Pattern together with plain

Short answer: One pattern at a time, and let the other garments be plain in one of the pattern's colours. That keeps the outfit together without shouting. The pattern gets to be the lead, and the plain garments give calm around it, so the eye knows where to look.

One pattern at a time

The rule is simple: choose one patterned garment and keep the rest plain. The pattern is then where the eye lands, and the other garments stay in the background. With two patterns in the outfit they compete for attention, and the whole looks restless rather than interesting. This holds for large and small patterns alike.

Find the colour in the pattern

Look at the pattern and find the colour that takes up the most space. Choose the plain garment in exactly that colour, or in a neutral such as white, black, grey or beige. Then the outfit looks like a choice and not an accident. It is one of the easiest ways to make pattern and plain work together.

Where the pattern should sit

If the pattern is on top, the gaze lands on the face. If it is at the bottom, the gaze lands on the legs. Choose by what you want seen. To put most attention on the upper body, let the top carry the pattern and keep the trousers plain. To move the gaze downward, reverse it and keep the top simple.

How large the pattern can be

Large patterns take more space and need more calm around them. A large pattern goes with plain garments in a muted shade, preferably without further details. Small patterns are easier to live with and can be combined with more. Look at our bamboo clothing for women to find plain pieces to pair with a patterned one.

Stripes as a pattern

Narrow stripes are the easiest pattern to start with. From a distance they behave almost like a plain surface, so they can be worn with most things. Wider stripes are more visible and should be treated as a proper pattern, where the rest of the outfit stays calm and picks up one of the stripe colours.

Sweatshirts and pattern

Next to a patterned garment, a plain sweatshirt is a good calm counterpart. Pick a colour from the pattern or a neutral and keep the rest simple. That way the pattern gets the attention and the sweatshirt provides calm. Take a look at our bamboo sweatshirt for women if you want a plain base piece.

Hoodies and pattern

Menswear follows the same rule. A plain hoodie is a calm piece that can go with a patterned shirt if you keep the colours in the same family. Choose the hoodie in a colour from the pattern or in a neutral shade, so the two layers support each other. Have a look at our bamboo hoodie for men.

How many patterned garments

Two or three patterned garments are enough for most wardrobes. Then you have something to choose from, and you can still combine them with plain garments without thinking about it. If you own many patterns, they can be hard to bring together, and they often end up worn less.

How to test the outfit

Stand in front of a mirror and half close your eyes, so you only see shapes and colours. If the eye lands in one place straight away, the outfit works. If it jumps around, there are too many elements in play. Then you can take one garment off or swap it for a plain one.