Patterns and textures in fashion are like spices in the kitchen. The right clothing pattern can bring depth and flavor to your wardrobe that no other addition can.
And when you understand what to do with them, patterns and textures will change how you create your outfits—for the better.
To help you style with confidence, we’re looking at some of the most common types of patterns in clothes, as well as a few must-know fabric patterns and textures. Along the way, we’ll offer tips on how to work a pattern piece into your wardrobe.
Basic Patterns
The tried-and-true patterns of the fashion world are classics for a reason: They always deliver. When styled well, these patterns are anything but basic.
#1 Stripes
Stripes can be vertical, horizontal, or diagonal, and have different names depending on the width of the stripes:
- Pinstripes are thin stripes with a decent amount of space between them.
- Balanced stripes form a repeating, symmetrical pattern of various widths.
How to Style It
If you like chunky stripes, pair a wide-striped cardigan featuring a horizontal stripe pattern with these patch flare denim pants. For a toned-down look, consider wearing some pinstripe pants with this purple collared cargo shirt.
You can also rock a single large stripe instead of a vertical or horizontal stripe pattern. This star track jacket with a relaxed fit white tee underneath and the matching pants gives off a stars-and-stripes look.
#2 Checks
A checks pattern happens when you have vertical and horizontal stripes on the same garment. The chessboard pattern or checkered pattern can be big and blocky, or tightly packed for a slight optical illusion.
Gingham, a variation on checks, is defined by a color checked with white.
How to Style It
Because smaller checks tend to lean formal, we suggest opting for a checkered pattern with bulkier lines in more casual settings. This checkered cardigan pairs nicely with a vintage-inspired tee and gray skinny jeans, while this checkerboard blue denim calls for a simple light blue jean jacket.
#3 Plaid
Think of the plaid pattern as checks’ estranged older brother. Plaid patterns are usually more than two colors and have a more complex, asymmetrical pattern, while checks are always two-colored and symmetrical.
How to Style It
Plaid patterns are a staple in men's fall outfits, offering a classic autumnal fit. The blocky look of a checkerboard pattern can feel like plaid, so it makes sense that the two can be styled similarly.
It’s hard to beat a plaid flannel with some vintage work pants, but if you’re after something more dressed up, you may want to look at plaid pattern pants. Wearing these distressed plaid pants with a graphic hoodie can give off a punky look, while these plaid baggy trousers can pair with a cream knit sweater for an academic appeal.
#4 Houndstooth
Houndstooth takes the rigid blocks of the checks pattern and distorts them. The “checkerboard” feeling is still present, but with this piece, the corners have been skewed, giving the entire motif a more diagonal look.
Because the houndstooth pattern was big in the 60s, it can create a retro feel. At the same time, it’s made a comeback in recent years.
How to Style It
We think the houndstooth clothing pattern can speak for itself, so we’re keen on letting it be the focus. This knit houndstooth shirt and its shorts counterpart feature large teeth that come across as more modern than a smaller houndstooth.
If you’d rather not wear a set, this different type of pattern also complements a brown leather flare pant, the sharpness of the design contrasting with the smooth faux leather.
Complex Patterns
As you stray from the stripes and checks, things get more unique. If you’re planning to make a statement, these are the patterns you’re looking for.
#5 Paisley
With its teardrop-shaped figures and mandala-like details, paisley patterns are one of the most eye-catching patterns out there.
While you might associate the pattern with hippie counterculture, Prince, or cowboy bandanas, paisley patterns actually originated in Persia centuries ago. Today, it’s as timeless as ever.
How to Style It
Because paisley is so visually interesting, it often works well as a focal piece that doesn’t have to compete with other patterns. For example, a bright paisley shirt or pair of shorts can make an otherwise neutral outfit pop.
To double down on the pattern’s appeal, try a matching top and shorts for a paisley-on-paisley look.
#6 Animal Print
As far as maximalism goes, it’s hard to beat animal prints. These in-your-face designs, courtesy of Mother Nature, are as 80s glam as they are royalty.
These days, you can cop cruelty-free synthetic versions of all the most popular prints, including:
- Leopard
- Zebra
- Cheetah
- Snake
- Giraffe
How to Style It
Animal print pieces are bold, so own the “go big or go home” approach. A set of leopard print track pants and jacket, complete with a cropped white tee, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Of course, you can be more subtle, too. Match this zebra sherpa jacket with some burgundy twill pants for a dash of excitement, or keep things low-key and wear this leopard-collared jacket with a simple graphic tee and faded work pants.
#7 Camo
Military styles have always influenced day-to-day fashion, and camo is no exception. Although the natural tans, browns, blacks, greens, and grays were chosen to blend into the surroundings, wearing camo today offers a chance to stand out from the crowd.
How to Style It
Camo pairs well with neutrals—whites, blacks, and browns—but you don’t have to stick to simplicity.
You can play with textures by pairing desert camo pants with a faded denim jacket, or throw another pattern in the mix with these striped serape cargo pants.
Types of Textures
Sometimes, the way the fabric looks and feels is as important as the colors and patterns on it. With texture, you have an opportunity to play with depth and space. And once you understand what to do with different textures, a whole new world opens up.
#8 Denim
It started as a work pant and became an everyday icon. From blue jeans to denim jackets, this durable, made-of-cotton material is as practical as it is stylish. You probably already have some denim in your wardrobe—but you can never have too much.
How to Style It
Denim goes with just about everything. Exploring different types of jeans for men can enhance your denim styling options. A classic pair of jeans looks as good with a cropped flannel jacket and white tee as it does with a tie dye sherpa pullover.
At the same time, you can go way beyond classic. A flared pant with studded details, for example, matches a statement-making sweater perfectly.
#9 Leather
Long associated with biker gangs and underground clubs, leather has become a daily sight on the streets. Originally made from the hides of animals, most leather clothing today is now cruelty-free faux leather.
It’s smooth to the touch, glossy, and exceptionally cool.
How to Style It
Leather lends itself to the punky look, so you’ll often see black leather pants styled with a vintage-style graphic tee. Denim and leather also have an affinity for each other, which is why a black leather jacket with faded blue jeans is a classic combo.
#10 Suede
Technically a type of leather, suede is a matte, almost fuzzy material that you’ll often find on jackets, shoes, and accessories. It makes for a unique texture that’s somehow rough and smooth at the same time.
As with leather, faux suede is also available and widely used.
How to Style It
Suede shines as outerwear. A brown suede trucker jacket on top of a plain tee and black cargo pants is a timeless favorite.
Of course, suede isn’t limited to jackets. These patchwork suede pants, when coupled with an oversized acid tee, prove that faux suede has its place in every closet.
Bring Patterns & Textures to Your Wardrobe
If you’ve kept your clothes relatively neutral until now, we don’t blame you. Neutrals are easy to match and almost always look good.
But patterns and textures give you a new element to play with. And when you find a pattern you love, you’ll want to pair it with everything. Luckily, now you know how.
Whether you’re planning to highlight a single pattern or experiment with mixing patterns and textures, mnml has the standout pieces you’re looking for.
