Why mixing prints can elevate menswear by several notches

A quick guide on pairing prints while looking effortlessly stylish

Before you raise your eyebrows, hear us out. While it’s true that an all-black or a neutral outfit will almost always work for you, every once in a while allow yourself to get out of your comfort zone and have fun with dressing up. And what better way to do this than mix and match a few prints? Whether it’s Versace’s subtle monotoned clash of prints from their recent pre-Fall menswear collection, or Acne Studios’ bold mix of prints from the Spring 2022 collection, there’s something for everyone. If you’re still hesitant, then the easiest way to try mixing prints is to stick to a single colour palette, as shown by designer Priya Ahluwalia in her recent Spring collection for men. While there are no hard-and-fast rules to follow, here are some tips to get print-on-print right, especially if you are a newbie.

Tip #1: Pick a piece that already has a clash of prints

Let’s start with an easy one. Get a single piece that already features a mix of prints, like Huemn’s ‘Panorama’ sweatshirt, or Story Mfg’s ‘shore’ shirt, which is perfect to carry on your vacation. This piece—let’s call it our ‘hero piece’—can be teamed up with something neutral so that it stands out. Kardo’s quilted Bodhi jacket is one such garment with multiple prints patched together. Wear it over an all-black outfit and you’ll still make heads turn. Indian homegrown label Naalgo also has shirts featuring a mix of prints including stripes, checks and even ikat.

Tip #2: Play with the size

Ever found yourself scrolling through Ranveer Singh’s Instagram account and wondered how you can pull off bold prints like he does? Well, it does take hell lot of confidence, but if you’re taking baby steps towards playing this game of ‘match the prints,’ then your goal is to find balance in your outfit. The best way to get this balance is by teaming up big bold prints with smaller ones. Pair that floral printed shirt with a pair of micro-checkered pants or a blazer, as demonstrated by Comme de Garçons Homme Plus in their Spring 2022 menswear collection.

Tip #3: Pairing florals together is groundbreaking

Miranda Priestly may not be a fan of florals for spring, but show us a print more cheery and appropriate for summer. So disregard your inner fashion police and wear that floral shirt that lies forgotten in your closet with a matching pair of floral trousers or shorts. If a set is too much for you, opt for a floral shirt with either a subtly floral printed tie (which can be found in your dad’s wardrobe) or a cotton blazer, like this one from ERL. For a summer wedding look, a floral Nehru jacket over a self-printed floral kurta, as shown by Rahul Mishra, will make your outfit Instagram-worthy.

Tip #4: If you want a winning look, resort to dots and stripes

This is an easy one. Stripes and polka dots can unusually be found in most men’s closets in the form of formal shirts, blazers and suits. When you’re mixing your spotty pieces with the striped ones, although they create a compelling contrast, ensure that they fall under the same colour family. Uniqlo’s recent campaign with Marni shows exactly how to do that. For a shock factor, you can even throw in a houndstooth somewhere, like Louis Vuitton does in their 2022 menswear Spring collection.

Tip #5: Control abstract prints with geometry

Don’t know how to wear your two-seasons-old tie-dye clothes? Pair them up with Huemn’s checkered lungi skirt. The structure of geometric prints work surprisingly well with the bizarre-ness of abstract prints. You can even team up your old striped or checkered shirt with abstract printed pants by Two Point Two Studio to create a look that is unique, yet far from jarring. Fendi’s Spring 2022 menswear collection demonstrated how a tie-dye co-ord set can be worn with a basic striped polo T-shirt. But for a slightly more formal look, you can wear a tie-dye T-shirt with your formal checkered suit. The key aspect here is to either keep the colour tone similar to both the pieces, or let one of them be the ‘hero piece’.

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