Pinstripes are one of the oldest fashion patterns on the books…literally. If you read Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales from English Lit, you may recall the Sergeant at the Law was wearing these distinctive straight lines. In more recent memory, pinstripe suits became closely associated with uber-masculine professionals, especially in high finance. From Barclays bankers to bootleggers, pinstripes have gained serious cultural cachet throughout the centuries.
While most people associate pinstripes with brokers, that hasn’t stopped attorneys from adding this style to their wardrobe. But are pinstripes suitable for the courtroom? And, if so, are they the best fashion choice for attorneys in 2021?
Are Pinstripes Still Trendy for Legal Professionals?
Generally speaking, pinstripes are an acceptable choice for anyone working in law. While pinstripes may have a nostalgic air, few fashionistas claim they’re “dated.” In fact, Personal Brand Strategist Mary Michele Nidiffer recently noted that pinstripes and cross-hatch patterns are “seeing a resurgence” amongst lawyers. Nidiffer went on to claim, “Pinstripes never go out of style.”
A big reason that pinstripes are still acceptable has to do with their versatility. It’s no longer a requirement to wear a traditional “three-piece suit” to pull off professional pinstripes. In fact, the more exaggerated you make your pinstripes, the less likely you’ll use them effectively in the boardroom. Most lawyers who pull off pinstripes use a few understated clothing options mixed in with solid colors.
What’s the Ideal Size for Pinstripe Patterns?
Generally, any piece of clothing with pinstripes should have a thin striped pattern. However, now that pinstripes have become more popular, there’s less uniformity on how thick each stripe is or how far they’re spaced apart.
The bigger and bolder your pinstripes are, the more they could be considered “casual wear.” Average-sized pinstripes are already eye-catching, so overdoing it may give off the wrong impression. Indeed, some fashion experts warn that people who misuse pinstripes could come across as haughty. This is one reason many stylists don’t recommend pinstripe suits for black tie events or new job interviews.
So, what is the average size for a pinstripe suit? Historically, pinstripes never measured above 1/30th of an inch. Also, the spacing between traditional pinstripes should be around 1 inch.
What are the Best Colors for Pinstripe Suits?
Although there are some bold color patterns in the pinstripes market, most fashion experts recommend sticking with the basics: navy blue or grey. This is doubly true when you want to be taken seriously in a law firm. Not only do these colors have a long association with pinstripe suits, but they can also complement and subdue the “boldness” of your pinstripes. Sure, those pinstripes will add plenty of “pop,” but the blue or grey hues will add a sense of class, sophistication, and authority.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with alternative colors for your button-down shirt. In fact, many professionals have pulled off a traditional pinstripe suit with a light pink shirt. You could also try out white or blue shirts to see how they complement your wardrobe.
When choosing shirts, ties, or accessories, avoid incorporating too many patterns. Even if you consider your pinstripe suit tame, it will always add “busyness” to your business suit. Generally, it’s best to keep the rest of your wardrobe as plain and subdued as possible to avoid visual fatigue.
Do Pinstripe Suits Really Make You Thinner?
One thing to note about pinstripe suits is they tend to “elongate” people who wear them. In fact, many fashion experts claim pinstripe suits give the impression that wearers are taller than they are.
This could be a pro or con, depending on your body type. For instance, if you’re already tall and thin, pinstripe suits may not be the right choice for you. However, shorter people may benefit from this elongating and slimming feature.
Not Sure About Pinstripe Suits? Always Remember the “Three C’s!”
Although pinstripes are an acceptable choice in the legal profession, you may not know whether they’re suitable for you. If you’re hesitant about trying a pinstripe suit, Mary Michele Nidiffer has an easy-to-remember checklist: Consistency, Credibility, and Confidence. No matter your professional attire, you should feel “confident” your outfit ticks these “Three C’s” before heading out the door. If you don’t feel 100 percent comfortable with your pinstripe outfit, you should try something else.
Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Pinstripe Magazine. Creative thinker and menswear designer who has been writing articles dedicated to men’s fashion, lifestyle, luxury items, home design, gear, grooming and gadgets since 1998. For info on PinstripeMag, any editorial needs or to contact me please email at marv@pinstripemag.com.
