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Introduction
Both spring and summer was a bold step for menswear the last time it came around. Bright colours and colour blocking dominated collections from high street to high fashion. Autumn and winter carried on in similar vein, bringing colour – especially in a knit and outerwear capacity – to the male wardrobe.
This coming season has introduced a marginally dulled colour palette to proceedings in the form of grey and blue, but has brought a more frightening, or exciting – depending on your point of view – prospect to table.
I am of course talking about prints and patterns. From polkas to paisley, everything is fair game this year as menswear continues to colour outside of the lines of tradition.
On the Runway
The focus of our article today has been prevalent in one form or another across the board. Burberry showcased a collection of African and tribal inspired prints, while Prada took inspiration from fifties America and Givenchy took flight with some tropical birds.
Printed Shirts
Printed shirts have become the real focal point of this trend. Could it be that they give way to a deep buried guilty pleasure of tacky, knock-off Hawaiian shirts? Or is it the fact they can easily be muted with an extra layer? Either way, they look set to capture the imagination and wallets of many a man this season.
Completely covering your polka dot shirt under a crew neck is not the way to wear it! Prints should be worn loud and proud, surrounded by neutrals and wardrobe staples.
Example Outfits
Hang on to heritage with this bird print shirt. Pair with some complimentary chinos and a deep red chunky shawl collar cardigan thrown over, unbuttoned, to add that extra layer and fight off any remaining winter chills.
- Barbour Cream Bird Liberty Print Shirt
- The Elder Statesman Monster Cashmere Shawl Collar Cardigan
- River Island Nolan Chinos
Brave it with a bold polka-dot shirt atop some traditional tailored shorts. Finish off with some brown leather fringed loafers for a real on-trend go-to summer look.
- Marni Printed Short-sleeved Cotton Shirt
- Topman Navy Twill Cinch Tailored
- Topman Duke 2 Loafer
Opt for some pseudo-Prada with this tennis print shirt and neckerchief combo. Some summer-stable white trousers would prove game, set and match in any style competition.
- Topman Blue Tennis Printed Shirt
- Polo Ralph Lauren Pi55b White Trousers
- Asos Compass Neckerchief
Printed Shirt Picks
- Topman Blue Sport Patterned Shirt
- Asos Printed Short Sleeve Shirt
- Volklore Banyo Shirt
- Topman Dark Blue Diver Print Shirt
- Burberry Prorsum Printed Short Sleeve Cotton Shirt
- D&g Blue Bandana Print Slim Brad Shirt
Printed Shorts & Trousers
Both printed shorts and trousers can prove to be a far trickier customer than their shirted counterparts. Bold bottoms, unlike a print shirt, are far harder to cover up, so confidence is key!
Neutrals should remain distracting to your game plan, as braving head to toe in print will most likely leave you with egg on your face, and possibly your shirt.
Jeremy Langmead, esteemed editor of Mr Porter, hit the proverbial nail on the head in his style column for Esquire, when it comes to wearing print trousers.
“[…] When you look at the ikat-print trousers by Burberry Prorsum, or the blue and cream prints by Acne, it suddenly seems right. Wear them with a plain, neutral sweater, or T-shirt – even a blazer – and they will look pretty damn good.”
Example Outfits
Test Mr Langmead’s theory with those ikat-print trousers. A simple white shirt and mid-weight jumper layered over the top should satisfy your statement trousers and keep you from committing sartorial suicide.
- Asos Slim Fit Shirt
- Reiss Jay Mid Weight Waffle Jumper Oatmeal
- Burberry Prorsum Ikat-print Cotton And Linen-blend Trousers
There are of course slightly less bold options than the trousers above. These cyclist print trousers for example are much more toned down and therefore ‘easier’ to pull off.
Go even simpler up top with a timeless white tee and navy trench, tied at the back, for an easy, relaxed and April-ready look.
- Calvin Klein Underwear White 3 Pack Basic T-shirts
- Asos Twill Mac
- Paul Smith – Jeans 945k-805 Aran Trousers
This third look is a tasteful twist on the uniform of the Brit abroad.
These slim, tailored, camo-print shorts are a world away from the camouflage cargo shorts that rule holiday hotspots.
A simple, charcoal, pocket detail t-shirt and a pair of sophisticated suede loafers finish the look, and put the rest of the holidaymakers to shame.
