Stripes can be rebellious, subversive or emblematic, but the classic print will always be at its peak.
The striped shirt was originally worn by Breton fishermen, and in 1858 it became the official uniform of French sailors. They claimed that the 21 blue and white stripes made it easier to find a person if he fell into the sea. Before this, in the Middle Ages, they were the badge of prisoners due to their use on black and white uniforms.
A little history
Striped fabrics also appeared during the French Revolution as a symbol of political upheaval. Meanwhile, in the United States of America, the stripes, along with the stars, began to represent freedom. The American flag, introduced in 1777, symbolized the rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
In the 20th century, stripes became a key part of the fashion iconography of many brands. The pioneer was Adidas, which introduced its three-stripe insignia in 1928 on a sneaker worn by athlete Lina Radke.Then there was Sonia Rykiel, who began designing her own clothes in the late 60s. Her first piece was almost surreal - a simple but eccentric striped pullover that became a hit with the international press and landed on the cover of Elle France.
In the late 80s, American designer Tommy Hilfiger further emphasized the power of red, white and blue stripes. Associated with the colors of the US flag, they have become a true symbol of the American dream. Also keen to get in on the fun, Briton Sir Paul Smith introduced a hyper-coloured dandy version in the '90s, combining classic tailoring, humor and rock style.
Tribute to the designers
Despite their ubiquity, each designer made stripes unique. Jean-Paul Gaultier, for example, broke down gender distinctions with his Breton stripe collection, which was inspired by the gay film Querelle, the story of a Belgian sailor. Also related to the nautical theme were Ottavio and Rosita Missoni's stripes, a multi-color beach chaise pattern that was woven into their knitted creations.
Today, brands such as Petit Bateau, the French children's clothing house, and Sunnei, the Italian brand of Simone Rizzo and Loris Messina, continue to have a passion for fashionable stripes in clothing for 2023. Sunnei has even made the print a signature feature of its collections, offering thin, thick, solid and multi-colored options paired with contemporary tailoring and streetwear.
But stripes have integrated very well into mainstream fashion, and many fashion designers design clothes with stripes, just like any other pattern. In alternative fashion, stripes are a constant.Sailor t-shirts with vertical navy stripes and black and white striped tops inspired by sailors are a favorite of many hipsters.
What to wear with stripes
Stripes in 2023 clothing when combined with other patterns or prints such as floral or spotted can be a little overwhelming if done incorrectly. But if you do it right, the risk will be worth it.
You can mix vertical and horizontal stripes for the top and bottom. Likewise, you can choose stripes of different widths for the top and bottom.
Optimal combinations:
- wider horizontal striped top and thinner vertical striped pants;
- plain skirt with a striped shirt;
- outfit in two colors and a striped scarf.
Wearing stripes in both clothing and accessories is not the best idea. If you're going for a striped ensemble, it's best to use a solid color or other prints for your bags and shoes.
If you're wondering how to pair stripes with other solid-colored clothing, the easiest and most classic way is to wear a striped top with a darker bottom that's the same color as the largest stripe in your pattern. A solid top with a striped bottom always looks amazing.
Various combinations with stripes
For a more fashionable, casual look, pair a striped top with jeans and a jacket or blazer. You can also choose a striped blazer to pair with a simple t-shirt/shirt and trousers.
Horizontal or vertical stripes in contrasting colors can completely change your look. So if you want to be bolder, try using multi-colored stripes instead of plain ones.
If you don't want to wear full-length stripes, opt for stripes in select areas, such as on the sleeves, hem, or as a scarf. But don't overdo it - too many stripes can create a ripple effect.
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