Striped Shirts: What Makes Them Effortless Classics

Iconic, eye-catching, subtle, and unarguably timeless, striped shirts have continued to make a strong impression in the men’s fashion world for centuries. We would even go so far as to say that no man’s wardrobe is complete without it. Striped shirts, in their numerous forms, have been around for centuries. While that would make one assume that stripes are classic pieces, it is surprising how they have managed to stay relevant to the changing times.

From fine to bold, from minimal to adventurous, stripes can make the most mundane occasions exciting by adding striking visual details to your look. Striped shirts are as comfortable at a business meeting with a client as they are enjoying a laidback Sunday brunch with friends.

Given the multitude of options available, we believe that there is no such thing as too many striped shirts in a man’s wardrobe!

Striped shirts for men: The journey

Stripes have a rich and interesting history that goes back to as early as the 13th century. This bold pattern of parallel lines was considered hard to ignore and therefore, was often linked to those who did not conform to the rules laid out by society.

However, in the more recent past, striped shirts have been a symbol of liberation from the humdrum of men’s everyday fashion.While still not as graphic as prints, striped shirts for men became the more interesting yet classy alternative to solids. Today, fashion designers from across the world have created their own unique version of striped shirts for men, playing with colours, width, and patterns.

Striped shirts at Zodiac

The Zodiac collection of striped shirts comes in over 125 different options. While stripes may seem quite straightforward, you will be surprised to know how each pattern is different from the other. Let us dive into some of the different types of stripes you will find in our range of striped shirts for men.

• • What are Bengal Stripes?

  Striking a perfect balance between too stark and too subtle, the iconic Bengal striped shirts refer to stripes that are evenly spaced with an even width of ¼” (inches). A two-colour vertical pattern, comprising alternating stripes in a solid colour and white. These simple yet sophisticated stripes have their roots in East India, recognized as the stripes worn by the Bengal Lancers, a regiment of the British Indian Army. Bengal striped shirts can help you make an understated but remarkable impression every time you don them.

• • What are Candy Stripes?

  One of the more popular varieties of stripes, Candy stripes refer to white and solid coloured vertical panels that are ⅛” (inch) wide. Candy stripes are thinner than the stripes found in Bengal striped shirts. They get their interesting name because the two-coloured vertical lines resemble traditional candy canes!

• • What are Pinstripes?

  We all know pinstripes too well. Pinstripe is a common type of striped shirt that is often used for everyday workwear. They comprise fine vertical lines, narrower than the pencil stripes, at 1/16” wide. You may have seen this particular kind of stripe make an appearance at formal events owing to their minimal but impactful pattern.

• • What are Sateen Stripes?

  Soothing and subtle, sateen stripes refer to a pattern of alternating stripes in matte and sheen. This interesting effect is created by the weave of the fabric. They can be wide or narrow, available in a number of different solid colour combinations.

• • What are Variegated Stripes?

  Variegated means having discrete markings of different colors. A visual delight, variegated or track stripes are a fun take on the traditional two-toned striped shirts. In these types of striped shirts, the background remains the same but the colour of stripes keeps changing. This gives the appearance of multicoloured stripes, making it a perfect choice for those who love to play with stripes.

• • What are Railroad Stripes?

  Railroad stripes are like a trip down the memory lane. These striped shirts get their name because of their past and close association with traditional railways’ uniforms. They are narrow parallel lines in two colours, woven in a way that makes the lines appear puckered. They are bound to get noticed when worn for events that call for smart casual or relaxed casual outfits. The approachable vertical stripes are easy to wear and care for.

• • What are Self-Stripes?

  As the name suggests, self striped shirts consist of stripe patterns that are inherent to the fabric of the shirt as opposed to being printed or woven later. It is one of the most common types of striped shirts found in men’s closets and yet, it is nothing like the typical stripe patterns one expects. These stripes work well with almost all kinds of pairings. Seersucker, shadow stripes are some examples of self-striped shirts.

• • What are Dobby Stripes?

  Dobby refers to a woven fabric characterized by small geometric patterns. These stripes are formed by multiple narrow or wide lines running parallel to each other. Dobby is a textured weave creating a striped pattern that fits effortlessly into casual affairs.

From superfine 100% pure cotton to the elegant Egyptian cotton to linen woven from Normandy flax, you will always find multiple fabric options to choose from for your striped shirts at Zodiac. But, our variety of striped shirts for men doesn’t end here!

At Z3 Relaxed Luxury, we have over 15 different types of stripes for the casual side of your wardrobe. Our range includes nautical-inspired stripes, striped casual shirts in True Indigo fabric that gets better with every wash, like your favourite pair of jeans, and more!

For your clubwear needs, we have a collection of stylish stripes at ZOD! Club Wear. Our range of striped shirts is crafted from 97% cotton and 3% elastine which gives these shirts are stretched and snug fit. The variety of patterns available ranges from the bold variegated stripes to the more modern and trendier version of the formal or conventional stripes.

As you set out in the search of striped shirts for your collection, remember: no matter what the occasion or need, there’s no expectation a striped shirt cannot meet!