on top of one another. In other words, if you choose a dress shirt with orange stripes, try to avoid wearing a blue suit for men. Wear black or gray instead.

• Wearing Stripes Together- While many oppose wearing more than one article of clothing with stripes, today’s fashion rules are much more lenient. For instance, if you want to wear a pinstripe suit with a striped shirt, you can do so without feeling like you are violating a rule of style. However, if you do choose to wear two different articles of clothing with stripes, make sure the stripes are a different weight. One should always be larger than the other to ensure they are mixed together carefully.

Want to show off your personal style, but are worried you will end up using the wrong patterns? Consider starting out with stripes and following these simple rules so you always look your best.

About Susan Grant

Susan has more than 7 years of experience as a Fashion Advisor for several reputed fashion houses and manufacturers including Brook Taverner. Her ultimate dream is to design and sell her own clothing line worldwide!

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