- Ymc Washed Cotton T-shirt
- Ymc P9ag7 Camo Button Pocket Shorts
- Grenson Snuff Brown Suede James Penny Loafers
Printed Shorts & Trousers Picks
- Topman Sea Horse Embroidery Shorts
- Shades Of Grey By Micah Cohen Btm670 Safari Shorts
- Paul Smith Jeans Cyclist Chinos Short
- Polo Ralph Lauren Bleeker Floral Print Chino Short
- Paul Smith – Jeans 945k-805 Aran Trousers
- Paul Smith Mens Printed Trouser
Printed Accessories
If you’re a little apprehensive about getting in on this trend, why not start by incorporating some bolder prints through accessories?
Lightweight scarves are great additions to spring and summer looks every year. Take this as an opportunity to work patterns in to your looks. A paisley scarf can bring out colours already apparent in your outfit or stand alone as a statement.
Neckerchiefs were a minor trend last year, but look set to be take off slightly more this time around. Again, this is a perfect chance to work in subtle patterns that won’t leave you second-guessing your choice of attire.
Last but not least is the trusty pocket square. If a blazer is your go-to jacket, then be bold with pocket and opt for prints. Polka dots, paisley even camouflages are unlikely to throw a (albeit stylish) spanner into the works of your everyday spring/summer looks.
But why stop there? A tie, socks, jewellery, the options available to incorporate some pattern via accessories is simply endless.
Example Outfits
The neckerchief is one-to-watch this season, so get on board early with a paisley print number. Compliment the neckerchief to your shirt and anchor with some neutral erring chinos.
- Topman Red Cotton Chambray Shirt
- Asos Paisley Edge Neckerchief
- Reiss Senator Slim Casual Trouser Rust
Geometrics are a subtle pattern that should be your first port of call if you’re not totally convinced you can pull off print.
Loosely tie a summer scarf around your neck to compliment the colour of your blazer, give thought to linen outerwear in the warmer months – the wrinkles are all part of the charm. Finish off with some Riviera appropriate white trousers.
- Nicole Farhi Airforce Blue Treated Linen Twill Blazer
- Paul Smith Shoes & Accessories Geometric Cotton And Silk Scarf
- Polo Ralph Lauren Pi55b White Trousers
Have a party in your pocket with a bold, statement square against the neutral backdrop of your blazer. Keep the trousers similarly toned down and shirt white to really give precedence to your breast.
- Allsaints Kansai Blazer
- Ken Scott Paisley Printed Silk Pocket Square
- Topman Grey Novak Skinny Suit
Printed Accessory Picks
- Dress Handkerchief Pocket Square 33×33 By Boss Black
- Reiss Doulton Floral Print Hank Sand
- Asos Stars And Stripes Neckerchief
- Etro Paisley Print Linen Scarf
- Paul Smith Accessories Navy Polka Dot Socks
- London Undercover Camouflage Print Umbrella
Conclusion
Wearing (and pulling off) prints can appear to be an arduous task at first (and last) glance. It is, for most men, a million miles outside of their comfort zones and something they most likely thought, or rather hoped, had long passed after the sixties ended.
Pulling off prints requires a certain amount of self-confidence, but also the right outfit.
The fear of stepping out like a walking Versace advert is enough to put most men off. But through the use of neutral pieces, mixed in with your prints, you can create an on trend, not-so-scary, look.
- Have your perceptions of print changed?
- Have you been eagerly anticipating this print trend?
- If so, how will you be incorporating prints this coming season?
- Or are prints not even on your agenda for spring/summer?
- What are your thoughts on the mono-print looks?
As always, we love to hear your thoughts – so get in touch via the comments below…
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Ethnic Inspired
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Denim
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Statement Tailoring
Men’s SS13 Key Colour: Pink
Back To Top
Not going to lie! I think most of these are horrendous! Subtle prints are acceptable, socks and other accessories! But when have Hawaiian shirts ever looked decent!
Agree with the above, how could anyone think, “I will wear a blazer, shirt and tie, with some shark trousers”. And that was the best look out the them.
I absolutely agree with the previous comments .. I believe print should be used as accessories and not a focal point of your outfit
The above comments have restored my faith in FB readers. Good work fellas
Yep, I’m also gonna jump on the bandwagon of hate for garish print. Scarves, pocket squares and other accessories are fair enough but it’s not about trousers with pictures of fish all over them or shirts with motor cars. Lame.
