Wear it Well: 3 Ways to Wear Prints this Spring
Make a Statement without a word
By Gabi Meyers
Our Spring Style Guide is presented in partnership with Uniqlo USA, dedicated to creating clothing that never stops evolving because your life never stops changing. Simple apparel with a not-so-simple purpose: to make your life better.
Spring is officially here, and if you haven’t started thinking about what your wardrobe is missing, we’ve got you covered! Covered in prints, that is. Because a great print helps you make a perfect spring style statement.
You may have heard the terms “print” and “pattern” thrown around interchangeably, but allow me to drop some knowledge on you. A print is—no surprise here—printed onto a fabric, much like ink on paper. However, a pattern is actually woven into a garment.
A giveaway between the two?
You can usually feel a pattern, but not a print.
For example: stripes, polka dots, and camo are (more often than not) prints. Madras, houndstooth, and jacquard are all patterns.
When wearing prints, the key is to keep the rest of your look minimal, so the focus stays on your standout printed piece. Key prints to look for this season? Tropical and geometric designs, dots, and microprints.
Below, how to wear prints three different ways this spring:
THE PRINT BOTTOMS
shirt: Uniqlo, $30 | jacket: Uniqlo, $40 | shorts: Uniqlo, $30
sneakers: Uniqlo, $10 | sunglasses: Uniqlo, $15 | socks: Uniqlo, $2
Wear it Well: Shorts are a great place to play with pattern—they add interest to your outfit without making a front-and-center statement. Opt for a shirt in a shade that complements the subtle floral print on these spring shorts, then throw a denim jacket on top to stave off any leftover winter chill.
THE PRINT JACKET
blazer: Uniqlo, $40 | shirt: Uniqlo, $30 | chinos: Uniqlo, $40
shoes: Florsheim | sunglasses: Uniqlo, $15 | belt: Uniqlo, $20
Wear it well: Don’t be fooled by this seersucker jacket- while seersucker is a pattern, it often comes with a stripe or check…which is a print! This particular numbers has a subtle stripe, which I love. Button the top button on the blazer, cuff the hem on the chinos, and finish the look with sleek, black accessories that’s mwah, a total ::chef’s kiss::
THE PRINT SHIRT
Shoes: Uniqlo, $20 | Pins: Uniqlo, $10 each
Jacket: Uniqlo, $50 | Shirt: Uniqlo, $30 | Kando pants: Uniqlo, $40
Wear it well: A small-scale check can add a perfectly appropriate dose of print to any guy’s work wardrobe. For beginners, choose a neutral-based print and add pops of color using your accessories.
// Shop #SGApproved Prints & Patterns //
TELL ME:
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PRINT OR PATTERN TO WEAR?
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I like the 3rd option the best (first one is a bit much for me). I usually go for a printed shirt, otherwise it can get too loud.
Prints are definitely a personal thing..one man’s “too much” is another man’s “not enough!”
Let’s be honest though Megan – as a woman what would you think of a man in the first outfit? I can see the second working but the first one is way too flamboyant.
I love printed shirts (I’m wearing a navy with a cool-light red floral pattern right now), but I’ve also got a printed jacket – a grey/purple floral for fall/winter that I love busting out – and definitely want another (WD.NY has a blue jacket covered in anchors as well as a few florals I’m interested in). There are definitely some printed shorts I’m looking into, though the most I’ve done so far are solid shorts with printed accents like a polkadot hem or a printed back pocket. But I’ve been struggling with printed pants/joggers as I’ve been unable to find any that don’t immediately look like pajama bottoms. Any suggestions?
Y’know, I would share your concerns that patterned jogger pants coming off looking like hammer or zumba pants, but I did see these patterned pants on East Dane that are really fun without being too “out there” that if anyone could pull off with confidence, it’s you! http://www.eastdane.com/embroidered-french-worker-pants-scotch/vp/v=1/1596976711.htm?folderID=19210&colorId=35766
I like to keep it to one printed thing at a time so it’s special. Shirts, madras shorts,
Bret Michaels-style do rags, maybe some trousers…completely agree!
I pretty much leave prints to my shirts. Pants I like to let the color do the talking and the only print I want on a blazer is pinstripe or windowpane.
Definitely a safe bet for a stylish look
I like printed shirts the best. I’ve been thinking about picking up a floral printed shirt for the spring and summer. I like the look of a subdued, slim-fitted floral shirt.
Sounds like a good plan!
Prints are far too rare, I admit that the plaids and stripes of most shirts have become very much the same. I miss seeing more patterned shirts so when I find them I grab them. Patterns shorts work well for weekends and holiday but patterned pants… they can be a tough sell. Brooks Brothers have some great tropical patterned pants this year but unless you are in the tropics I think they’re just too much. Anyway, I’m always on the look out for the three pillars – color, texture & patten.
that’s great! it’s good to hear you like prints too! I bet the tropical pants would look awesome in Hawaii!
Absolutely; perfect for Hawaii, San Juan, Miami, maybe even out on the Cape in season. All I can say is that I’m very ready for summer to finally get here.
Sounds like you know your beaches! Summer is just around the corner… and I can’t wait either!
Since you’re even further north than I am I’m sure you’ve got to be ready. Things are slowly showing signs of spring. As for beaches, yes! I’ve got my favorites, from great people watching spots to incredible sunrises and sunsets to secluded stretches of paradise.
No… just… no.
Thanks to my sleeve printed tops are often times a little too much for me anymore, but I’m always a fan of printed bottoms, especially shorts!
Josh – The Kentucky Gent
http://thekentuckygent.com
Love printed shirts. From Palm branches to polka dots and everything in between, especially in summer they’re a great way to add a bit more. Apart from a denim shirt and a couple of OCBD’s every other shirt I own has got a print. And because of that I like to keep pants simple
Interesting selections, with a hint of androgyne. I don’t think I have the confidence level to pull #1 or #2 off, but #3 with some low Chucks might suit me.
You do realize that Tonello jacket you linked to on Yoox in the first look is a woman’s jacket, right? Don’t get me wrong, I like it, and I would totally wear it, but I don’t think even the large would fit my 6’4″ frame! 🙂