Striped shirts for men have earned a reputation for being incredibly versatile, effortlessly blending in with any dress code. Their ease of wear is perhaps the primary reason why they remain a staple in many modern men’s wardrobes. With some clever styling, these shirts can be worn throughout the year, adapting seamlessly to suit various occasions and seasons. Moreover, the stripe pattern itself is universally flattering, complementing an array of body types with its classic charm.
In fact, fashion brands like Topman Design and Oliver Spencer have successfully incorporated stripes in varying sizes and colors into their designs, showcasing that even the most timeless styles can be given a tailored twist.
How to Wear Stripes?
The omnipresent stripe has become a staple in modern fashion, adorning an array of garments with equal aplomb. From the sharp lines of suits to the playful pops of color on socks, stripes have seamlessly woven themselves into the fabric of our wardrobe.
Common Types of Stripes
Striped patterns have evolved significantly over the years, and what was once exclusive to formal wear has now become a staple in casual attire as well. Pencil Stripe dresses are incredibly thin, resembling lines drawn with a pencil, whereas Bengal Stripes are bolder, measuring at 1/8″ in width, making them suitable for business settings. On the other hand, Candy Stripes are thick, playful, and bold in color, perfect for casual occasions.
In the realm of British summerwear, Deckchair stripes have become a staple, featuring slightly chunky vertical lines that look great on casual shirts. The combination of red and white is particularly striking, although muted options in light greys and pastel colors work well too. Pinstripes have also transitioned from being a formal staple to a more casual piece, rebranded for everyday wear.
Meanwhile, Banker Stripes – originally seen on suits in corner offices – have been adapted for casual office attire or smart-casual weekend wear. For those seeking a streetwear vibe, oversized Banker Stripes can be found. Breton Stripes, popularized by James Dean’s iconic style, continue to endure as a timeless classic.
Tips on Wearing Striped Shirts
If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of striped shirts, start with a casual tee that’s easy to wear. Opt for thin stripes in understated colors like white, grey, navy, or black. If you already feel at home in short-sleeve shirts, why not try something new and step up to a long-sleeve option? A knitted, oversized design can create a relaxed, effortless look that’s almost as if you’re swimming in it.
When it comes to colors, keep things subtle.
Avoid bright hues like yellow, orange, or red and instead focus on muted tones that won’t overpower your natural beauty. Remember to prioritize comfort – after all, the fit of a striped shirt is crucial. A tailored design cut and sewn to your measurements will make you feel confident and stylish.
Ready to take it up a notch? Now’s the perfect time to experiment with bolder combinations or candy-inspired stripes.
Break free from plain solid colors by introducing interesting yet simple patterns like horizontal or vertical stripes, which can add visual interest to even the most basic outfits.
↓ 20 – Everyday Look
For those who haven’t invested in one already, begin by incorporating a simple short-sleeved tee into your wardrobe. This provides a solid foundation upon which to build. From here, consider trading in your standard issue tees for a horizontal striped option. The horizontal stripes will work in tandem with the tall men’s frame to create a more balanced silhouette.
↓ 19 – Striped Polo Shirt
When it comes to dressing as a shorter or rounder individual, there are certain clothing choices that can either accentuate or detract from your figure. One such consideration is the type of shirt you wear. Specifically, horizontally striped shirts can have an unintended consequence for those who are vertically challenged – they can make you appear even shorter than you are. Similarly, rounder individuals may want to steer clear of stripes that draw attention to their midsection.
The good news is that a well-chosen polo shirt can be a timeless and versatile addition to your wardrobe, capable of complementing various seasonal trends with ease. To ensure the best results, focus on a color palette that’s consistent throughout – this will help create a cohesive look that flatters your figure.
↓ 18 – Seersucker Shirt
A versatile option for everyday wear, this striped shirt pairs harmoniously with a dotted tie. When confidence is high, try pairing the two for a stylish and professional look.
↓ 17 – As a Gingham Shirt Jacket
Gone are the days when floral patterns reigned supreme – gingham has taken center stage once again. This classic print has a rich history dating back to the 1960s, but today it’s closely associated with fans of indie music who swear by brands like Lambretta Clothing and Ben Sherman.
↓ 16 – Styling Striped Flannel Shirts
Flannel fabric is renowned for its plush texture and cozy warmth, making it an excellent choice for those chilly months. One of the most versatile pieces in any wardrobe, flannel shirts can be styled in a multitude of ways to suit various occasions. For a laid-back look, pair your flannel shirt with a plain T-shirt and distressed denim jeans for a relaxed, casual vibe.
As temperatures rise, you can effortlessly transition your look by wearing the flannel shirt as a waistband, adding an extra layer of style to your outfit.
