Patterns against plain

Short answer: Plain colours are easier to combine, patterns are easier to keep looking neat. The choice depends on whether a piece needs to go with a lot or will be worn hard. Most wardrobes need both, just in different amounts.

Plain combines best

A plain piece goes with almost everything in the drawer. It does not compete with the rest, and you do not have to think about whether colours or patterns clash. That makes plain tops a good foundation to build the rest of your wardrobe around, for everyday wear and slightly smarter occasions. See bamboo tops for women.

Patterns hide more

A pattern breaks up the surface, so the eye has no even area to compare a stain against. Small marks, lint and light wear are less visible in a pattern than on a plain surface. That makes patterned pieces practical for clothes that are worn often and hard, and cannot always be washed straight away.

Pattern under your clothes

Patterns do not have to sit on the outside. A patterned piece under your clothes is not seen by others, so it can be a small personal choice without affecting the rest. Under a plain dress, the colour of the slip matters most when the fabric on top is thin, so choose a calm tone there. See bamboo slips.

One pattern at a time

Two patterns in one outfit ask more than most people want to spend time on in the morning. The simplest approach is to let one piece carry a pattern and keep the rest plain. That gives the eye somewhere to rest and lets the pattern stand out. The same goes for relaxed clothes at home. See bamboo sweat clothes.

If you want to mix patterns

If you still want to wear two patterns together, choose them in different sizes. A large pattern and a small one can work, because the eye can tell them apart. Two patterns at the same scale often look messy, because neither is clearly the main one. A shared colour can help tie them together.

Plain shows more

The downside of plain is that it shows everything. A stain, a discolouration or light lint stands out on an even surface. This is especially true of very dark and very light colours. If you choose plain for clothes that are worn hard, expect to wash them a little more often, gently and inside out.

Think in proportions

A good rule of thumb is to keep most pieces plain and only a few patterned. Then everything can be combined, and patterns become an accent rather than a problem. If you already own many patterns, a few calm plain pieces are often what helps the rest work better together.

Choose by use

The most practical question is what the piece is for. If it needs to go with many different things, plain is the safe choice. If it needs to handle a busy day where stains cannot always be avoided, a pattern can be more forgiving. Both have their place, and the choice is easier once you know the job.

Frequently asked questions

What is easiest to wear

Plain. It goes with everything in the drawer and needs no thought in the morning, because it does not compete with the rest of the outfit.

When is a pattern better

When the piece is worn hard. A pattern hides stains and wear much better than a plain surface does, because the surface is broken up.

Can you wear two patterns together

Yes, but they need to differ in size. Two patterns at the same scale always look messy together, because the eye cannot decide which one to rest on.