This is the polar opposite of simple, timeless style.
Remember, sometimes the reason for not many people wearing something is because it actually looks atrocious.
I think this article goes back to the whole ‘style vs fashion’ debate that’s been mentioned elsewhere on the site. We can use the fashion of prints (seen in the extreme in some of these images – I certainly wouldn’t be seen in most of the outfits shown) to influence our personal style. For example, I personally quite like the Topman Diver print shirt and the ASOS short sleeve print. Would never really think to buy it but paired with black slim/skinny jeans and some loafers it would look pretty good (if I may say so!) and is another string to my stylistic bow. (I tend to avoid colour/prints but am starting to branch out).
Obviously, some of the ‘high-fashion’ examples of print there are awful, and the Woost has certainly looked better in my opinion, but the article’s fairly clear in saying that prints should be paired with neutral basics to avoid fashion disaster. My two cents, anyway.
Printed shirts are becoming more popular than ever. Great example outfits. Surrounded with neutral bottoms is spot on.
Happy with print shirts, happy with print shorts but trousers? Really? I cannot see this catching on. Love the guy in the middle, looking businessish like in white and pink print trousers. Mmm…
Not that I am against prints, as I have a couple of printed shirts , I think most of the printed clothing you have shown as examples simply hurts the eyes. A resounding NO to all the pants but some of the shorts I actually want for my wardrobe. So yes, it would take some guts to wear some of these items. Its simply a lotta look.
Printed shirts and shorts have potential, not really a fan of anything else though. Only really like the block coloured clothing with uniform prints of animals etc. sparsely patterned.
trust me when I say 2012 is going to be the year of the print. All the non-believers will be 100% converted by the end. Anything with an african/tribal inspired print I am all over for this coming S/S.
all over the printed shirts and shorts. loving the barbour bird one, and the asos bird shirt. amazing!! bring on the tribal prints. to all those haters, just remember the aztec print..
I think the people leaving negative comments are probably those new to fashion or are still living off the Topman sale rail. Look at the H&M for Versace collection guys. I struggled to find something not printed! And guess what… the collection sold out within hours. Readers who want to share opinions are good, evidentally I do it often, but trying to give advice to the writers who are probably trained in journalism or fashion is pushing it don’t you think?
I have been shopping high fashion for years now and hate the SS 2012 looks in Prada and Burberry. I think everyone else is correct in saying that patterns are hideous. If you look at Hermes SS 2012 you will see sophistication and elegance, because they dont need to be audacious. Fashion is based on consumers and there is a reason these looks have not been in fashion in 40 years. The basic issue is Burberry is trying to have a massive rebrand and unfortunately they felt they needed to make a terribly bold statement with their mens line this season. The other brands such as Prada have no excuses. If all the other designers were doing it then it would be a proper trend, but they haven’t because they are sensible and don’t think the catwalk is where the clothes start and end having no method of integration.
Well presumably the reason the articles have a comments feature is so people can give views. Sometimes people agree with the article, sometimes they dont. Prints are definitely not for me. perhaps if i lived in new jersey and went on a spring break to florida it would work for me. But in middle england, i’d feel ridiculous! But thats just my opinion. i dont like ‘shouty’ outfits.
I would say the whole point of journalism is to bring opinion and controversy. This trend particularly is one. Working in fashion myself I agree this year is for print…. trousers its tough. But only if your tough enough to try it.
More likely to see this will be printed shorts I say!
Precsiely – The readers can give views/opinions. However It doesn’t make them correct. There just seems to be the same group of commentors who take their opinions a little too far sometimes; bashing the writers and dubbing articles as ridiculous or terrible as I saw on the skins feature the other day. Or adopting what can only be described as bully tactics and saying what the writer has chosen is ‘lame’ and ‘atrocious’. If you don’t like it say so by means of constructive criticism, or take it that fashionbeans has a larger readership than just you and it might appeal to someone else as evidently this did.
Dalton, please calm down. I wouldn’t ever presume the talented FB writers who’s articles I read on a daily basis to be offended by such harsh words as “lame” and “atrocious”, otherwise I wouldn’t have written them. I appreciate the article and, as always, enjoyed reading it but clearly my opinions were directed at the trend, which is exactly what the comments section is for. “Bully tactics”!? Good lord!
