Types of Men's Dress Shirt Patterns & When to Wear Them

A thoughtfully chosen shirt pattern can work wonders in upgrading an outfit and reflecting your personal taste. Maybe you’re the more reserved type who’s most comfortable wearing subtle shirt patterns in soft colors. Or are you an outgoing guy who likes to express yourself through bold and fashion-forward clothing? Whatever direction your personal taste flows, choosing the right shirt pattern is an ideal way to elevate your wardrobe.

If you’d like to know more about dress shirt patterns and how they align with particular dress codes, this guide is for you. Once you understand which occasions call for various types of dress shirt patterns, you’ll feel confident selecting patterns that are most appropriate for specific dress codes and suit your style.

How to Choose a Dress Shirt Pattern

Consider the Dress Code

Dress codes are clothing guidelines that help you know what to wear at particular events. From ultra-casual and smart casual to the highest levels of formality — black tie and white tie — the dress code is a helpful tool for taking the mystery out of what to wear at any occasion.

Following a dress code can keep you from veering off the fashion track. For example, imagine how uncomfortable it would feel to show up in cords and a chunky sweater at a colleague’s formal wedding. If you’re ever unsure, a simple google search will clearly state the dress code and appropriate outfits for particular events.

Men’s dress codes even specify the different types of shirt patterns that are most appropriate for various occasions. For example, a pleated tuxedo shirt is an ideal choice for a black tie event, but that same pleated shirt would look completely inappropriate with casual cords or khakis.

Although there are some hard and fast rules for when and where certain shirt patterns are appropriate (like the tuxedo shirt), creative industries give much more freedom to wear bolder, more expressive shirt patterns. Some businesses still require a dress shirt but allow employees to forego a tie. Others, like in Silicon Valley, almost have a reverse dress code. A tech CEO may snub a dress shirt and tie and manage the company wearing a t-shirt.

Still, standard dress codes apply in most industries. For corporate and formal settings, solids and subtle patterns like pinstripes or light colors are appropriate. However, the business casual dress code has a bit more flexibility, allowing for more distinct patterns and colors with a bit more depth. A casual dress code is where bold plaids and multi-colored stripes and checked shirt patterns express a relaxed style.

Pattern Size and Scale

Understanding dress codes means you’ll also need to have a handle on shirt pattern size and scale. Yep, it’s true — a dress shirt’s pattern and the scale of the pattern matter.

But what is scale and pattern? Think of scale as the size of the pattern. A pin dot pattern has a smaller scale than a polka dot pattern. In addition to scale, patterns are designs that consist of repeated elements such as stripes, dots, checks, and plaids.

In general, patterns for basic dress codes include:

Formal calls for a solid color dress shirt or a shirt with inconspicuous woven-in patterns. A quality white dress shirt is always an elegant choice for formal occasions. Business wear ideally features pinstripes and subtle, small scale check patterns. Casual occasions welcome larger patterns, like plaids and bold stripes.

Clashing patterns are never considered a stylish statement. You certainly can wear several patterns and colors in one outfit, but be careful to plan out the scale and colors. Nothing is right about a bold red and blue plaid shirt accented by a pastel floral tie. But picture how great that same bold red and blue plaid dress shirt would look with a silk Bracken Blossom red tie, and a navy blazer.

You can avoid the mistake of wearing clashing patterns and colors by consciously thinking through each piece of your outfit. A small scale pattern dress shirt will look great with a tie in a larger scale pattern, just as a large scale pattern dress shirt will be nicely accented with a small scale pattern tie. A foolproof way to tie together various patterns is to select a tie color that echoes colors in the shirt’s pattern.

Solid Dress Shirts

A must-have for any man’s wardrobe, the solid dress shirt is one of your most versatile items of apparel. True, a solid dress shirt doesn’t have a pattern, but it’s a tried and true wardrobe staple that offers classic, understated good looks, from casual to formal occasions.

A solid dress shirt in white or a light color such as pale grey or light blue is a refined choice for formal occasions. Bolder colors such as lavender, pink, or darker blue are a terrific choice for business meetings and job interviews.

Solid dress shirts are also a great option when you’ll be layering bolder accessories like a colorful geometric or floral tie, or a pocket square.

