pinstriped

Pinstriped describes fabric or surfaces that feature very thin vertical stripes, usually of a contrasting color to the background. The lines are narrow and evenly spaced, giving a slender, formal appearance. Pinstripes can be woven into the fabric or applied as a finish; woven pinstripes are common in wool worsted suiting fabrics, while printed pinstripes offer greater variety in color and scale.

Pattern and variation: The classic pinstripe is a single color stripe on a solid background. Chalk stripes are a related, wider variant used in suiting, dating from the late 19th century. Some fabrics feature twin pinstripes or metallic threads for a more formal or decorative effect. Pinstripes can appear in a range of colors beyond the traditional navy and white, including shades of gray, black, and earth tones.

Origins and usage: The term pinstripe reflects the narrow width of the line, roughly the width of a pin. Pinstripes gained prominence in Western menswear in the 20th century and became associated with business attire and financial professionals, though they appear in women's fashion and casual wear as well. The pattern is commonly used in suits, blazers, trousers, and some coats.

Other uses: In addition to textiles, pinstriping is a decorative technique in automotive and design contexts, where fine lines are hand-painted or airbrushed along car bodies, helmets, or motorcycles.

Care and production: Pinstriped fabrics follow the care requirements of their fiber content. Wool pinstripes may require dry cleaning, while synthetic blends could be machine washable; printed pinstripes follow the same rules as the base fabric.