It’s common in our time that the most popular and prevalent objects we see in everyday life are often (and somewhat ironically) the most overlooked. Such is the case with the timeless pinstripe pattern. Often associated with traditional tailoring and menswear, the pinstripe pattern has become a staple of any fine suit, and as a result masculinity. the history of this timeless design however is anything but straightforward. Join me as I go down the rabbit hole of this pattern. From Hollywood to the high street, the pinstripe pattern has a story to tell.
It all began in the banks of Victorian England, or did it? You see the origins of the pinstripe pattern has been the subject of debate for many years now with two main arguments. The first is the previously mentioned banks with the pattern being popular as a uniform for the employees. The other side is a far cry from the serious and stuffy world of finance. Other historians argue that the pattern came from the sporting world, specifically in boating and racing sports. The idea is that many outfits were inspired by sportswear at the time.
Regardless of what you choose to believe, the pinstripe skyrocketed into fame, especially in America, with superstars such as Cary Grant and Clarke Gable donning the pattern in the 50s. Recently, however, there has been a push to re-appropriate the pinstripe with the rise of street culture and style. As it’s commonly associated with tradition and authority, naturally many have worn it ironically, as a statement against all it represents. It even got the attention of the punk movement, who wore striped clothing as a message to the systems that they felt were restricting them.
Yes the pinstripe has a fascinating history, now that’s all done we can finally put a “pin” in the complicated past of this classic pattern.
References
Barrows, A. (2022, January 10). A Brief History of the Pinstripe Suit. The Bespoke Tailor. https://www.thebespoketailor.co.uk/history-pinstripe-suit/
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