Navy pinstripe suit

[DonRaphael]

I'm trying to decide on a navy (with white) pinstripe suit in a fine worsted wool fabric. I've decided I want it to be a double breasted suit, but I can't seem to decide if I want it to be a navy or bright navy (or dark/midnight vs regular navy if you'd like). A dark navy seems more dull/flat, while a bright navy would be more vibrant. Any classic rules to adhere by? Which is more timeless?

Here're two examples:

Dark navy pinstripe

Bright navy pinstripe

The fabric pics aren't perfect, but here're the two fabrics I'm deciding on:

Dark navy pinstripe

Bright navy pinstripe

Comparison shot (L: bright, R: dark)

 

[Phileas Fogg]

I’m not a fan of pinstripes. However, if you’re going to do it, I’d opt for the brighter, as you’ve phrased it.

There’s a certain boldness that goes with pinstripes, so if you’re going to do it, do it right. The brighter fabric has more contrast and seems more distinct. Paired with the double breasted style it makes more of a statement.

 

[DonRaphael]

I’m not a fan of pinstripes. However, if you’re going to do it, I’d opt for the brighter, as you’ve phrased it.

There’s a certain boldness that goes with pinstripes, so if you’re going to do it, do it right. The brighter fabric has more contrast and seems more distinct. Paired with the double breasted style it makes more of a statement.

Thanks for your input. What is it that you don't like with pinstripe suits? Sure, it shouldn't be our first, second or even fifth suit. But I think both pinstripe and chalkstripe suits have their place in a wardrobe, especially if you're field of work is business/finance.

I'm planning on adding a chalkstripe suit as well in the future, but trying to plan my purchases ahead.

I'm liking the more vibrant look, but not sure I'd prefer it in the longrun. I've looked through multiple pictures of pinstripe suits, and the brighter navy always catches my eye. Just trying to avoid making a decision based on temporary desires. Thus, I'm glad you're on the same page as me with regards to shade.

 

[Phileas Fogg]

It’s just a personal preference. I just prefer solids and checks. I like the way they look. I just don’t think they look good on me.

I don’t work in finance or a profession that requires me to wear a suit, so when I do wear one, it’s usually for social occasions. A pinstripe suit just makes it look like I came in from the office.

it’s probably why I like the bolder, higher contrast fabric.

Again, just my opinion.

 

[DonRaphael]

It’s just a personal preference. I just prefer solids and checks. I like the way they look. I just don’t think they look good on me.

I don’t work in finance or a profession that requires me to wear a suit, so when I do wear one, it’s usually for social occasions. A pinstripe suit just makes it look like I came in from the office.

it’s probably why I like the bolder, higher contrast fabric.

Again, just my opinion.

Makes sense. Thanks for clarifying.

 

[dieworkwear]

I’m not a fan of pinstripes. However, if you’re going to do it, I’d opt for the brighter, as you’ve phrased it.

There’s a certain boldness that goes with pinstripes, so if you’re going to do it, do it right. The brighter fabric has more contrast and seems more distinct. Paired with the double breasted style it makes more of a statement.

A pinstripe suit just makes it look like I came in from the office.

Pinstripe is a business fabric. When you try to make it bolder or less business-like, you make it an orphaned style, like people here who commission green or red oxfords. Lots of stuff on here has lost its language in this way. The outfits become rootless, clashing, and nonsensical.

Prefer chalkstripes over pinstripes. But between the two fabrics the OP listed, I would go for the darker color. The brighter fabric is very #pitttiuomo.

If the OP doesn't have to wear pinstripe suits to work, I think he should pick a different fabric. Choose something that makes sense for your lifestyle. Think about how fabrics and styles are used traditionally to communicate certain things. Wearing a bright, bold pinstripe to social bars will look awkward. And it will not look right for the office.

 

[DonRaphael]

Pinstripe is a business fabric. When you try to make it bolder or less business-like, you make it an orphaned style, like people here who commission green or red oxfords. Lots of stuff on here has lost its language in this way. The outfits become rootless, clashing, and nonsensical.

Prefer chalkstripes over pinstripes. But between the two fabrics the OP listed, I would go for the darker color. The brighter fabric is very #pitttiuomo.

If the OP doesn't have to wear pinstripe suits to work, I think he should pick a different fabric. Choose something that makes sense for your lifestyle. Think about how fabrics and styles are used traditionally to communicate certain things. Wearing a bright, bold pinstripe to social bars will look awkward. And it will not look right for the office.

Thanks for your thorough answer. I really appreciate it.

I don't have to wear pinstripe suits, but I can. It wouldn't look odd given my profession. Rarely does anyone have to wear anything specific apart from looking presentable in a generally practical country such as Sweden.

I like how pinstripe and chalkstripe suits look, hence I'm looking to add it to my suit collection.

With that being said, the acquisition will be made in the fall. What you've said have given me something to think about. Maybe I don't need two striped suits. If I come to the conclusion I might only get a chalkstripe in a fuzzy flannel. But I would like to be able to wear a striped suit during the warmer months as well, hence my initial decision to acquire a pinstripe in a light fine worsted wool fabric and another in a fuzzy flannel fabric.

