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Stripes: vertical, horizontal, thin, wide? how to choose?

14 min read
Stripes: vertical, horizontal, thin, wide? how to choose?

The striped shirt, or even elegance…. timeless, modern, it adapts to all situations. Just like her cousin the plain shirt, but with an extra note of distinction. In this article, find out what kind of stripes to choose and learn how to match them to your outfit.

What type of stripes should be used?

First of all, a very important thing: a shirt with vertical stripes lengthens the figure and thins a profile. Exit the horizontal stripes that will have the opposite tendency to expand your body, which is absolutely not flattering especially if you have a few pounds to lose. Opt for a slender silhouette.

Exit the shirt with horizontal stripes man

Exit the shirt with horizontal stripes man

A slender silhouette with a men’s vertical striped shirt

A slender silhouette with a men’s vertical striped shirt

https://www.premieremanche.com/en/shirts/123-blue-poplin-striped-shirt.html

In a second step, know that a man’s shirt with fine stripes or ultra fine will have much more allure than a shirt with wide stripes, rather reserved for fashion designers. Also, it turns out that the finer the stripe, the more likely it will be to refine your figure…

The men’s shirt with extra-wide stripes is reserved for podiums

The men’s shirt with extra-wide stripes is reserved for podiums

Regarding the fabric of the shirt, we advise you to opt for a poplin in a formal setting, at the office or at a social event. Conversely, if you wear your striped shirt in a more relaxed setting, choose an oxford fabric in winter or chambray in summer.

Oxford

Oxford

Chambray

Chambray

https://www.premieremanche.com/en/shirts/130-blue-striped-chambray.html

Japanese poplin very light, ideal for spring or summer

Japanese poplin very light, ideal for spring or summer

Grey striped shirt

https://www.premieremanche.com/en/shirts/195-grey-striped-shirt.html

Match a striped shirt to your outfit

Nothing is easier, the fine stripes, as discreet as they are, are very easy to combine with all types of outfits and marry with all patterns.

If you want to make sure you’re not guilty, wear a white blue striped shirt with a dark grey or navy blue suit, and brown leather shoes. A plain tie, in the same tones as the shirt will be ideal. Why not a silk knit tie that will bring a sought-after and ideal spirit with the autumn-winter season. You can also wear your choice on other stripe colors that will fit just as well to a dark suit.

Striped shirt with suit

Red striped shirt

https://www.premieremanche.com/en/shirts/188-red-striped-shirt.html

In a more casual spirit, wear your men’s striped shirt on jeans or chinos that are neutral, navy blue or beige, or in shirt tones if they remain neutral (blue, green).

Casual look with striped shirt

If you are a bold man, don’t hesitate to bring other discreet motifs into the accessories, the jacket… without doing too much either. No more than two patterns in total, three at the most! And especially no total look in stripes! Keep a harmony of colors to get a pleasant set to the eye.

A beautiful set of stripes and tiles

A beautiful set of stripes and tiles

Three beautiful striped shirt combinations, tie and patterned pouch

Three beautiful striped shirt combinations, tie and patterned pouch

Striped shirt and tie combination

Patterned tie with striped shirt

Be careful, however, that the colours are overloaded. The vichy tile pattern is not associated at all with the striped shirt.

Vichy pattern mismatch

No total look in stripes

No total look in stripes

Finally, have fun! Make up your wardrobe with easy-to-wear, striped shirts that you can wear on any occasion, including all shades of blue, from sky blue to dark blue. Then add more original striped shirts, such as orange, purple, khaki or pink. Think you can never go wrong, a shirt with fine stripes is in itself a no-fault shirt. For these more daring colors, match them with a neutral outfit that will highlight the tone of the shirt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What we
are asked

For a job interview, choose a white poplin or twill shirt with a semi-spread collar. It’s the most neutral option: it won’t distract your interviewer and shows attention to detail without trying to make an impression.
Three signs: the chest buttons are pulling (you can see gaps between the button plackets), the shoulder seams sit forward of the shoulder point, or the collar leaves red marks at the end of the day. If any of these signs are present, go up a size.
In formal settings, yes. A tucked-in shirt signals attention to detail. It is designed to be worn that way: if it looks too long when untucked, it’s a fit issue, not a style choice.
Five is the minimum to avoid repeating the same shirt every week: two white, two light blue, and one in a slightly bolder fabric or color. The goal isn’t quantity, but rotation without visual fatigue.

Premiere Manche

Premiere Manche makes shirts from double-twisted cotton, tailored in Portugal using fabrics sourced from Italy and Japan. Première Impression is our space for reflecting on style, materials, and care—free from commercial arguments.

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