A great way to vary your selection of solid dress shirts is by selecting different collar styles. If you choose both pointed collars and wide spread, you’ll be able to make each shirt distinguishable by using various tie knots.

EXPLORE SOLID DRESS SHIRTS

Striped Dress Shirts

From subtle vertical pinstripes to bold wide stripes, a striped dress shirt gives you a variety of options that apply to many occasions. Thin pinstripes are best for formal or semi-formal office settings while wider, bolder stripes are well-suited to casual or business casual events.

The colors in the stripes can also help control the level of formality. Tone-on-tone or two tone stripes are dressiest. While blue or grey stripes tend toward the more formal, green, yellow or red stripes will lean toward more casual events. Striped dress shirts with more than two colors are a great option for casual wear.

SHOP STRIPED DRESS SHIRTS

Checked Dress Shirts

Bi-tonal checked patterns offer up a lot of interest without being too bold. A checked dress shirt typically features just two colors in symmetrical squares. Checked patterns can be a fine choice if you want to subtly express a bit more style and personality in your outfit.

Microcheck dress shirts can be worn for semi-formal events like weddings or cocktail parties, plus are a solid choice for business meetings. A checked dress shirt pairs well with a blazer or chinos for business casual events. Larger checks like a windowpane, offer a stylish option for semi-casual and smart-casual looks.

To maintain a fashionable appearance, unless you’re a super-confident fashionista, avoid combining a checked pattern with other checked patterns in the same outfit. For example, instead of your Glen Plaid jacket, opt for your solid color blazer if you’re wearing a checked dress shirt.

SEE CHECKERED DRESS SHIRTS

Gingham Dress Shirts

The traditional look of gingham fabric provides a balanced checkered pattern that’s ideal for both casual and semi-formal settings. While a checked fabric can be printed, gingham typically features a dyed yarn that is woven into an even square or stripe.

Pair a gingham dress shirt with dress trousers for a laid-back office look. For a classic weekend outfit that speaks to style and comfort, wear a gingham dress shirt with jeans. If you’re curious about accessorizing gingham, a knit tie provides a perfect finishing touch.

SHOP GINGHAM DRESS SHIRTS

Houndstooth and Herringbone Patterns

Offering visual texture, houndstooth and herringbone patterned dress shirts offer a stylish appeal. The beauty of both patterns is that they’re versatile and provide interest without overpowering an outfit.

The houndstooth pattern consists of a broken check pattern that resembles the shape of a dog’s tooth. Herringbone, named from the structure of a herring fish’s v-shaped skeleton, is a more subtle pattern than houndstooth.

Both patterns are stylish and timeless, ideally suited for business casual or an evening out. For a formal event, choose a herringbone tuxedo dress shirt to wear under your tux.

In addition to houndstooth and herringbone, you can also explore oxford and pinpoint woven patterns. Textured patterned dress shirts are an ideal choice for events that range from business casual to semi-formal.

EXPLORE TEXTURED DRESS SHIRTS

Plaid Dress Shirts

If you’ll be attending a casual event where you want to express your fashion sense, a plaid dress shirt will do the trick. The bold pattern of a plaid reflects a casual but bold look that’s perfect for relaxed settings.

Traditional without being overly conservative, wearing a plaid dress shirt is a great way to add interest to your casual look. A checkered shirt has only two colors, while a plaid pattern features three or more colors, usually in a larger scale. The variety of colors in a plaid shirt gives you some fun options to work with as you accessorize your outfit.

SHOP DRESS SHIRTS

Purchase the Dress Shirt Pattern That’s Right for You

From solids and stripes to checks and plaids, you’re sure to find dress shirt patterns that appeal to your fashion sense and work perfectly for every occasion. Follow our dress code guidelines for dress shirts and you’ll be sure to expertly choose a pattern that’s appropriate for the event while accenting your personal style.

You’ll find the ideal dress shirt pattern for any occasion in The Tie Bar’s fully curated collection. Our quality 100% cotton dress shirts are beautifully constructed and tailored to provide just the right fit. Choose from standard or trim fit, various collar styles, and longer lengths that stay tucked in. A Tie Bar dress shirt will ensure you’re comfortable and confident at any occasion!

EXPLORE OUR DRESS SHIRT COLLECTION