For The Men – Akin Faminu On Styling The Pinstripe Suit

Hi Everyone! Let’s have a little chat, you know, remind ourselves about one or two things in timeless men’s fashion, because we are fashion forward and we should talk about these things right? So yeah, let’s talk about Pinstripe suits!
A Pinstripe suit is a sharply tailored suit with a subtle striped motif and it’s definitely an ensemble that classic tailoring devotees appreciate very much.

The pinstripe suit, like almost every other next big thing in menswear, has evolved over the years. Traditionally known, almost strictly, as a 9 to 5 suit, especially for bankers and people in business ( I sincerely don’t see the connection though),  is way past that now.
Although it still retains that ultimate sartorial reputation but styling pinstripe suits have now been heavily diversified. From Athleisure to the Prim and Proper Dapper look, there’s a whole lot more to them now and isn’t that what fashion is all about?

Presently, the pinstripe suit is being reassigned to more out-of-the-office affairs, thanks to the stylish, powerful image it represents. It’s becoming a savvy, sartorial look guys can employ to differentiate themselves from their one-dimensional counterparts. While it’s still a sophisticated work option, times are changing, and that’s why it’s important to know how to pull off a pinstripe suit.
However, boundaries still exist, and a pinstripe suit travels in the middle of the road: It’s not appropriate for casual wear or ultra-formal wear, so don’t wear one to the club or to a black-tie affair.
When it comes to coordinating the overall look and knowing how to pull off a pinstripe suit, remember “2 out of 3 ain’t bad:” Between the suit, shirt and tie, one should be solid. Three all-out patterns can be successfully integrated by the fashion elite, but for the average Joe, it’s too tricky to attempt. That’s why most of us should err on the side of caution. What’s more, when mixing in that second pattern, if you choose checks for either the shirt or tie, the checks should be very tight as to not compete with the visual of the pinstripes.

Much more popularized especially on the runways for the SS15 is pairing the pinstripe suit with paisley ties and plain shirts just like I did in my own look, rather than with checks and patterns and it definitely is pleasing to the eyes, not too busy, yet not overly subtle.

Just like in every other ensemble, everything matters when styling your pinstripe suit, from the fit which is always very important to the shoes you choose to pair with your suit. Opt for something classy, like the bi-material single monk strap shoes in my outfit or if you’re thinking leisurewear, really nice kicks and a casual inner shirt would work just fine.

So I hope you were able to pick up a thing or two from the editorial guys. Thank you for reading, feel free to drop your comments, and see you another time.


Photography – Seyifunmi Photography
Suit – Obed Clothiers
Shoes – Jumia Fashion
Time piece – Gucci