Stripes in basics

Short answer: Stripes are the pattern closest to a plain colour. Narrow stripes read as a single tone from a distance, while wide stripes read as a clear pattern. That is why stripes can add a little life to your basics without making them hard to combine.

Narrow stripes act like one colour

From a couple of metres away, narrow stripes blend into one tone. A top with fine black and white stripes can therefore behave almost like a grey top when you put an outfit together. That makes narrow stripes an easy first step if you want some variety without giving up a calm look. See bamboo tops for women.

Wide stripes are a pattern

Wide stripes are clearly visible and work as a graphic element. They catch the eye and become the first thing people notice. That is why the rest of the outfit should be calm. Wide stripes work well on pieces only you see, where you can choose freely by taste. See bamboo panties.

The direction of stripes matters

Horizontal stripes lead the eye from side to side, while vertical stripes lead it up and down. It is not a rule you have to follow, but it is useful to know when you choose. Direction matters less with narrow stripes, because they blend together from a distance. Wide stripes show the direction more clearly.

Stripes hide less than marl

A regular pattern does not hide stains as well as an irregular one. A mark interrupts the pattern, so the eye can actually spot it more easily. Marled fabrics hide more, because the surface is already uneven. For clothes worn hard at home, marl is often more forgiving than stripes. See bamboo sweat clothes.

How to combine stripes

The simplest approach is to let stripes be the only pattern in the outfit and pick the rest in one of the stripe colours. A navy and white striped top goes with navy or white trousers. The outfit then holds together without much thought. Narrow stripes can often be treated as plain when you combine.

The colours in the stripes

Stripes in two calm colours are the easiest to wear. Black and white, navy and white or two shades of grey go with most things. Stripes in strong colours quickly become the focus and ask more of the rest. For striped basics you will wear often, choose colours you already own plenty of.

Take care with stripes in the wash

Two-colour stripes need a little care in the wash. Wash at a low temperature with clothes in similar colours, so a dark stripe does not bleed onto a light one. Turn the piece inside out and do not leave it wet in the machine. That keeps the contrast between the stripes crisp for longer.

When stripes make sense

Stripes are a good choice when you want a little life in an otherwise calm outfit without moving to a bold pattern. They sit between plain and patterned. If your drawer is mostly plain, a few striped pieces can add variety without making everyday dressing more complicated.

Frequently asked questions

Are stripes hard to combine

Narrow stripes are not, they act almost like a plain tone. Wide stripes need the rest of the outfit to be calm, so they can be the only pattern.

Do stripes hide stains

Less than marled fabrics. A regular pattern actually makes irregular stains easier to spot, because the stain interrupts the pattern.

When should you choose stripes

When you want a little life in an otherwise calm outfit, without going all the way to a bold pattern. Narrow stripes are the easiest place to start.