But back to the topic of the trend: I consider myself fairly fashion forward and am certainly not new to fashion or “living off the Topman rail sale” (don’t you love it when people feel they need to pass judgement on the basis of an opinion?), however two key ingredients of good style, in my opinion, is simplicity & effortlessness. Ostentatious prints may work on the catwalk but, frankly, if I see someone looking like a walking aquarium, I’d consider that to be a massive faux-pas.
This may well be the divisive trend that people latch onto this year (eg. drop crotch and cuffed trousers/jeans) but, to borrow another FB maxim, you won’t ever see this in any self-respecting person’s “capsule-wardrobe”.
Col, I am unaware of this latest technological breakthrough that allows you to see through your screen and view my emotions… please send me the details of where I can purchase such an outstanding piece of equipment.
Furthermore you have answered this issue yourself, you know you sound harsh when using these terms and have assumed you, and only you, are a reader of this site. Dubbing articles, writers, or even the trends as ‘lame/atrocious’ is just a little uncalled for in my opinion (which I am more than happy for you to pass judgement on as you feel you need to).
We are all grown men (I like to believe) so merely stating a trend is not to your taste should suffice should it not? I am also a writer, not on the scale of fashionbeans, but a writer nonetheless, and I know how it feels to receive negativity towards your work. Fair enough you may have been directing your ‘hate’ towards the clothes but it’s the writer’s choice and the odds are that at least one of the seven billion people on this planet will like what is being shown.
I know the writers have to welcome all forms of criticism, regardless of how informed that criticism may be. I applaud the writers of Fashionbeans for being so graceful in accepting it. Perhaps in this instance your comments may have been less harmless than perceived, but once again, my comment was intended for more than your eyes only.
Not a whole lot of love for prints then no? Although it will be interesting, as Matt said, to see whether the trend increases in popularity as the season wears on.
I fear we may have strayed off topic a little, although I can assure you I’ve not been offended by any of the comments on this article. The differing opinions and ensuing debate is what makes fashion so interesting.
Keep the comments coming guys!
The Prorsum printed trousers are amazing. End of.
Just to clear this up for everyone – as mentioned we will take all forms of criticism on board (no matter how small), as we like to genuinely react to our audience and tailor our content to what you would all like to see more. In my eyes it is what makes our site stand out to the larger publications around.
Some of the newer guys (or those that will only read one article) will sometimes think that the individual writer is saying ‘you must wear this’ or ‘must dress like this’, and so will critise the individual rather than the trend or content being described.
In the end as a writing team we should try to be as unbiased as possible in order to let you all make your own minds up; fashion and style is individual after all.
Saying that, many of the frequent commenter’s have been loyal readers for a long time and will cause no offence by disagreeing with a trend or certain look. The next day they may absolutely love the next item/look/trend/icon we feature – it is what makes us all individual.
Simply put… thank you fashion beans for giving me inspiration to be more fashion forwards whilst consistantly advising / supoprting me on building a timeless, refined and transferable wardrobe.
I think a bit of print in my wardrobe would help give an on trend feel to some of my more classic looks. Nice idea!
Excuse me for skipping past the above comments when posting this but remember this article offers only advice & we are free to ignore it at our peril. I think this time next year we all might have something featured above in our wardrobes, but on this occasion I adhere to the rule that “less is more”
Admittedly I did not like this trend when it started to surface. I think I was a little too fixated on the catwalk prints; bold, garish etc. So I dismissed the trend, until now! The article made me rethink things. As with everything you should reject things that you dislike and adapt the things you do like into your personal style. Well I think I forgot about the adaption part. I’m never going to go for printed trousers or shorts but some of the shirts and accessories are cool, you don’t have to get the loudest most garish prints, you can find something tamer and wear what you feel comfortable with.
Loving the fireworks on this one – whoa!
The bit that maybe hasn’t been discussed is the longevity of this particular trend or the ability to re-use/modify previous trend pieces?
Last year’s block trend can be incorporated into the tonals this year whilst heritage will just exude timelessness and style (and like Alex said, nautical will just keep coming back). However if you do go out and buy yourself some pink and white trousers I’m just not quite sure how many wears you’re going to get out of them.
For us who have to watch the pennies you have to bear in mind if you’re likely to be wearing something a year on. It’s nice to be on trend but style is more important to me – therefore I’m probably going to steer clear of this one given my purchases would probably wind up in Oxfam by Christmas.
Anyone agree/disagree? Would be interested to hear.