Increasingly more men and women are combining styles, fabrics, structures and colours when choosing a suit. However, it's easy overwhelm the desired look. To navigate this and instead achieve a stylish and balanced look, read our helpful guide.
Where to Start?
Firstly, start simple, especially for beginners. It’s best to ease into mixing patterns. Start with a patterned suit and solid-coloured shirt or waistcoat underneath. For example, a blue pinstripe suit with a plain white shirt.
Decide which part of your suit is the eye-catcher. Think about, what part of the suit do you want people to notice first? For example, if you are wearing a 3-piece suit with a waistcoat, it is best to use the waistcoat as an eye-catcher. This makes it easier to wear the suit again for all sort of occasions from weddings to formal dinners.
Finding the Correct Colour Combinations
To find the correct colour combination, you need to ensure they compliment one-another. The easiest way to do this is to look at the colour wheel. The colour wheel highlights which colours are contrasting or complimentary to your chosen palette.
Starting with your base colour, the best complimentary colour will appear opposite. For example, pinks work best with greens, yellows with purples, and reds with blues. So, when it comes to picking a suit or lining fabric that complement each other, use the colour wheel to narrow it down.
How to Combine Fabric Patterns and Create Balance
When successfully combining fabric patterns, it's crucial to create balance between colour and design. This means ensuring a clear distinction between the sizes, or types of patterns you choose. Stripes – if the thicknesses are too similar, the eye gets overwhelmed by a jumble of lines instead of focusing on you. The goal is to look your best in your outfit.
Let's explore some techniques for achieving balance.
Neutral patterns like herringbone, windowpane, or Glen plaid can serve as excellent bridge elements when mixing bolder patterns. These subdued patterns complement and harmonise with both solid colours and more vibrant designs.
In formal settings, it's best to keep pattern mixing subtle. Select classic, smaller patterns and pair them with solid-coloured shirts and accessories. For a touch of personality, consider a patterned pocket square with muted colours that complements your suit.
On the other hand, casual suit settings allow for more adventurous mixing. Experiment with bolder patterns, like checks or plaids, and contrasting colours. You can even incorporate textures like linen for a relaxed, put-together look.
Adding Texture
Don't limit your pattern mixing to visual patterns alone. Consider incorporating different textures into your ensemble, such as a tweed jacket or a textured shirt. Combining patterns and textures can create a visually intriguing and sophisticated look.
Mixing patterns requires careful consideration and attention to detail. By following these guidelines, you can confidently experiment with pattern combinations, creating a unique and well-coordinated look that reflects your personal style. Remember, the key is to achieve balance, harmony, and contrast to make a lasting impression with your pattern-mixed suit ensemble.
