What is a Gingham Style Dress Shirt?

Want to be stylish and on-trend? If so, you should consider buying a gingham dress shirt. This type of shirt is making a comeback this year, and for good reason! This article lets you in on what makes a gingham dress shirt unique and some of the different ways you can wear it. We'll also explore the origins of this style, and answer the question: is gingham the same as plaid? So if you're ready to learn more about one of the hottest trends in fashion right now, keep reading!

What is a Gingham Fabric?

Gingham is a type of fabric that is usually made from cotton or linen. It is characterized by its small, regular checks or stripes. This pattern is usually in two colors, though more recently, gingham shirts have been appearing in a wider range of colors.

Gingham fabric may bring back memories of checkered picnic blankets or school uniforms. The classic blue and white dress that Dorothy wore in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz was a design of gingham printed fabric.

Gingham dress shirts are made with this type of fabric. This type of shirt is perfect for those who want to add a little bit of pattern to their wardrobe without going overboard.

The shirt style itself has been around for centuries, but it has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Gingham dress shirts are the perfect way to add a little bit of pattern and interest to your outfit, without going over the top.

You can check out one of Con.struct's performance shirts below to get an idea of exactly what a gingham shirt looks like. 

Gingham Performance Stretch Shirt

Are Gingham Shirts in Style?

Gingham shirts have been around for centuries, but they are definitely having a moment right now. This is due in part to the fact that they are incredibly versatile. They can be dressed up or down and look great on both men and women.

 

Gingham shirts first became popular in the 18th century, when they were worn by both men and women as casual wear. In the 19th century, gingham shirts became associated with the working class. They were often seen as uniforms for factory workers and other manual laborers.

Who Wears Gingham Dress Shirts Today?

It wasn't until the mid-20th century that gingham shirts became a fashion item. In the 1950s and 60s, they were popularized by icons like Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly. They are seen as a sign of good taste and sophistication. For instance, Diana, the Princess of Wales made a splash with her gingham outfit that took a wholesome, preppy approach.

Today, gingham shirts are popular among all types of people, from celebrities to politicians to business executives. Stars like Justin Timberlake and Ryan Reynolds have been keen to adopt gingham fashion in several ways. Timberlake chose to pair a blue and white gingham shirt with his favorite cologne, Givenchy Play EDT for Men during a photoshoot, while Reynolds elevated his look by donning a Blue Gingham Long Sleeve Shirt with a Grey Long Sleeve Henley Shirt over Charcoal Jeans.

Can You Wear a Gingham Shirt with a Suit?

Oh, yes! One of the great things about gingham shirts is that they can be dressed up or down. So, if you're looking to add a bit of pattern to your outfit without going overboard, a gingham shirt is a great option.

Gingham shirts can be worn with both suits and more casual clothing. If you're wearing a gingham shirt with a suit, we recommend choosing a darker color or a small pattern. You can go with a brighter color or a larger pattern for a more casual look.

The gingham shirt's stylish nature, smart appearance and versatility allow you to wear it for anything from a day at the office to a wedding to a summer barbecue. And that's a load off when you are standing in front of your closet trying to figure out what to wear!

The Origins of Gingham

Gingham is thought to have originated in Malaysia and Indonesia. It was originally made from hand-dyed and woven silk. The word "gingham" is thought to come from the Malay word "genggang," which means "striped."

Gingham made its way to Europe in the 17th century, where it became popular as a fabric for both clothing and home decor. In the 18th century, gingham shirts became particularly popular in England.

Is Gingham the Same as Plaid?

Not quite. Gingham and plaid are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two different patterns.Here is how to tell the difference: gingham typically has a more limited palette of 2-3 hues, and they are typically white set against one or two lighter or darker shades. On the other hand, plaids use more stripes and colors, along with fewer regular patterning accents.


Check out Con.struct's plaid jacket below to see the difference between the two.

Large Plaid Fleece Lined Shirt Jacket

Add Style and Interest to Your Wardrobe with a Gingham Dress Shirt

So there you have it! Now you know everything there is to know about gingham dress shirts. These shirts are a great way to add a bit of pattern and interest to your outfit. Additionally, they are versatile enough to be worn for formal and casual occasions.

If you're looking for the perfect gingham shirt, Con.struct has a great selection. Check out our performance shirts to find the perfect style for you.