Should you mix check patterns?
When it comes to tailoring, one talking point in the industry many like to discuss is the use of patterns. Should you mix them or not?
Whether it’s a coat, dinner jacket or three-piece suit, everyone has their own preference in terms of style, colour and pattern.
No matter the garments you choose from Andrew Brookes, we want to be able to give you a timeless look and feel, with items that work well as separates, mixing with other colours and textures. Versatility is one way to measure a good suit, and believe it or not, this works with patterned items too.
Many people are under the impression that patterned garments can only be worn with plain shirts, ties and accessories. This is true to an extent but it’s not a written rule, your suit is not limited to be worn with a few shades of the same plain shirt.
Whether it’s a coat, dinner jacket or three-piece suit, everyone has their own preference in terms of style, colour and pattern.
No matter the garments you choose from Andrew Brookes, we want to be able to give you a timeless look and feel, with items that work well as separates, mixing with other colours and textures. Versatility is one way to measure a good suit, and believe it or not, this works with patterned items too.
Many people are under the impression that patterned garments can only be worn with plain shirts, ties and accessories. This is true to an extent but it’s not a written rule, your suit is not limited to be worn with a few shades of the same plain shirt.
We don’t work to rules, we tailor to your vibe, and if mixing patterns, textures and colours suits your vibe and makes you feel good, then who says you can’t?
SEE ALSO: Why use a tailor?
Mixing can give your look a much more confident and modern sartorial style, without looking like you dressed in the dark. It is possible to mix check patterns and still come away with a fantastically put together outfit. Here’s how:
Balance Patterns
The key in mixing different checks in one outfit is to master the balance. If your suit is made of a large, bold check, ensure your shirt has a smaller, more subtle pattern and vice versa. This also works for accessories too, so if you’re a scarf man, steer clear of a bold check if your suit has a big pattern, as the outfit will become too busy.
Scale Up
The easiest way to introduce a mix of check patterns into your outfit is to remember to scale up. That is, start off with smaller checks closer to your body, and scale up as you layer up. For example, start with a small and simple check shirt, add a tie with a bolder pattern or round off with a jacket that has a large check print.
Consider colour
Colour can make or break a mix pattern outfit. Be as careful as you would be when considering block colour shirts and jackets, to ensure your colours don’t clash. If the pattern on your shirt is brightly coloured, consider more subdued shades for your waistcoat or jacket.
We don’t work to rules, we tailor to your vibe, and if mixing patterns, textures and colours suits your vibe and makes you feel good, then who says you can’t?
Mixing can give your look a much more confident and modern sartorial style, without looking like you dressed in the dark. It is possible to mix check patterns and still come away with a fantastically put together outfit. Here’s how:
Balance Patterns
The key in mixing different checks in one outfit is to master the balance. If your suit is made of a large, bold check, ensure your shirt has a smaller, more subtle pattern and vice versa. This also works for accessories too, so if you’re a scarf man, steer clear of a bold check if your suit has a big pattern, as the outfit will become too busy.
Scale Up
The easiest way to introduce a mix of check patterns into your outfit is to remember to scale up. That is, start off with smaller checks closer to your body, and scale up as you layer up. For example, start with a small and simple check shirt, add a tie with a bolder pattern or round off with a jacket that has a large check print.
Consider colour
Colour can make or break a mix pattern outfit. Be as careful as you would be when considering block colour shirts and jackets, to ensure your colours don’t clash. If the pattern on your shirt is brightly coloured, consider more subdued shades for your waistcoat or jacket.
