Stripes: Your Summer 2026 Style Upgrade

When layering isn’t an option, strategic use of stripes can effortlessly elevate your style. This timeless pattern, one of the oldest in menswear, adds visual interest and personality without requiring a bold fashion statement.

Courtesy of J.Crew & Neighbour; Design: Emily Hanhan

While stripes might seem conventional—appearing on everything from Oxford shirts and Breton tees to ties and seersucker suits—many men shy away from them. This hesitation is often due to the stripe’s natural ability to draw the eye, or perhaps unfounded concerns about visual proportions. Yet, embracing stripes is a simple yet effective way to add depth, character, and a refined aesthetic to your ensemble without straying from your personal style.

Stripes, though consistent in form, offer a spectrum of visual impact through varying widths and orientations—thin, thick, vertical, or horizontal. They are currently featured across a diverse range of garments, from lightweight shirts and casual shorts to sophisticated summer suits, providing versatile options for any discerning man.

Curated Stripes for the Modern Executive

The French WeekenderJ.Crew Long-Sleeved Striped CrewneckRead more$98

J.Crew

The Bengal-Striped ShirtDrake’s Bengal Stripe Cotton Poplin Button-Down ShirtRead more$345

Drake’s

The Beach HaulerBode Parakeet Stripe Canvas BagRead more$648 $453 (30% off)

Nordstrom

The Subtle Swimmersts(s) Drawstring Bold Stripe ShortsRead more$300

Lost & Found

The Seersucker SuitBuck Mason Sirocco Seersucker Graduate JacketRead more$498

Buck Mason

Embrace the Classic Breton Stripe

The nautical stripe, or Breton, offers a universally accepted entry point into patterned wear. Its historical roots, dating back to the French navy in the 1850s, lend it an air of timeless sophistication. The precise specifications of historical Breton shirts—21 stripes representing Napoleon’s victories and specific measurements for white and blue lines—underscore the pattern’s enduring legacy.

A white and navy striped long-sleeve knit provides practical sun and wind protection while exuding casual elegance. This classic piece transitions seamlessly from coastal settings to urban environments, especially when paired with a solid overlayer. For authentic heritage, consider French brands like Armor-Lux, or explore contemporary interpretations from Ralph Lauren, J.Crew, and Sunspel.

Ralph Lauren

Relaxed Mesh Knit Cotton Sweater

$298

Ralph Lauren

Armor Lux

Breton Striped Cotton Shirt

$110

Armor Lux

Sunspel

Long-Sleeved Heavyweight T-Shirt

$140

Sunspel

J.Crew

Long-Sleeved Striped Crewneck

$98

J.Crew

Master the Horizontal Stripe

The notion that horizontal stripes invariably widen the frame is a common misconception, disproven by optical principles like the Helmholtz illusion, which suggests the opposite perception. This makes horizontal stripes a stylish and often overlooked choice.

Currently, the resurgence of finely striped polos and relaxed long-sleeve tees offers a youthful and approachable aesthetic. These pieces integrate effortlessly into a modern wardrobe, particularly when layered under a sharp button-up or a sophisticated overshirt.

For those preferring a subtler approach, a single, bold stripe—as seen on select sweaters—provides a playful accent with understated confidence.

Kapital

Peckish Rainbow Striped Sweater

$605

Mr Porter

Auralee

Summer Striped Cashmere Sweater

$855

Mr Porter

Mr P

Striped Linen T-Shirt

$195

Mr Porter

KOTN

Midweight Longsleeve Polo

$75

KOTN

Elevate Casual Shorts with Stripes

While athletic shorts have long been a staple for warm-weather styling, the incorporation of sporty stripes marks a contemporary evolution. This detail, reminiscent of styles favored by icons like JFK Jr., adds a distinctive flair to casual attire.

From the subtle awning stripes on Bather’s swim trunks to the bold contrast designs from ts(s) and the refined sporty stripes on Japanese cotton terry shorts by H-O-R-S-E, these options infuse a dynamic energy into summer wardrobes.

Bather

Fine Stripe Swim Trunk

$100

Bather

H-O-R-S-E

Long Short

$125

H-O-R-S-E

ts(s)

Drawstring Bold Stripe Shorts

$300

Lost & Found

J.Crew

8" Classic Chambray Short in Stripe

$98

J.Crew

Innovate with Statement Stripes

Striped suits, often associated with traditional corporate attire or vintage aesthetics, offer a powerful opportunity to infuse personality into formal wear. By choosing the right stripe and styling, one can easily counteract any dated connotations.

Consider the width of the stripe in relation to your build: pinstripes complement taller, leaner figures, while broader chalk stripes offer balance for broader frames. While pairing with solid shirts and ties is a safe choice, experimenting with varying stripe widths can create a more adventurous, yet cohesive, look.

Explore the subtle elegance of Mr P.’s linen suit, the bold, tonal stripes of NN07, or the preppy charm of seersucker from brands like Service Works and Buck Mason. These options are ideal for sophisticated summer events and lend a distinguished air to any ensemble.

Mr P

Striped Linen Suit Jacket

$615

Mr Porter

NN07

Double Breasted Striped Cotton-Herringbone Blazer

$795

Mr Porter

Service Works

Seersucker Suit Jacket

$160

Huckberry

Buck Mason

Sirocco Seersucker Graduate Jacket

$498

Buck Mason

Integrate Vertical Stripes Effortlessly

Vertical stripes, particularly on shirts, offer the most straightforward path to incorporating this pattern into your professional and casual wardrobes. A classic button-up shirt with vertical stripes provides a subtle yet intentional detail when worn under tailoring, while a Bengal-striped shirt worn untucked exudes confident individuality.

The enduring appeal of vertical stripes lies in their ability to add polish and a sense of considered style to any outfit. They create a refined visual narrative, suggesting a deliberate approach to personal presentation, even in more relaxed settings. Allow these well-chosen pieces to enhance your look with minimal effort.

Drake’s

Bengal Stripe Cotton Poplin Button-Down Shirt

$345

Drake’s

Man-tle

R20 Shirt

$454

Neighbour

Alex Mill

Striped Linen Shirt

$195

Alex Mill

Gitman Vintage

Classic Cambridge Oxford Shirt

$235

Huckbrery

Finishing Touches with Striped Accents

For those hesitant to embrace full striped garments, incorporating striped accessories offers a refined entry point. The classic repp tie, historically used to denote affiliations within British universities and regiments, provides a sophisticated nod to tradition.

Similarly, striped socks, with origins in athletic uniforms across various sports, inject color, character, and dynamic visual interest into any outfit. These subtle yet impactful details serve as gateways to exploring more pronounced striped elements in your wardrobe.

Drake’s

7cm Striped Silk Tie

$275

Mr Porter

American Trench

Retro Stripe Crew Socks

$17

Lost & Found

Bode

Parakeet Stripe Canvas Bag

$648 $453 (30% off)

Nordstrom

J.Press

Belgian Stretch Belt

$95

J.Press

Business Style Takeaway: Incorporating stripes, whether through a classic Breton tee, a sharp Bengal-striped shirt, or subtle accessories like a repp tie, adds a layer of sophistication and visual interest that elevates an executive’s personal brand. These patterns signal attention to detail and a confident command of personal style, enhancing presence in any professional or social setting.

Інформація підготовлена на основі матеріалів: www.gq.com