Pattern Basics

Stripes, checks, herringbone, houndstooth, scale, spacing, shirt patterns, tie patterns, and quiet pattern mixing.

Pattern is mostly scale and spacing. A striped shirt, textured tie, and herringbone coat can work together when each pattern has a different size and job.

The decisions that carry the page.

Scale

Do not stack patterns of the same size.

Distance

Small patterns read as texture from far away.

Color

Keep pattern colors tied to the outfit palette.

One loud piece

Let one pattern lead, then calm the rest.

Pattern Jobs in practice.

Stripe shirt — Vertical line — Safe under jackets

Check jacket — Lead — Needs quiet trousers

Herringbone — Texture — Pattern that behaves like solid

Grenadine tie — Surface — Adds depth without print

Pattern sits on top of a plain base; colour for men sets that base. Tweed and herringbone are fabric questions as much as pattern ones, so the fabric guide is a useful companion, and classic menswear shows where quiet checks fit best.