FABRIC PATTRN EVERY MAN SHOULD KNOW

1. Herringbone

The distinctive chevron pattern of Herringbone is created during the weaving process, when the diagonal direction of the twill is reversed at regular intervals.

While the size and visibility of the pattern can vary widely, it’s generally one of the more understated motifs, making it one of the easiest to wear.

Herringbone is most commonly found on blazers, coats, shirts and knitwear.

2. Gingham

Gingham is a success story in itself, having endured association with school uniforms, picnic blankets and tablecloths to remain one of the most popular spring/summer fabrics, particularly on shirts.

Many countries claim to have come up with the plain-woven fabric, which makes use of alternating checks (dyed in the yarn), traditionally consisting of white and a colour.

3. Prince Of Wales Check

Despite being popularised by the natty Duke of Windsor when he was the Prince of Wales, Sir Edward VIII, this design actually takes it cues from the much older Glen Urquhart check that originated in Scotland in the 19th century.

4. Tartan

Tartan, or ‘plaid’ in the states, was once the everyday garb of the Scottish Highlander. The name comes from the Gaelic word ‘breacan’, meaning chequered.

As such, its appearance, which has gained international popularity since it began to be exported in the 16th century, features interlocking horizontal and vertical stripes in multiple colours

5. Pinstripe

Pinstripes, which refers to narrow, crisp lines running in parallel, have appeared on everyone from the New York Yankees baseball team to silver screen icon Clark Gable.

6. Houndstooth

Lanvin, Hardy Amies and Brunello Cucinelli – not to mention Sherlock Holmes – are all fans of houndstooth, another fabric hailing from Scotland.

7. Windowpane

Windowpane, much like pinstripe, fell out of favour until recently. Having waited quietly in the wings for its encore, the large rectangular ‘window-like’ pattern is back.

While the classic black/white combination never fails, colours represent an opportunity to be a bit more playful. Use the rest of your outfit and accessories to pick out either the base or box line hue.

8. Seersucker

When it comes to summer, it’s time to pucker up. Because of the slightly scrunched nature of this cotton fabric, it is held away from the skin, aiding air circulation and making it instantly cooler (in every way).

The subtle, textured stripes usually appear in variations of white and a single colour and are most common on tailoring, shirts and shorts.

9. Birdseye

Move over fish fingers, the real birdseye takes its form as this soft, lightweight and absorbent fabric.

The cotton and linen blend features a series of very small, uniform spots, resulting in a textured pattern that looks like hundreds of bird’s eyes.

While that may sounds like something from an Alfred Hitchcock film, there’s no denying the style credentials when it’s used by the likes of Burberry.