Hip to be Square: Gingham Is the New Black

Monday, September 15, 2014

Kemea Smith, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Gingham

Gingham was made popular this year by American specialty retailer J.Crew. Photo Credit: iStock

Gingham has hit New York Fashion Week full blast with gingham printed collections from Oscar de la Renta, Duckie Brown, and Michael Herz for Diane von Furstenberg.

Will Portland Fashion Week be following suit?

Signs are on it that PDX is not immune to the seductive powers of the square pattern. It’s been seen on the likes of every young 20- to 30-something male (and a few females borrowing from their boyfriend’s closets) this summer, and has been tucked into tight denim jeans or khakis, and paired with all types of canvas satchels.

In case there were any doubt about the arrival of gingham, it even has its own Instagram account, documenting the shirt is off the mannequin and on bearded city dwellers of all races.

So why the sudden uptick? Gingham was made popular this year by American specialty retailer J.Crew. Their secret wash shirt in faded gingham is described as “what every guy needs in his arsenal” according to their website. It’s a simple cotton button-down collar shirt checked in white and “vintage navy,” otherwise known as blue.

As stated in an article by Fashionista, J. Crew sales have increased by 12 percent to $627.3 million dollars. Sales on eBay also have seen a rise in gingham purchases in July and August, according to Esquire.

But why is this gingham pattern shirt so popular among male city dwellers?

GoLocalPDX suggests that the look and pattern is universally flattering on every skin tone, appropriate for casual or more formal work environments, and can be paired with all the basics (jeans, khaki shorts, nice tie) that are inevitably in men's wardrobes.

It’s also worth mentioning that sportscasters like Michael Strahan, Bob Costas and Terry Bradshaw have all been seen looking sharp with gingham print button downs, underneath black or navy suits.

We predict that gingham - and not just blue, but deep red and classic black too - will still be worn throughout the fall season by every fashion-forward man you know.

SLIDES: See Where to buy gingham in PDX slideshow BELOW.

Homepage photo credit: iStock