 

[adrianvo]

I'm trying to decide on a navy (with white) pinstripe suit in a fine worsted wool fabric. I've decided I want it to be a double breasted suit, but I can't seem to decide if I want it to be a navy or bright navy (or dark/midnight vs regular navy if you'd like). A dark navy seems more dull/flat, while a bright navy would be more vibrant. Any classic rules to adhere by? Which is more timeless?

Here're two examples:

Dark navy pinstripe
View attachment 1603129

Bright navy pinstripe
View attachment 1603130

The fabric pics aren't perfect, but here're the two fabrics I'm deciding on:

Dark navy pinstripe
View attachment 1603132

Bright navy pinstripe
View attachment 1603131

Comparison shot (L: bright, R: dark)
View attachment 1603133

Someone who actually loves pinstripe suits here, and owns many.

Don't be too obsessed with rules or the judgment of others. Do you, and enjoy it with the aesthetics in hand.

If you're going for worsted wool, definitely go for the regular navy one.
The darker/midnight navy pinstripes are more formal and looks way better with finer fabrics, than those worsted wool fabrics in my opinion. I would also recommend going for a three-piece suit if you're not going with double-breasted for pinstripe suits.

Also, in simple terms you could say that the larger the space between the stripes - the less formal it is. However, a suit with narrow spacing between the stripes CAN be more versatile.

Pinstripe suits are definitely a statement (as already mentioned), so ignore some of the previous comments here. Certain people on this forum have pattern-phobia, and thinks anything but plain fabrics are blasphemous.

Some nice examples here on how to have fun with pinstripes, because why not:

 

[dieworkwear]

Don't be too obsessed with rules or the judgment of others.

If you're going for worsted wool, definitely go for the regular navy one.
The darker/midnight navy pinstripes are more formal and looks way better with finer fabrics (S120~130, around 260gr) than worsted wool in my opinion.

Don't think you even know the terms you're using. Super fabrics are worsteds.

 

[adrianvo]

Don't think you even know the terms you're using. Super fabrics are worsteds.

Desperate as always.

Emphasis on "finer", not the super numbers. Edited to clarify.

 

[dieworkwear]

Desperate as always.

Emphasis on "finer", not the super numbers.

All fine fabrics are worsteds.

Worsted just means that the hairs have been combed before they're spun into yarn. This is necessary when you're making fine fabrics. It doesn't make sense to say that you think something looks better in a fine fabric rather than a worsted, as fine fabrics are worsted.

 

[adrianvo]

All fine fabrics are worsteds.

Worsted just means that the hairs have been combed before they're spun into yarn. This is necessary when you're making fine fabrics. It doesn't make sense to say that you think something looks better in a fine fabric rather than a worsted, as fine fabrics are worsted.

I know, I was referring to the examples OP posted.

 

[DonRaphael]

Someone who actually loves pinstripe suits here, and owns many.

Don't be too obsessed with rules or the judgment of others. Do you, and enjoy it with the aesthetics in hand.

If you're going for worsted wool, definitely go for the regular navy one.
The darker/midnight navy pinstripes are more formal and looks way better with finer fabrics, than those worsted wool fabrics in my opinion. I would also recommend going for a three-piece suit if you're not going with double-breasted for pinstripe suits.

Also, in simple terms you could say that the larger the space between the stripes - the less formal it is. However, a suit with narrow spacing between the stripes CAN be more versatile.

Pinstripe suits are definitely a statement (as already mentioned), so ignore some of the previous comments here. Certain people on this forum have pattern-phobia, and thinks anything but plain fabrics are blasphemous.

Some nice examples here on how to have fun with pinstripes, because why not:

Thank you for your input, sir. Clothing is indeed subjective and as you said, the most important thing is to have fun with your wardrobe and feel comfortable in what you put on.

Having said that, I've often found myself most comfortable when I adhere to classic menswear rules as I'm risk avert when it comes to clothing. I rarely wear patterned suits and a pinstripe suit would already be out of my comfort zone.

The dark navy would be a safe bet. However, I'm really liking the looks of the brighter navy. I guess I'll let it sink in for a couple of weeks before deciding on what to do.

Again, to you and the other members that have been posting, I truly appreciate your time and input. Thank you.

 

[Phileas Fogg]

Thank you for your input, sir. Clothing is indeed subjective and as you said, the most important thing is to have fun with your wardrobe and feel comfortable in what you put on.

Having said that, I've often found myself most comfortable when I adhere to classic menswear rules as I'm risk avert when it comes to clothing. I rarely wear patterned suits and a pinstripe suit would already be out of my comfort zone.

The dark navy would be a safe bet. However, I'm really liking the looks of the brighter navy. I guess I'll let it sink in for a couple of weeks before deciding on what to do.

Again, to you and the other members that have been posting, I truly appreciate your time and input. Thank you.

if you like the look of the brighter suit, as you call it, then that’s what you should go with. Everything offered here is just opinion. Ultimately, you have to be comfortable with wearing it.

 

[breakaway01]

Why not a true navy? I feel that the dark navy you posted is too dark (midnight) and the bright navy is a shade too bright. TBH it’s hard for me to tell the scale/spacing of the stripes on the swatches you posted. I’d want to get a better idea of that before making a decision.