In praise of stripes

Three cheers for a victory in the world of stripes!

American menswear designer Thom Browne was recently in trouble with Adidas – and not for the first time – for possibly infringing on the sportswear giant's three-stripe trademark. Browne's signature stripes take the form of four bars typically found on one sleeve or one pant leg, as well a red-white-and-blue design inspired by the ribbons of sports medals.

Browne triumphed in court earlier this month, a win chronicled by the New York Times in a witty article called Sweatpants on Trial. Stripes lovers everywhere can now rejoice, knowing that their beloved graphic motif won't be constrained by a corporate behemoth. As much as I enjoy Adidas gear, I'm celebrating stripes remaining as they should be: unruly and free.

Stripes belong to everyone

There's a hard-to-classify magic that happens when you decorate something with stripes. Take this Japanese vase I purchased some time ago at Atomic Design:

Were it a monochromatic cone, chances are I wouldn't have noticed it. Add pink and grey stripes, however, and the understated form is invigorated with race-car energy, compelling me to take it home.

It's a common move in spring fashion, as nautical stripes signal the end of winter layering and a brisk new feeling in the air. But you can find stripes in any season's offerings. My favourite clothing brand, COS, is always finding new ways to play with the motif. Check out this merino wool half-zip sweater in their current collection:

From the shoulders down it's like lots of sweaters you've seen before – but the extra stripes on the neck are a surprise. Unzip and you'll discover that those stripes are on the inside too, thanks to the clever intarsia knit.

The easiest way to add stripes to your home is in textile form: think throw pillows, bedspreads, shower curtains, anything made of fabric. For stripes made even bolder with vibrant colour, I recommend the brand Dusen Dusen, available at Toronto's 313 Design Market. Here's a glimpse of the wild things they do with towels:

Of course you could always slip on some stripe-enhanced active wear and drape yourself over your nearest piece of upholstered furniture. It's a fast and irresistible way to combine kinetic energy with the temptation to lounge.

Affectionately,