A fault confessed is half forgiven: we do not know whether the zebra is white with black stripes or black with white stripes.
On the other hand, We know the aesthetic potential of this unique pattern , which is why we have given it the lion's share of space on our racks.
Between the lines of this paper, we invite you to discover many others and embark on a vertical journey to our favorite piece.
A plea for the stripe
In the world of clothing, pattern intrigues as much as it worries. Far from the calm shores of the blue and gray plains, it intimidates by its presence and its demands. In 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 its harmony.
In the kingdom of tinsel, The stripe, however, enjoys a special status. Vertically, it elongates the silhouette and offers a slender charm to any outfit. 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 parallel lines, variously perceptible, variously thick and variously spaced, the stripe subtly imprints the theme of elevation; a choice track for those who aspire to take a stylistic step up.
The stripe made simple
While it is true that gingham, polka dot, herringbone or argyle may seem unaffordable, There is nothing more appealing than the striped pattern. Simple and minimalist, it is presented discreetly, almost timidly, bringing a distinction full of modesty to the pieces that are adorned with it.
Unlike some bariolis, the stripe is not insistent. She doesn't demand anything. She doesn't press at all. She just moves, sometimes from top to bottom, sometimes from bottom to top. More or less perceptibly. Always gracefully.
Deep down, It's no coincidence that classic shirts have made it their best friend. You know what the finesse of show-off and boasting thinks, and no one will be surprised to see shirtmaking fall in love with the most refined of patterns.
At Hast too, and unsurprisingly, you will find that the stripe has attracted the favor of our dress shirts. Faithful ally of Beauty, acolyte of good taste and favorite of formal elegance, it extends over our pieces with its usual rigor and its ordinary delicacy.
.jpg)
The different types of stripes
At this point it is worth clarifying 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 1,001 possibilities on a platter.
Generally speaking, the rule is: The tighter, finer and more tone-on-tone the stripes are, the more dressy they are. Conversely, spaced, wide and contrasting stripes are more suited to casual shirts.
Without taking it literally, we have respected this principle to add some colour to 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 get around this prescription, provided you do so with full knowledge of the facts. For example, thick and ostentatious stripes were the heyday of Wall Street style in the 80s and 90s... but not everyone can be Patrick Bateman (and so much the better).
In summary, Here are the three types of striped shirts that you will find on our hangers:
- The most elegant range. Mainly dressed in poplin and twill, this includes blue shirts and white rather long and fitted - intended to be worn in trousers. The stripes are thin, closely spaced and worked in simple, light colours. An excellent alternative to plain, it adds a touch of sophistication with complete discretion.
- The interte range. Handle with care, this selection can be considered in formal or more casual outfits. Mostly adorned with poplin, it dares generous and pronounced stripes, possibly in bold colors.
- The casual range. Let's leave poplin for more textured fabrics like oxford or flannel, worked in cotton, wool or linen. Here, stripes serve casual shirts that are quite short and straight, designed to be worn open over a t-shirt or closed outside the pants. More extravagant, the pattern expresses its full potential here.
The art of combining the striped shirt
Choosing a striped shirt is not all, it must also be matched properly. To accompany you on this perilous path, here is three tips to avoid the faux pas:
- Beware of overbidding. The more visible and consistent they are, the more the stripes give body to your outfit. Therefore, we recommend that you opt for sobriety to complete the ensemble.
- Pay attention to the harmony of colors. Since a striped shirt is at least two-tone, you should keep a close eye on the chromatic balance of the rest of your composition. By focusing on similar or complementary shades, you will automatically protect yourself against blunders.
- Marry the registers. As you know, shirts with thin and discreet stripes are dressy while shirts with wide and demonstrative stripes evoke a casual imagination. Also, mobilizing the former with chinos or the latter with a suit jacket would be clumsy.
We can never repeat it enough, there is no rule that cannot be broken when it comes to clothing. Along with these basic instructions, we are offering you a fourth one for the same price: don't hesitate to break it.
The special case of the square stripe
A particularly tasty stylistic gimmick, The mix of stripes is one of the most surprising and effective combinations in the men's wardrobe. This statement may seem odd after our warning against too many patterns, but it serves as a reminder that we should never say never when it comes to rags.
Unbelievable 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? Playing the diversity card.
If you vary the thickness and spacing of the stripes on each piece (while maintaining some color consistency), you should come away with a thumbs up from the jury.
The final word
Like many patterns, stripes are intimidating. However, they are probably the easiest of them all, and a great alternative to solid colors. In addition to flattering the figure - in its vertical version - they offer a wide range of aesthetic possibilities. By playing with color, width or interval, you can create original and sophisticated outfits, from the most elegant to the most casual. Period, end of line.
