THE ART OF PATTERN MIXING FOR MEN

Pattern mixing; Often attempted but very rarely executed well, it can be the difference between a great look and just being a peacock.

But why mix patterns in the first place? Surely it’s better to just stick with what you know and keep the pattern you’ve chosen anchored? Adding another will just create a world of unnecessary problems won’t it? Well, yes and no.

If you’re new to this menswear game or haven’t quite built up the confidence to move out of your comfort zone, then perhaps pattern mixing won’t be the one for you. It is tricky to get the hang of, and often comes down to a judgement call, so until you’ve experimented a bit or are more familiar with your own personal style and what suits you, this particular addition to the way you dress may not be for you (yet).

However, if you want to show off this new side of you, what better way than demonstrating your knowledge of pattern mixing and your ability to inject it into your every day looks.

The Art of Pattern Mixing

Now, as always, there are a few guidelines that should be followed. These tips will help you when it comes deciding how to put your look together and what may be a good idea to avoid.

(i) The Same Pattern

Firstly, if you are new to mixing patterns then simply keep things in the same pattern. For example, stripes on stripes or checks on checks. The key here is to make sure that with each new pattern that you add to the look, the width or size of the pattern is different to what has gone before.

I love to play around with this in a formal setting with something like a navy pin striped suit. I tend to favour strong bold stripes (but not fat) because they communicate power and confidence, which also means I can wear a fine striped dress shirt and a rep tie without it looking out of place.

As I said, the key is to make sure each pattern is a different size to avoid people going cross eyed when they look at you. But overall, it’s a creative way to breathe new life into an ordinarily traditional look:

Here are some example outfit combinations, using pieces currently available, that you could try for yourself

UNIQLO MEN COTTON STRIPE JACKET

AUSTIN REED 8CM CUT NAVY SPOT SILK TIE

MONKEE GENES SLIM CHINOS

ALLSAINTS ARLINGTON BOAT NECK T-SHIRT

TOPMAN BLUE SLUB SKINNY SUIT JACKET

RALPH LAUREN PURPLE LABEL ASTON BENGAL STRIPE SHIRT

CHARVET STRIPED SILK AND LINEN-BLEND TIE

REISS RAKE FLECK PRINT SHIRT NAVY

AUSTIN REED CONTEMPORARY FIT NAVY WIDE STRIPE JACKET

(ii) Keeping It Tonal

Similarly, keeping things within the same colour family can help too. However, this does work better if you’re trying to incorporate different patterns such as stripes and checks.

By using patterns that are different hues of the same colour, it can create a very subtle look while still showing that you have a daring side. It’s a good idea to vary the pattern sizes, but not completely necessary in this case.

(iii) In The Mixer

The final way to pattern match is one for the more advanced – just throw caution to the wind and don’t get too matchy matchy!

Use colours that complement each other, rather than in the same family, like a pink striped shirt with a navy check sports jacket. This season is going to be about expressing yourself and seeing just how much you can get away with whilst still looking put together and stylish.

So experiment! Have some fun with it. If this summer is all about prints on prints on prints, why not try out patterns on patterns on patterns as well? The only true golden rule is the first – vary the size of the pattern – otherwise you’ll look like a squiggly mess.

Yeah, you heard. A squiggly mess.

Again, some example combinations:

·         TOPMAN BURGUNDY ENGINEER STRIPE CREW

TOPMAN STONE YOKE PATTERN CARDIGAN

HARTFORD PAISLEY-PRINT COTTON SCARF

JOHN SMEDLEY FORTE SEA ISLAND COTTON POLO SHIRT

REISS DUSTIN BOLD CHECK SHIRT NAVY

ASOS SLIM FIT POLKA DOT SHORTS

SELECTED CHANGE CHECK BLAZER

Z ZEGNA PAISLEY POCKET SQUARE 56777

HARTFORD WHITE SPACE SPOT PRINT SHIRT

Hopefully these few rules and looks will have given you some ideas as to how you want to start incorporating pattern mixing into your wardrobe. As I said, only try this if you’re feeling confident in your person and personal style. If you think this might not be for you, stick to anchoring your patterns with solid colours or neutrals.

As always guys, let me know what you think – because this is all about collaboration and sharing after all!