August 06, 2017

Wearing the Madras Pattern

Madras patterns are considered a staple of a prep style enthusiast's wardrobe.

The modern day Madras fabric has a plaid, checkered, and sometimes even striped pattern in generally bright colors. These patterns first made their appearance about a hundred and fifty years ago and were the result of the tartan craze which started with the visit of King George IV to Scotland in 1822.

Madras not only make a great pattern for shirts, pants and sport coats, but also makes for great accessories such as ties, bow ties, and pocket squares. Because of its bold and outstanding nature, it pairs best with muted solids. So if you have a Madras jacket, pair it with a solid tie, oxford shirt, and contrasting but complimentary colored pants.

When worn as shorts, its typically good rule of thumb to pair it with one of the main colors of the Madras and wear it with a solid polo shirt in that color. Madras shirts should be paired with solid, casual sport coats in light colors.

Try to avoid wearing Madras with other plaids, glenchecks, paisleys or stripes because it is simply too much pattern. Every once in a while, you will see somebody in a Madras suit with a tie or bow tie in the same fabric, that's how its done. Good taste, sir.