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Stripes: The Chequered History of a Timeless Fashion Icon
The phrase for a turbulent and varied past might be a “chequered history,” but it couldn’t be more apt for the stripe! Whether they are zebra crossing bold or barcode skinny, stripes have a way of adding flair to any fit. Have you ever wondered about the origins of this iconic pattern and why it’s just so versatile in fashion today?
The fact that stripes can be chic, playful, sporty, nautical and just about everything in between is a clue that there is a multifaceted origin story going on. Let’s take a lighthearted journey through the history of stripes and explore the underpinnings of their enduring appeal.
Ancient Power
One of the most arresting images of the stripe in action really is ancient history, 3300 years to be precise. Tutankhamun’s golden bust is shrouded in stripes and this sculptural representation of the ‘Nemes,’ a striped headdress reserved for pharaohs. The Nemes represented the radiance of the sun and a transition from the living to the afterlife.
Image credit: Wikipedia
The start of the stripe’s fashion life is imbued with both radiance and darkness… which kind of makes sense when you think of the classic black and white stripe.
A Dark Turn
The symbolism of slipping between realms remained a part of the fabric of the stripe. In the middle ages, striped clothing began to single out outcasts or people society felt needed to be restricted and contained. In an article by John Major on Love to Know he explains:
“Servants and court jesters wore striped cloth; so did prostitutes, madmen, and criminals, not voluntarily but by official orders. The bold, broad, contrasting stripes of their garments seemed to stand for neither-this-nor-that, ambivalence, ambiguity, and a realm of unclear and violated boundaries.”
While stripes are thankfully no longer associated with villainy and debauchery, they still retain a lingering edginess. Think goth striped stockings and the naughtiness of Jean Paul Gautier!
It’s not all doom and gloom though, the edginess of stripes is also present in the brightly striped cloth of the clown’s iconic outfit. While playful and lighthearted, the clown’s humour comes from a licence to transgress the boundaries of order and cause chaos.
Image credit: Wikipedia
A Fashion Revolution
By the 19th century, stripes were experiencing a fashion revolution. Sailors in the French Navy famously wore striped shirts, known as "marinières," which not only provided high visibility at sea but also became a symbol of nautical chic.
These links to the sea helped the stripe become associated with leisure activities on the shore with fashion icons like Coco Chanel incorporating stripes into their designs, cementing their status as a style staple.
Along with the leisure of the seaside, stripes also became associated with British sporting activities, particularly boating and cricket. Boldly striped blazers for university sporting clubs might seem stuffy and old fashioned, but stripes have a more contemporary link to sportswear in the instantly recognisably adidas branding.
Stripes Today: The Timeless Trendsetter
So, why do stripes continue to capture our imagination? For starters, they’re incredibly versatile. Whether you’re rocking a classic Breton shirt, a sleek pinstripe, or a vibrant candy-striped dress, stripes effortlessly transition from casual to formal settings, making them a go-to choice for fashionistas of all stripes (pun intended).
Image credit: The Shirt Company
Stripes have a way of injecting personality into any ensemble. Feeling bold and adventurous? Opt for wide, contrasting stripes to make a statement. Prefer something more subtle? Stick to narrow, tonal stripes for a timeless look. With endless variations in colour, width, and direction, there’s a stripe for every mood and occasion.
But perhaps the most enduring appeal of stripes lies in their inherent sense of fun. There’s something undeniably playful about the rhythmic repetition of lines, evoking memories of carefree summers and seaside adventures. Whether you’re strolling down the boardwalk or sipping cocktails at a rooftop party, stripes have a way of infusing joy and whimsy into any setting.
Image credit: The Shirt Company
So, next time you’re feeling uninspired by your wardrobe, why not add a pop of pattern with some stylish stripes? After all, life is too short to wear boring clothes!
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