How To Pull Off A Pinstripe Suit

Man in suit - Credit: iStockPhoto.com

When it comes to the pinstripe suit, things are no longer business as usual. Sure, it’s still the appropriate choice when you want -- or think it advantageous -- to exert a little more influence at the office, but this model of menswear is also losing some of its uptight “banker” connotations. Presently, the pinstripe suit is being reassigned to more out-of-the-office affairs, thanks to the stylish, powerful image it represents. It’s becoming a savvy, sartorial look guys can employ to differentiate themselves from their one-dimensional counterparts.

However, the new, evolving pinstripe suit comes with both benefits and restrictions. That’s why, should you be considering this particular style, we’re letting you in on how to pull off a pinstripe suit.

Who should wear a pinstripe suit?

Considered from the macro-level, the pinstripe suit can work for almost any guy: It’s the obvious choice for the accomplished businessman ready to visually demonstrate his mad skills because if you know how to pull off a pinstripe suit, it can make a bold statement. However, when it comes to the vertical patterns, the pinstripe suit needs to be considered from a micro-level, namely individual body types. Stripes create an elongating effect, so pinstripe suits work well for both short and/or stocky guys, while tall, lanky guys may want to consider other options.

When to wear a pinstripe suit?

The professional stigma tied to the pinstripe suit used to mean 9-to-5 wear only, and while it’s still a sophisticated work option, times are changing, and that's why it's important to know how to pull off a pinstripe suit. Evolving social mores have made the pinstripe suit a dapper choice for important meetings, essential sales calls and, for high rollers, premieres. However, boundaries still exist, and a pinstripe suit travels in the middle of the road: It’s not appropriate for casual wear or ultra-formal wear, so don’t wear one to the club or to a black-tie affair.

How to wear a pinstripe suit?

When it comes to coordinating the overall look and knowing how to pull off a pinstripe suit, remember “2 out of 3 ain’t bad:” Between the suit, shirt and tie, one should be solid. Three all-out patterns can be successfully integrated by the fashion elite, but for the average Joe, it’s too tricky to attempt. That’s why most of us should err on the side of caution. What’s more, when mixing in that second pattern, if you choose checks for either the shirt or tie, the checks should be very tight as to not compete with the visual of the pinstripes.

Ways to wear a pinstripe suit?

Aligned with its growing reputation, the multifaceted allure of the pinstripe suit has a few varying degrees of style. So, to get more use out of it (now that you know how to pull off a pinstripe suit), here are three different looks you can easily achieve:

Elegant: For a more refined version, wear it with a contrast collar, French cuffs and
cuff links. These three well-defined elements paired with a pinstripe suit epitomize truly stellar fashion.

Modern: If you’re looking for a more up-to-date spin, incorporate a spread collar with a
thickly knotted tie; this only increases the bold, striking look inherent in the suit.

Sophisticated: To maximize the suit’s true class, try wearing a tie that plays off the color of the actual stripe. The dynamic interplay creates a cohesive, complementary look for the overall appearance.

Hickey Freeman suit - Credit: Shop.Nordstrom.comWhich pinstripe suits should I wear?

Hickey Freeman
The tonal effect of light gray stripes on the heavier gray wool gives this pinstripe suit understated reserve. If you’re taller and can pull off a three-button suit, it’s definitely the one for you; it conveys a look of true erudition without any audacity.

Price: $929 at Shop.Nordstrom.com

Hart Schaffner suit - Credit: Shop.Nordstrom.comHart Schaffner
While the two-button jacket makes this
suit more universal, the track stripes lend it more singularity. Here, the overall styling demonstrates the evolution of the pinstripe suit: The sleek color and classy track stripes make this alternative lean more toward sleek sophistication.

Price: $695 at
Shop.Nordstrom.com

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The pinstripe suit is no longer for office-use only; that mentality is a thing of the past. A handsomely tailored pinstripe suit can address many important occasions, and most of all, it can speak to a powerful, polished professional image. The pinstripe suit evokes an affluent, knowledgeable image that simply says you mean business.
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