| «Back To Articles
Guide to Men’s Shirt Patterns

Variety is the spice of life, as the saying goes. For the modern gentleman it’s vital to inject some of this variety into our clothing. Most men add a bit of style to their ensembles with colors and accessories. But what about experimenting with different types of shirt patterns?
Solid colored shirts are a must-have in any wardrobe, and having a diverse set of colors gives you many different outfit options. However, there are a few popular shirt patterns that every man should have in his closet that will only serve to elevate your style.
Windowpane
A windowpane pattern consists of slim lines spaced widely apart, creating elongated rectangles that closely resemble, you’ve got it, a window. This particular design works to make the slim gentleman look a little more filled out, and a heavier man appear a bit thinner. The pattern looks good on just about everyone and is simple to pair with your favorite slacks or blazer.
Checkered
Checkered shirts are becoming an increasingly popular modern spin on an old style. These shirts are also extremely versatile, as they pair well with jeans and casual shoes or even a suit and tie. There are a wide array of color options for this type of shirt as well, so if you’re feeling bold, find a hue that catches the eye and upgrade the style of your outfit.
Thin Stripes
Thin striped shirts rely predominately on the base color, however the razor thin stripes give the shirt a bit of depth and complexity. This pattern is clean, stylish yet understated, and offers opportunities to experiment with different color combinations, possibly in the form of bolder accessories. A thin striped shirt works well with an eye-catching tie, or even a warm colored blazer to complement the pattern.
Micro Pattern
Micro pattern shirts have two or occasionally three different colors woven together in a very small, geometrically precise pattern. These shirts are great because the color combination gives them great visual depth. They are often able to be worn on their own without any accessories (they can be difficult to pair properly) and work well if you’re looking for a fashionable but casual look: a suit and no tie, with the top button open.
Bengal Stripe
Bengal stripes are the thicker brother of pinstripes. Whereas pinstripes are an accent to the dominant base color of a shirt, Bengal stripe clothing takes on the color of the stripes. Blue is the most common stripe color, however, black is a stylish alternative, and a warmer color such as red or pink will bring panache to your ensemble. The thick Bengal stripes also have the added benefit of "elongating" the wearer, effectively making you look slimmer than you actually are.
How many of these stylish shirts do you already have in your closet? Head on over to your nearest JoS. A. Bank retailer and we’ll help you pick a few new patterns and have you looking good in no time!