Fault admitted half forgiven: we don't know if the zebra is white with black stripes or black with white stripes.
On the other hand, We know the aesthetic potential of this pattern like no other , which is why we have given it the lion's share on our racks.
Between the lines of this paper, we invite you to discover many others and embark on a vertical journey to the side of our favorite room.
A plea for the stripe
In the world of clothing, pattern intrigues as much as it worries. Far from the calm shores of plain blue and gray, it intimidates with its presence and its demands. Fact, its geometry adds to the complexity of an outfit, making it both attractive and formidable.
Like an atypical color, a unique cut or an original design, the motif is a decisive parameter: mastered, it undeniably contributes to the triumph of a composition; neglected, it can easily break the harmony.
In the kingdom of colors, the stripe nevertheless benefits from a special status. Vertically, it lengthens the silhouette and offers a slender charm to any ensemble. More neutral than check, lighter than houndstooth and definitely less extravagant than leopard, it almost imposes itself as a transition between the plain and the pattern.
With its variously perceptible, variously thick and variously spaced parallel lines, the stripe subtly prints the theme of elevation; a track of choice for those who aspire to gain height stylistically.
Scratching made easy
If it is true that gingham, polka dot, chevron or argyle seem unaffordable, there is nothing more attractive than the striped pattern. Simple and minimalist, it is offered discreetly, almost timidly, bringing to the pieces adorned with it a distinction full of modesty.
Unlike some bariolis, the scratch does not persist. She doesn't make any claims. She doesn't support it in any way. It just passes, sometimes from top to bottom, sometimes from bottom to top. More or less perceptibly. Always graciously.
Basically, it's no coincidence that classic shirts have made them their best friend. You know what people think about the finesse of m'as-tu-vu and gloriole, and no one will be surprised to see shirts fall in love with the most refined of patterns.
At Hast too, and unsurprisingly, you will see that the stripe has attracted the favor of our dress shirts. Faithful ally of Beauty, acolyte of good taste and favorite of formal elegance, she lingers on our pieces with her usual rigor and her ordinary delicacy.
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The different types of scratches
At this point, it should be clarified that there are an infinite number of stripes. In the matter , color , width and spacing are the three variables that come into play to serve you on a platter 1,001 possibilities.
Generally speaking, the rule is as follows: the tighter, finer and tone-on-tone the stripes are, the dressier they are. Conversely, spaced, wide and contrasting stripes tend to dress up casual shirts.
Without taking it literally, we respected this principle to color our shirts, to the point that the most formal of them appear united behind the discretion of their stripes.
That being said, it is not impossible to circumvent this requirement, provided you do so knowingly. Thick and conspicuous stripes, for example, were the heyday of Wall Street style in the 80s and 90s... but Patrick Bateman doesn't want to (and so much the better).
In summary, here are the three types of striped shirts that you will find on our hangers:
- The dressiest range. Mainly dressed in poplin and twill, this includes blue shirts and white rather long and fitted - intended to be worn in pants. The stripes are fine, closely spaced and worked in simple and light colors. An excellent alternative to plain, it brings a note of sophistication in complete discretion.
- The intermediate range. Handle with care, this selection can be worn with formal or more casual outfits. Mostly adorned with poplin, it dares to feature generous and pronounced stripes, possibly in bold colors.
- The casual range. Let's leave poplin for more textured fabrics such as Oxford or flannel, made from cotton, wool or linen. Here, stripes serve as fairly short and straight casual shirts, designed to be worn open over a t-shirt or closed outside of pants. More extravagant, the pattern here expresses its full potential.
The art of combining the striped shirt
Choosing a striped shirt is not everything, you also have to match it properly. To accompany you on this perilous path, here is three tips to avoid the misstep:
- Beware of overbidding. The more visible and consistent they are, the more body the stripes give to your outfit. Therefore, we recommend that you focus on sobriety to complete the ensemble.
- Watch for color harmony. A striped shirt being at least two-tone, it will be advisable to keep a close eye on the chromatic balance of the rest of your composition. By focusing on similar or complementary nuances, you will automatically insure yourself against blunders.
- Marry the registers. As you know, shirts with thin and discreet stripes are dressy while shirts with large and demonstrative stripes evoke a casual imagination. Also, mobilizing the former with chinos or the latter with a suit jacket would be awkward.
We can never repeat it enough, there is no rule that cannot be broken when it comes to clothing. At the same time as these basic instructions, we are therefore offering you a fourth for the same price: do not hesitate to do without them.
The special case of the squared stripe
Particularly tasty stylistic gimmick, mixing stripes is one of the most surprising and effective combinations in men's wardrobe. This statement may seem strange after our warning against too many patterns, but it's a reminder that we should never say never when we're talking rags.
Implausible but true, it's entirely possible to pair a striped shirt with a striped tie and a striped suit without looking like a human barcode. The secret to getting there? Play the diversity card.
If you vary the thickness and spacing of the stripes on each piece (while maintaining a certain color consistency), you should come away with congratulations from the jury.
The final word
Like many patterns, stripes are intimidating. Yet it is quite possibly the easiest of them all, and a wonderful alternative to plain. In addition to flattering the silhouette - in terms of its vertical version - it offers wide aesthetic possibilities. By playing with color, width or interval, you can create original and sophisticated outfits, from the most elegant to the most casual. Final point.
