The Evolution of Stripes And How We Are Styling Them Today

Reveal your stripes.

Unlike polka dots or animal prints, stripes have never really reigned as a seasonal trend, largely because they are one of the few patterns we consider a true classic. They’ve become a timeless staple in fashion and interior design, appearing on upholstery, wallpapers, and awnings. While the pattern—typically rendered in contrasting colours—spices up a garment, it also creates optical illusions that would alter the wearer’s overall appearance. Vertical stripes, for instance, are widely believed to elongate the silhouette, while horizontal ones emphasise width.

Beyond these effects, different types of stripes serve distinct creative purposes, and some even function as era indicators. Chevron stripes—bold and dynamic—frequently appear on Art Deco pieces, while pinstripes remain a hallmark of formalwear. Candy stripes evoke a youthful, playful spirit, reminiscent of candy canes. In contrast, Bayadere stripes are vibrant and lively, their name derived from the French “bayadère” (via Portuguese), referring to the Indian temple dancers, or devadasis, who inspired them.

Though ubiquitous today, stripes once carried a dark connotation, associated with the diabolical and often worn by social outcasts, jesters, or prisoners. Medieval European folklore even cast the zebra—whose striped coat later inspired fashion heavily—as “Satan’s bestiary”. The pattern’s striking visual nature creates a disorienting, almost clownish effect that was deemed unsettling. Over time, bold stripes evolved into a universal signal for caution, danger, and high alert, marking potential hazards. They later became the uniforms for navies, improving visibility at sea for safety reasons.

Dubbed the Breton shirt (or marinière), this nautical staple entered high fashion in 1917 when Coco Chanel brought it into vogue, eventually becoming synonymous with seaside excursions and leisurely days spent along the French Riviera. Stripes gradually shed their troubling past to become a cornerstone of youth culture, popularised by cultural icons across eras—this pattern cuts across every possible style and wardrobe. In the 1950s, girls took cues from the girl-next-door charm of Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn, while gents emulated James Dean‘s casual cool for everyday dressing. Those drawn to grunge layered their stripes like Kurt Cobain, as fashion glitterati hunted down Jean Paul Gaultier‘s couture gowns in stripes.

In 2026, we are taking pages from our favourite celebrities’ style, adapting stripes to suit distinct climates and settings. For a laidback approach, look to Blackpink’s Jennie, who paired a striped collared top with relaxed-fit trousers. Twice’s Jihyo offers street-style inspiration with baggier trousers, a snapback cap, and yellow boots. Rose‘s loungewear-like matching sets, adorned with knotted buttons, strike that elusive balance between casual ease and being a conversation icebreaker.

For warmer weather, our former cover girl Thanaerng adds touches of green with a cap and her Bottega Veneta Intrecciato bag to complement her black-and-white striped top. Tontawan goes full soft girl in her baby blue striped top and tiered ruffle miniskirt, finished with a sophisticated mini Lady Dior bag and bow-adorned flats. On a grungier note, a distressed red-and-black striped sweater, as seen on Gemini Norawit, offers a seamless transition from a casual day out to an eventful night on the town.

For those with dressier requirements, Orm Kornnaphat‘s matching set makes a compelling case for officewear. The pussy-bow collar pairs beautifully with the Dior Bow bag introduced in the Spring/Summer 2026 collection. A blue striped shirt remains the foolproof solution for days when you have “nothing to wear”. Win Metawin‘s cowl neckline makes a statement all its own, while Becky Armstrong‘s oversized blue shirt captures both laidback ease and effortless sophistication. Layering a colourful striped knitted vest over a polished collared shirt and blazer, as Emi Thasorn did on the streets of Paris, adds dimension and personality.

For those who find bold patterns like stripes intimidating, accessories offer a gentler entry point. Momo, for instance, elevates her otherwise “salaryman” getup with not just her undeniable face card but also a well-placed striped tie. Becky, on the other hand, added a striped scarf over her top for an elegant touch.