Which Patterns Are Best For You?

The task of matching patterns is complicated, especially when you can't even differentiate one basic pattern from another. Just like matching colors, knowing which patterns look best on you is a necessary skill for any stylish man because it can make or break your entire look.

Read on to learn how to identify basic patterns and get a grasp of some of the general guidelines you should follow when determining which patterns work together, and which ones don't.

some general rules

As a general rule, keep in mind that by today's standards, smaller, finer and subtler patterns are considered dressier. On the flipside, louder and bolder patterns are more suitable for casual wear.

Patterns come in all shapes and sizes, but they can generally be grouped in three basic categories, each of which offers slight variations.

Solids
By definition, a "solid" is a pattern with no patterns (go figure), where one of the only differentiating factors is color. Assuming you know how to match colors properly, solids are the safest and easiest types of patterns to match, and an always-acceptable choice wherever you go. Remember that black, blue, gray, and earth tones are usually the simplest colors to match.

Stripes
Stripes are characterized by parallel bands or lines that go vertically or horizontally on a contrasting background. Vertical stripes have been known to help shorter men look taller, while horizontal stripes are notorious for making most people look wider and stubbier, and therefore should be avoided by certain body types.

Below are some simple visuals to help explain six of the most common variations of stripes.

1- Traditional stripes: Regular stripes.

2- Pinstripes: Very thin stripes that are generally seen on suits.

3- Chalk stripes: Broken up stripes (non-continuous stripes).

4- Pin dot stripes: Dots appearing in a line (as in a stripe), but broken up by intervals.

5- Wide-spaced chalk stripes: Essentially wider-spaced stripes.

6- British stripes: Solid parallel stripes, which are often seen on regimental ties.

plaid & checkered patterns

Plaids and checks are generally harder to mix and match with one another, and tend to be associated with more conservative and classier looks. Below are definitions of the main plaid and checkered patterns, with sample visuals of each.

Glen plaid, also known as glen checks, originated as Scottish clan plaid. It is characterized by lines crossing at the right angles, forming a box-like design.

Tartan plaid consists of a series of checks superimposed over one another to form a larger check.

Houndstooth patterns are found in all sizes, from tiny to giant versions. They are characterized by a broken check that resembles a four-pointed star.

Tattersall checks are traditional country checks that are inspired by the pattern found on horse blankets. They feature regularly spaced, two-color lines that cross each other in a tic-tac-toe manner.

more patterns...

Paisley consists of swirled designs of abstract, curved shapes.

Herringbone and its variations are characterized by military-like designs with thread slanting left and right, forming chevron patterns.

Polka dot is a pattern formed by regularly spaced circular spots.

so happy together

Now that you can identify basic patterns in your wardrobe, try out these simple tips to mix and match them together. Keep in mind that opinions might differ from one fashion expert to another, but the consensus is that there are four main ways to combine patterns (using variables such as a pair of pants, a blazer, a shirt, and a tie).

3 solids
Mixing three solids is by far the safest alternative. Again, this is assuming that you have a knack for mixing and matching colors.

2 solids with 1 pattern
Mixing two solids and one pattern is another relatively safe route to take (that is, wearing a black pair of pants with a gray shirt and a striped tie, for example). When choosing this option, just beware of mixing soft and loud colors.

2 patterns with 1 solid
The secret to mixing two patterns is to avoid wearing two patterns of identical size. Also, make sure that both patterns have at least one color in common -- it will help pull them together.

3 patterns
This last alternative is the hardest one to pull off and is definitely not made for everyone. To succeed at this one, you must make sure you know your stuff inside and out. If you want to attempt it, remember that the trick is to wear two similar styles of patterns.

For example, you could wear two checks, of different size, and one stripe. Or you could wear two stripes, of different size, and one small plaid or checkered pattern.

identify a pattern yet?

Hopefully after today, you'll have an easier time recognizing and matching various patterns. Colors and patterns aside, just remember that as a general rule, the simpler your clothing, the less likely you are to commit a mismatch -- and fashion crime.

Until next time, keep on stylin'