How to Style Pinstripes: Shirts, Trousers & Co-ords
Pinstripes used to mean one thing: a sharp suit and a boardroom. Not anymore. Softened, relaxed and reworked into shirts, trousers and easy co-ord sets, and cut for men and women alike, the pinstripe has become one of the most versatile patterns you can own. Smart enough to elevate an outfit, relaxed enough for a Sunday.
Here's how to wear pinstripes today, without looking like you're headed to a meeting.
Why pinstripes work
A pinstripe is a series of fine, evenly spaced vertical lines. Those vertical lines do quiet, flattering work: they lengthen the frame and add structure without shouting. In a soft cotton and a relaxed cut, the effect goes from formal to effortless, keeping the polish while losing the stiffness. And because the pattern is inherently gender-neutral, the same pinstripe pieces look right on everyone.
How to style a pinstripe shirt
Relaxed and open
Wear a boxy pinstripe shirt open over a plain tee, sleeves pushed up, with easy trousers or shorts. It's the simplest way to make the pattern feel casual and modern.
Tucked and tidy
Tuck it into tailored trousers for a cleaner, smart-casual look that works for dinners and days out. The Virgous box-fit striped shirt is designed to be unisex, coming in relaxed cuts for both men and women. For a softer, more tailored take, the women's tailored pinstripe shirts add adjustable waists and delicate lace detailing.
How to style pinstripe trousers
Pinstripe trousers are the easy hero of the pattern. Keep the top plain, whether a white tee, a black henley or a simple knit, and let the trousers lead. The Virgous Pinstripe Drawcord Trousers are cut to be unisex, with a relaxed straight fit, an elastic waist and drawcord, so they're as comfortable as they are sharp. Shop them for men and women.
The easiest option: a pinstripe co-ord
If you want the look without the styling, reach for a matching pinstripe set. A pinstripe co-ord, a boxy shirt with matching relaxed trousers, is head-to-toe intent in one decision, and works just as well on men and women. Perfect for travel, holidays and warm-weather days when you want to look pulled-together with zero effort.
Getting the details right
- Keep the rest simple. Let the pinstripe be the feature: pair it with solid neutrals.
- Mind the scale. Fine, closely spaced stripes read more relaxed; go tonal (blue on white, grey on cream) for an easy everyday feel.
- Fabric matters. Pure cotton keeps pinstripes soft and breathable, ideal for the Indian climate.
Caring for pinstripes
Machine wash cold, turn inside out to protect the weave, and air dry in shade. Cotton pinstripes press easily, so a light iron keeps the lines crisp and the look sharp.
Frequently asked questions
Are pinstripes only formal?
Not anymore. In relaxed cuts and soft cotton, pinstripes read casual and modern, great for everyday, travel and warm-weather dressing.
Are Virgous pinstripe pieces for men or women?
Both. The box-fit striped shirt and pinstripe trousers are cut to be unisex, and there are tailored pinstripe shirts designed specifically for women. The pattern works across the board.
What colours go with pinstripes?
Keep it simple with solid neutrals such as white, black, beige and cream. Let the stripe be the detail and everything else stay quiet.
Ready to try the pattern? Explore Virgous pinstripe shirts and trousers for men and women, and matching co-ord sets.
