A Brief History of Pinstripes
Pinstripes, the quintessential symbol of professional elegance, have traversed a long and illustrious path. Originating from the sober halls of the British financial institutions in the 19th century to becoming the mainstay of modern wardrobes, pinstripes are a testament to the enduring allure of classic style. In this blog post, we uncover the evolution of pinstripes in American suiting and their abiding influence on fashion today.
The Striped Birth in Britain
The history and origins of pinstripes in clothing can be traced back to British banks of the 1800s. The pinstripe suit, marked by thin vertical lines, was born towards the end of the nineteenth century and has remained a staple in men's fashion since then. It's interesting to note that many of the tailoring trends of the 1800s were inspired by sportswear, including striped boating blazers. This sporting influence is particularly evident when we consider the design of dark stripes on a light background, a style that can be traced back to early baseball uniforms.
In the nineteenth century, it was common for bankers to wear formal attire to work, which often included a morning suit with pinstriped trousers. Each bank’s uniform had its own distinct pinstripe pattern to signify which bank an employee worked for. As well as this, London has been identified as the “home of menswear”, with the origins of the three-piece tailored suit, a style frequently adorned with pinstripes, tracing back to the same period.
Though not explicitly pinstriped, court uniform and dress in the United Kingdom from the 1730s onwards were often made from popular cloth or velvet materials, embroidered in silk or metal, which may have influenced the later adoption of pinstripe patterns. Overall, the pinstripe pattern holds a significant place in British sartorial history, representing the intersection of formal wear and sportswear, and continues to be a symbol of elegance and professionalism today. But how did pinstripes become a worldwide must-have?
Crossing the Pond: America Earns its Stripes
By the dawn of the 20th century, the American suit underwent a remarkable transformation as pinstripes made an indelible mark on the burgeoning business culture. Its history on Wall Street dates back to the early 20th century, when the financial district in New York City began to establish itself as a global hub for business and commerce. In the early days, Wall Street was a place where fortunes were made and lost in the blink of an eye, and the pinstripe suit quickly became the uniform of choice for those who dared to take part in this high-stakes game. It was a way for these men to stand out from the crowd, to showcase their success and ambition. The sharp lines of the pinstripe pattern exuded a sense of order and control, qualities that were highly valued in the volatile world of finance. Wall Street embraced the pattern, and it became virtually synonymous with the movers and shakers of financial districts; as much a part of a businessman's identity as his polished shoes or firm handshake.
As Wall Street evolved, so too did the pinstripe suit. In the 1980s, it became synonymous with the "Wall Street" look, thanks in large part to popular culture. Movies and TV shows set in the world of finance often featured characters in pinstripe suits, further cementing its status as the go-to attire for the Wall Street elite.
Today, the pinstripe suit remains a staple in the wardrobes of Wall Street professionals. While business attire has generally become more casual in recent years, the pinstripe suit still holds a special place in the world of finance. It serves as a reminder of Wall Street's rich history and tradition, and continues to be a symbol of success and ambition.
A Symbol of Power and Resurgence
After the trials and tribulations of World War II, a time during which fashion was very much not at the top of the warring countries’ priority lists, pinstripes returned with renewed significance. They became once again, the emblem of business prowess and corporate life. The rise of American consumerism fueled a culture where a sharp suit was a visual shorthand for success.
The 1980s amplified this trend, seeing a proliferation of pinstripe suits featuring bolder, wider stripes—a reflection of the decade's "go big or go home" mantra. The "power suit" became emblematic of the financial excesses, confidence, and unbridled ambition that defined the era.
Pinstripes Today: A Modern Mainstay
Fast forward to contemporary roads, the pinstripe suit has evolved. No longer the preserve of bankers and brokers, pinstripes have cascaded into varied sectors of fashion. They now provide a nod to tradition among the versatile textures and patterns of the modern wardrobe.
Designers like Thom Browne and the late Alexander McQueen have reinterpreted pinstripes, divorcing them from strictly formal associations. Their collections have showcased pinstripes alongside unconventional cuts and contrasts, making them accessible to a generation that values both sartorial elegance and self-expression.
They have also shed their gender-specific lineage, adding sartorial sophistication to women's suiting as well. The vertical nature of the stripes carves out a silhouette that's at once commanding and graceful.
The Pattern of Today
Now, pinstripes grace more than just suits. They adorn blazers, trousers, and even casual wear, transforming from a symbol of traditional power to an element of modern style. The pattern is no longer restricted to fine lines on navy fabric; contemporary variations play with color, width, and orientation, creating a playful twist on a historic motif.
These versatile lines are loved for their ability to elongate the figure, making them a flattering choice for many body types. In today's creative climate, pinstripes reflect individuality and fashion-forward thinking, resonating with those who appreciate the blending of time-honored style and current trends.
The pinstripe story is a rich one, woven through fabric and time. Pinstripes carry with them a narrative of aspiration, of commerce, and of ceaseless reinvention. They represent a lineage of craftsmanship yet simultaneously stand as a beacon of future fashion frontiers. From power brokers to fashion trendsetters, from commandeering conferences to gracing catwalks, pinstripes continue their march forward, blurring the lines of yesterday to dress the narratives of tomorrow.
In the interplay of tradition and modernity, pinstripes persist, not merely as a relic but as a dynamic, evolving icon of style. Whether on Wall Street or the high street, from British beginnings to a global stage, the pinstripe's journey continues with the promise of innovation in its every line.
