How to Mix Patterns

Similar Patterns

Let us simplify the canvas and narrow it down to the suit, shirt and tie. Firstly, you need to learn how to make two like patterns work, such as a striped shirt and a striped tie and a check tie and a plaid suit. When combining two patterns of the same design, the size of each should be as different as possible, because you don't want to confuse the eye. It creates the illusion of vibration if the patterns are similar in size. You have to be more careful when mating two checks compared with two stripes. It is important to have as much difference in size as possible. A note to remember, never place two small similar patterns near each other. One design must always be significantly larger.

Two Patterns

When mixing two different patterns, for example a striped suit and a check shirt, this necessitates keeping both close in scale. A dominant patterned shirt requires a tie with a design at least equal in size. If the tie reflects the shirt colour, you will have a stylish combination.

Three Patterns

If you must mix three patterns, remember, reward and risk go hand in hand. Keep the scale of the patterns as close as possible so everything is in proportion. Example, Herringbone suit, check shirt and striped tie.

Mixing three patterns when two are the same, for example two stripes and a check or two checks and a stripe. Separate the two like patterns by size while choosing the other pattern compatible with both. Usually, keep this track, large - small - large. For example plaid suit - small check shirt - large striped tie. The lesson here is for the odd one out to take its cue from the more dominant of the two similar patterns.

Mixing three of the same pattern falls to the traditional side of elegance and once again we depend on scale. It is better to start small in scale with the shirt and then increase size with the suit and onto a larger scaled tie.