Common Patterns in Men's Accessories
Trends and fashion come and go but style stays solid. In the world of men’s style, details matter—and patterns are where many of those details come to life. From subtle pinstripes to bold paisleys, patterns in men’s accessories serve as both personal expression and sartorial strategy. Whether you’re dressing for a boardroom meeting or a rooftop party, the right pattern can elevate your look and send a message without saying a word. Here’s Vincent’s guide to the most iconic and stylish patterns found on men's accessories.
Patterns fit for gentlemen
What pocket square pattern to choose for job interview? Are flowers too much in a tie? Keep reading and you just might find the answers you are looking for. If not, drop us an email to info@thefatcloth.com and we'll be happy to help out and add new sections to this article.
Clean, Classic, Confident
Stripe patterns
Stripes are among the most timeless patterns in menswear. If you wish to keep it simple and focus in complementing the colors, stripes are a straightforward approach. Just try to avoid using multiple formats together. Repp striped tie, pinstriped suit bundled with a striped shirt is just too much to handle. Vincent’s pro tip – choose one and stick with that.
Repp Stripes (seen often on ties) are diagonal and bold, signaling confidence and tradition—popular in Ivy League and British style. For a modified approach on Repp, see the first FatCloth design ever created Vincent.
Pinstripes on accessories like scarves or pocket squares bring a business-like sharpness. Visit FatCloth's famous Bernie White for example.
Vertical or horizontal stripes in bright or pastel colors can also be playful, especially in socks or scarves.
The Dandy’s Signature
Paisley patterns
Originating from Persian and Indian designs, paisley is swirling, intricate, and loaded with personality.
Best used in moderation—think pocket squares, ascots, or statement ties. FatCloth has had a few different Paisley designs over the years and Ludwig Petrol has been the most popular of those.
A paisley tie with a plain shirt and blazer can transform a simple outfit into something with flair.
Subtle Playfulness
Polka Dot patterns
Polka dots may sound whimsical, but in the right accessory, they’re charming and elegant. Dots are perhaps the most subtle of patterns but depending on size and density can really elevate the outfit to another level. They complement both relaxed linen ensembles and sharp boardroom attire with equal ease. Vincent encourages to visit FatCloths Earl and Daniel for some reference on nice dotted patterns.
Small dots = refined.
Large dots = bold and fashion-forward.
Great for ties, socks, and even lapel pins if used cleverly.
Rugged Meets Refined
Checks and Plaids
From lumberjack flannel to highland tartan, checks can tell a story. As with stripes, don’t add layers of checkers unless you want to look like a city map! Check on plain or plain on check will suffice. Check out FatCloth Stig for that rugged lumberjack look.
Gingham and Tattersall patterns are common in neckwear and casual scarves.
Prince of Wales checks in subtle grays or blues work well in business accessories like laptop sleeves or briefcases.
Modern Minimalism
Geometric and Abstract patterns
For the man who appreciates clean lines and sharp angles. Abstract designs can be ultramodern or inspired by ancient cultures like FatCloths Butrus and Issei.
Great on silk ties, pocket squares, or even tech accessories.
Triangles, hexagons, or asymmetric shapes offer a contemporary edge without being loud.
Works especially well with minimalist wardrobes in neutral colors.
Street-Inspired Statement
Camo patterns
Originally military, now a streetwear staple. Camouflage inspired designs aren’t the ones Vincent would choose for a boardroom meeting but rather something more fit for a summer wedding.
As a wedding accessory, camo-inspired patterns in vivid colors—like the FatCloth Joseph pocket square—create a bold and eye-catching look. Bright colors are easier to spot from the foliage as well.
Best reserved for casual accessories—backpacks, baseball caps, or sport scarves.
Bold and Refined
Floral patterns
Flower prints on pocket squares are no longer reserved for summer weddings – you can wear them at work too. If you don’t want to go full botanical but like to don your flowers now and then you can choose stylized floral designs to complement your outfit. A nice example of such pocket square is FatCloth Manuel.
Micro-florals on pocket squares or ties offer a refined, modern twist.
Larger, bolder floral scarves or socks inject personality and artistry into everyday wear.
Best paired with solid or subtly textured clothing.
Heritage with Edge
Houndstooth and Herringbone
These classic woven patterns highlight texture and tradition. If you like tweed and feel like a proper gent, you probably have a sweet spot for herringbone and houndstooth patterns. Vincent has that too – that’s why he introduced the special microfiber fleece edition FatCloth pocket square Gregory Bone. Each autumn he cherishes the moment when the weather is cold enough for him to take his favourite tweed blazer out from the cabinet the first time and don his special little square.
Houndstooth often appears on wool scarves or gloves, signaling vintage flair.
Herringbone is more subdued and ideal for autumn/winter accessories.
Storytellers
Nautical and Motif Prints
These prints are filled with icons—anchors, skulls, bicycles, birds—and they tell your story. When you want to wear a conversation opener or signal to others about your dear hobbies then opt for motif prints. Wear a bicycle themed tie at a dinner party and the like minded will find you eventually.
Great conversation starters, especially on silk scarves, ties, or novelty socks.
Choose motifs that reflect your interests subtly, not like a billboard. Check out FatCloth Fat Gentleman pocket square if you are into pike fishing. That’s one innovative way to don a hobby.
The pocket square is from FatCloth x Makia collaboration collection sold out few years back.
Personalized Flair
Monograms and Logos
Less a pattern and more a repetition of identity. Done well you can create a customized accessory with your company elements that your customers will actually want to wear. Done poorly and it will be just another branded object thrown unused to the recycling bin. If you are intrerested in creating customized pocket squares coveted by many, then visit our custom squares section for more information.
Subtle monogramming on wallets or bags adds class.
In general avoid oversized or flashy branding unless you dig high fashion like Balenciaga or Vuitton—it’s about finesse, not flexing.
The bag image is AI generated. And not a very good one – Vincent eventually ran out of interest in prompting a simple task.
Conclusion
Pattern with Purpose
Patterns are the language of accessories. Each swirl, stripe, or speck speaks to your style sensibility. Whether you’re a classicist, a modern minimalist, or a playful trendsetter, choosing the right pattern helps you make your mark. Vincent encourages you to experiment—but always with intention. Because a true gentleman knows: style is in the details.
For some more examples of nice patterns visit FatCloth Originals collection.