In contemporary times you will barely crash into anyone oblivious to the good ol’ checks or the chequered pattern. This black and white graphic resembling a checkboard is debatably the most popular pattern flooding the fashion industry currently. Since the last three to four decades, checks have subjugated the fashion territory by piercing their way into almost every nook and corner of the closest, right from knitwear to suiting…
Checks, as a pattern, have had astonishingly roaring success. They’re one of the most ubiquitous and recognized designs in the world that are attainable in almost every hue and shade under the sun. This emblematic print comprising of altered stripes interconnected in horizontal and vertical lines forming a square had its name derived from the ancient Persian language word shah, that means ‘king’; from the oriental game of chess, played on a square board. Checks and plaids are currently some of the most prevalent patterns in immediate fashion. Since aeons, this cross-hatched pattern has been doted on for the well-groomed and smart look it proffers.
The Origin of Checks & Plaid
Before we talk about the source of plaid, we must first comprehend the distinctness between plaid and tartan. The later was alluded to an unusual fabric pattern which was resorted to differentiate topographical region or Scottish clan from another. As per the primary Scottish definition, a ‘plaid’ was defined as a blanket or Celtic Kilt that would serve as an external layer to battle the Highland elements. Eventually, Plaid was being adopted by the American and British manufacturers, who shaped patterned fabric which bears a semblance to tartan. Plaid, after being forbidden and banned in British during the 18th century, made a progressive leap from Europe to the U.S where the pattern became branded by the name ‘Moniker’. These peculiar red and black chequered became indispensable and essential professional attire.
The year 1970’s beheld the big plain uprising with the pattern and fabric being donned on nearly everything from bags, suits, footwear to interior design elements. Gradually teaming up the plaid shirt with formal pants stands in vogue.
Checks & Plaids in Recent Times
At the present time, plaid has bloomed and is now being recognized as a one-of-a- kind pattern. What we gather from plaid’s antique roller coaster is that: no matter the decade, plaid will forever continue to make waves and bring in a seamless blend of chic, elegance, and comfort whether it’s matched with pressed khaki’s, baggy jeans or a pair of formal pants. A check-on-check look is remarkably modest to pull off only if both are strikingly contradictory and aren’t competing for attention.
While a man’s shirt has always been considered to be an undeniably crucial component of his fashion declaration, the emphasis on the shirt coupled with colours, patterns, and designs has been ruling the retail and bespoke tailoring industry in recent times. With that being said, checks offer plentiful options to choose from, which aids in uplifting the overall look.
While a man’s shirt has always been considered to be an undeniably crucial component of his fashion declaration, the emphasis on the shirt coupled with colours, patterns, and designs has been ruling the retail and bespoke tailoring industry in recent times.
A Guide of the Variations Made Available in Chequered Shirt Patterns:
Madras Checks: These are light-weight fabrics that have their origin from the southern city of Madras and Tamil Nadu. Available in colourful checks and stripes this pattern of checks comprises diverse shades of stripes that cross each other to form irregular sized checks.
Windowpane: These shirts come with a two-tone colour scheme and are considered to be apt for formal attire. These comprise of
moderately thin stripes that cross each other to create a large check pattern that closely resembles the designs of a simple window pane.
Gingham: Speaking about its evolution, the pattern came into focus in the mid-18th century, with blue and white shades being the most prevalent choice of colour. Currently, there are no limitations on colours and it is available in a gamut of colours. This is a form of chequered patterned shirt that is characterized by typical white and coloured even-sized checks. To formulate this pattern same-coloured horizontal and vertical stripes, criss-cross each other on a stark white background to generate a chequered design.
Shepherds Check: The name comes from the chequered design worn by shepherds in the hills of the Scottish borders. A go- to option to wear in a formal professional set-up, shepherd’s checks are a pattern that entails interchanging shaded stripes that seamlessly cross each other to produce a check pattern, that is set against a twill texture setting which distinguishes it these shirts from Gingham shirts.
Tartan Plaid: These types of chequered fabrics have their roots in Scotland, and it was once upon a time considered as the national outfit in the 1700s. It comprises horizontal, vertical and crisscrossed stripes that cut into each other in order to procedure jagged checks. In comparison to any other patterns of checks, a Tartan is certainly bigger and gallant in size and is often perceived in accessories such as scarves, coats, and bags along with apparels.
Graph Check: This chequered pattern consists of lines that seamlessly cross each other to produce tiny checks that resemble a graph paper pattern. The pattern is categorized by solid, thin, single coloured strips that cross each other. Taking into consideration the two-tone, conventional nature of graph check shirts, they are considered extremely appropriate for formal corporate workplace settings.
Madras checks are light-weight fabrics that have their origin in the southern city of Madras and Tamil Nadu.
Tattersall Checked Patterns: These comprise of frequently spread out vertical and horizontal strips, alternating, and
sometimes made available in three shades. Tattersall check shirts are a perfect option for a casual evening out.
Pin Check: is a pattern that has been created with pin-sized strips that cross each other to form minute checks that appear as dots from a distance. This design usually involves a solitary set of colours against the stark white shade. The patterns intricate nature generates a component of texture and depth and is an exceptional option for a corporate work setting.
In existing times, the fashion trend has definitely commanded attention from the polka dots or typical stripes to trending patterns in checks. They unquestionably seem to be a pattern of preference this season. Checks are not just restricted to the domain of apparels but have slowly cruised its way into shoes and bags which feature a veritable patchwork of checks. Needless to say, checks are universal.
