Checked prints—tartan, plaid, and gingham—hold a special place in fashion; they are prints that have witnessed history, rebellion, and eventually became a timeless staple. While tartan (and by proxy, kilts) carry the heritage of the Scottish Highlands, the pattern—especially the Madras tartan hailing from South India—was widely donned by the Ivy League elitists in the 1950s and became a fabric representing the affluent. On the other side of the world, this motif also became a symbol of punk counterculture in the 1970s, popularised by Vivienne Westwood, who also created her own MacAndreas tartan in the early 90s. Her influence is invincible and remains relevant today—seeing our favourite fashion girl, Tu Tontawan, donning a checkered shirt from the English fashion house says it all. Today, it has solidified its status as a perennial wardrobe essential, bridging the gap between heritage and contemporary, high fashion and street culture.
The Spring/Summer 2026 runways confirmed the revival of checkered print. While Matthieu Blazy debuted his Chanel collection with structured and well-tailored checkered pieces, Jonathan Anderson took a comparably playful approach where the checkered motif is transformed into whimsical shirts and halter dresses. The possibilities with checks are infinite, and it’s no wonder that this print is a canvas for expression, equally as a counter-culture piece and as on a refined, classic number.
Elongated Hemlines
The midi skirt is poised to be a defining silhouette this season. While the “Hemline Index” theory—suggesting that skirt lengths rise and fall with the economy—is a fascinating historical footnote, today’s appeal is more about versatile elegance. The mid-length offers a flattering line that works for various occasions. Tartan midi skirts, for instance, are a popular choice as they infuse this classic shape with a preppy polish, and as a transitional piece, the mid-calf length is unparalleled. For a look steeped in nostalgic appeal, we have Prim Chanikarn on our inspiration board, who paired a brown tartan skirt that falls perfectly above her knee-high boots. For a casual take, look to Milk Pansa’s styling of a pleated checkered skirt with a relaxed barn jacket, striking the perfect balance of preppy-meets-utilitarian.
Double It Down
Clean girl fashion is so 2025, and this season it’s all about embracing the clash. The motif calls for bold pattern mixing and for those ready to make a statement, look to our former cover star, Freen Sarocha, who mastered the technique by pairing a plaid skater skirt with the Valentino Garavani x Vans red checkerboard sneakers—a confident and adventurous twist. If a head-to-toe check feels daunting, reach for an A-line midi dress like Jisoo’s to keep it sophisticated.
We have our eyes on Miu Natsha’s striking blue trench dress too, as it offers a quick solution to make a loud statement should you want to stand out in a crowd. The pinnacle of checked elegance, however, arrives in tailored form. A suave suit in the classic Prince of Wales check, as showcased by Nanon in his Dolce & Gabbana set, is the ultimate power play for formal occasions—not as predictable as a black suit, but elegant enough for the formality.
The Overshirt
Pull your flannel out of the back of your wardrobe and bring back those Tumblr reposts; checkered shirts are back in rotation. What we absolutely like about it is that these checks make a versatile layer that adapts to varied climates. The easier and most foolproof styling trick, as seen on Thanaerng, PP Krit, and Win Metawin, is to wear it as a light outer layer over tees and tanks, adding texture and colour. And if the weather turns balmy, simply sling it over the shoulders just like how Fourth Nattawat did. Those who wish to turn back the clock and channel a 90s sitcom look can take a cue from our cover star Namtan Tipnaree, who layered hers underneath a solid T-shirt, with plaid tails peeking out from the short sleeves.
The checkered print has lived long enough to prove that its versatility transcends not only fads but also times, offering a sartorial language that can be spoken through high-fashion camp or from the streets. Whether through the elegant sweep of a midi skirt, the bold clash of prints, or the good ol’ overshirt, checks are that one evergreen style that continues to evolve, promising to remain a cornerstone of wardrobes for seasons to come.
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