↓ 15 – With Your Basic Jeans
A timeless favorite, stripes continue to be a versatile and enduring fashion staple. Not only do they offer a solid base for mixing and matching with other pieces, but they also cleverly draw attention away from other statement items in your wardrobe, effortlessly elevating everyday essentials like jeans or jackets to a whole new level.
↓ 14 – As Smart-Casual
When it comes to choosing between vertical and horizontal stripes, opting for the former can yield several advantages. By guiding the eye to move upwards and downwards, vertical stripes create a lengthening illusion that can be particularly flattering on shorter or plus-size men. This styling trick can help to create a more balanced and proportional appearance.
↓ 13 – With Shorts
A staple in any summer wardrobe, the classic striped T-shirt deserves a special mention. Its cotton composition – typically 100% cotton – makes it an excellent choice for warm weather. The natural breathability of cotton ensures you’ll stay cool and comfortable throughout the day. It’s also worth noting that opting for fabrics like polyester or rayon can be counterproductive to your comfort, making cotton a far more suitable option.
↓ 12 – With Corduroy Pants
Corduroy pants are a timeless fashion staple that can be incorporated into your wardrobe year-round, without fear of going out of style. One of the reasons for their enduring popularity is their versatility in terms of maintenance and cleaning – cord, being a variation of velvet, is surprisingly easy to care for. In fact, I recently published an article exploring various ways to wear corduroy pants, highlighting their adaptability to different occasions and personal styles.
↓ 11 – With Cargo Pants
When it comes to pairing striped patterns, harmony can be achieved by combining them in a way that respects differences in scale and proportion. A great example of this is the combination of thin, tightly spaced stripes on a shirt with thicker, more widely spaced stripes on a jacket, trousers, or tie. This subtle yet striking contrast creates a visually appealing outfit that’s both stylish and cohesive.
↓ 10 – With Suspenders
While belt and suspenders serve similar purposes – providing support and stability – they should not be worn simultaneously. If you choose to wear suspenders, stick with traditional bracing options featuring leather or fabric button attachments that complement your shoes and pants. Ensure the color of these accessories aligns with your footwear and trousers for a cohesive look.
↓ 9 – What to Wear with Striped Shirts in Winter
Transform the versatility of a striped T-shirt by playing with layering pieces! To add an effortless touch to this classic staple, try pairing a long-sleeved striped top with a simple short-sleeved tee beneath it. This clever hack allows you to dress up or down, effortlessly adapting your outfit to suit any occasion.
↓ 8 – With White Pants
The versatility of white jeans is undeniable, as they can effortlessly elevate or tone down an outfit to suit any style or age. According to Manny de la Cruz from Well Built Style, white chinos are the perfect piece for warm weather. This timeless and trendy staple is sure to look great on men of all ages. Check out our collection of innovative White Jeans Outfits for Men to get inspiration for your next fashion statement.
↓ 7 – Business Casual
When showcasing a statement vertical stripe shirt, it’s best to tone down the rest of the outfit by keeping trousers and shoes simple and understated. This allows the bold top to take center stage. In summer, thicker deck chair stripes can add a playful touch, while thinner chalk or pinstripe shirts paired with a matching tie convey a sense of professionalism.
↓ 6 – Party Outfit
When attending a social gathering, you have the perfect opportunity to express yourself through bold fashion choices. Consider pairing a statement-making striped shirt with complementary bright colors that will add depth and visual interest to your overall look. This combination is sure to make a stylish impression on your peers.
↓ 5 – With a Denim Jacket
For effortless trend-following, start with a versatile piece: a horizontally striped undershirt. Pair it with a denim jacket featuring rolled-up sleeves and chinos for a stylish balance between cool and laid-back.
↓ 4 – With a Bomber Jacket
For effortless style in warm weather, consider an open Cuban-collared shirt featuring horizontal stripes made from breathable materials like linen or lightweight cotton. This versatile piece can be easily mixed and matched with other wardrobe staples to create smart-casual ensembles perfect for hotter climates.
↓ 3 – With a Leather Jacket
For those who aren’t well-versed in color theory, a harmonious combination can be achieved by pairing a vertically striped shirt with a neutral-colored leather jacket. This arrangement ensures that neither the bold stripes nor the rich leather dominate the look, resulting in a visually appealing ensemble where each piece complements the other.
↓ 2 – With White Sneakers
↓ 1 – Wear it as a Jacket
Shirt jackets, particularly those featuring stripes, can create a stylish ensemble when paired with jeans. To add a touch of subtlety to your outfit, consider layering a plain white or black tee underneath. One of the defining characteristics of shirt jackets is their heavy fabric construction, often featuring materials like wool that provide warmth during colder months.
When opting for a shacket in warmer weather, consider leaving the buttons open and rolling up the sleeves to create a more relaxed, summer-inspired look.
