Men’s Trend Alert: Summer Plaids

April 9th, 2008

Plaid became trendy again this past fall/winter, and it looks like it’s here to stay for one more season.  Here are five of the best summer plaids for men:

Engineered Garments Plaid Woven Shirt | $144 at Bloomingdales (in store only)

Engineered Garments got their name from a pattern maker who claimed that the clothes were not designed but rather engineered due to the amount of detail put into each article of clothing.  Translation: these clothes are fantastically constructed.  This piece was adapted from last season’s long-sleeve version of the same shirt. 

How to wear it?  Plaids can be “intense,” so follow a simple layering tip and wear something monochromatic over it.  By physically hiding part of the shirt under, say, a black or charcoal peacoat, the shirt serves as a colorful, bold accent, and it isn’t overwhelming.

A.P.C. “Plaid Shirt” and “Plaid Belt” | $140, $100 at A.P.C.

A.P.C. offers a shirt and belt with the same plaid pattern on it.  While I like them individually, I don’t like them worn together, even though the model does it.  It looks too calculated when you have an outfit that has parts that match exactly.  To complete the outfit,  I would recommend wearing brown pants like these Mason’s chinos because it picks up the peach in the plaid shirt.  The plaid shirt and the chinos combine for a great casual summer look.  Note that A.P.C. runs a tad small, but this is a summer shirt, so the fit is more classic (read: looser).  As a point of reference, I wear a 40” jacket and I buy a large in A.P.C.

Mike and Chris Hyperion Gingham Shirt | $121 (sale) at Tobi

Part of the allure of plaid is its boldness, right?  Mike and Chris prove that you can do plaid in a subtle – but not too subtle – way.  This piece features a large gingham pattern in faded grey and white.  Style tip?  This white/washed grey is a growing trend, especially featured as a horizontally striped pattern, for both men and women.

Gant Tartan Tie | $95 at ShopJake

Gant has been pushing strong in its comeback and is really rising in the ranks.  What I love about this tie is that the pattern and width makes it versatile enough to travel from the office to a night out in New York.

YMC Gingham Plimsoles | $89 from OakNYC

That’s right: the plaid trend has even hit shoes.  These shoes, by You Must Create, or YMC, aren’t for everyone.  But then again, plaid isn’t either.

Want more plaid inspiration?  We’re loving these men’s and women’s plaid outfits from the Sartorialist.

Entry Filed under: Men,Shopping Guide,Trend,Trendscape,Trendscape