Summer's Favorite Classic Gingham Print Is Making A Comeback — Here's How To Style It

Fashion is a creative domain of reimagining styles, experimenting with colours and cuts, mixing and matching fabrics, toying with unconventional themes and much more. Having said this, some things remain eternal in appeal with their nostalgic aura and classic charm. The gingham print is one such gem that fashion mavens have been gladly flaunting over decades with no loss of sheen at all.

A lightweight plain-woven cotton cloth, gingham traditionally comes in bold checks on a white base. A pattern of white with bright red, blue, green, black coloured squares primarily forms the popular look of gingham in clothing circles.

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Talking about gingham print’s speciality, designer Mrunalini Rao said: “Gingham is a classic chequered fabric characterised by evenly spaced, intersecting stripes forming a grid of squares. Taking root in the English renaissance period of the 17th century, gingham gradually became a fashion staple for its simplicity and versatility.”

Fashion pundits dub gingham a timeless print that balances structure and playfulness. “The checks are clean and symmetrical, seamlessly transitioning from casual to a refined appearance. Gingham is redefined with fresh tones and varied scales, adding a vibrant and smart touch to everyday dressing,” shares Rao, who also founded her clothing brand Urī Living.

“Its flexibility makes it suitable for various applications, right from casual clothing like shirts and dresses to home decor items like tablecloths and curtains,” declares fashion designer Pankaj Soni.

Pattern variety

Gingham is most commonly associated with checks but it doesn’t have to be confined to just that, confirm fashion experts. “In current-day styling, gingham can also appear in other patterns, such as stripes and plaid or tartan varieties among others. So, while it is predominantly known for its checks and stripes, creative adaptations can yield other possibilities based on the same basic weaving technique,” inputs Soni.

Stepping out of its traditional iconic chequered mould, formed by intersecting horizontal and vertical stripes, gingham can also include “abstracted grids, textured weaves and blends with florals or geometric elements, thus giving it a fresh, contemporary vibe,” chips in Rao.

Palette splurge

Available in a plethora of colours and nearly endless combinations, the gingham pattern can be widely seen in conventional pairs like red and white, blue and white, green and white, black and white, yellow and white, pink and white besides unique colour combos of navy and white, purple and white, multi-colour gingham, pastels and neutrals, plus bright and bold tints.

“We lend a renewed dimension to gingham with pink, lilac, turquoise and multi-coloured alternatives, adding vibrancy and friskiness to the everlasting chequered pattern,” volunteers Rao.

Indian roots

Soni corroborates that “gingham’s roots can indeed be traced back in India and its historical connection is quite fascinating!”

“Gingham initially meant to be a striped fabric made of silk, cotton or a blend of both. The fabric was first introduced to Europe in the 17th century by traders who brought the textile from India. In the 18th century, British traders fetched the gingham fabric back from India to Europe where it became famous for its lightweight and breathable qualities. The fabric was woven in simple, smooth patterns, often with opposing tinges, which eventually developed into the distinctive chequered pattern that we associate with gingham today,” he elaborates.

He further concludes, setting the record straight: “So, while the specific ‘gingham’ pattern we recognise today was processed and polished in Europe, its raw identity in India played a significant role in the evolution of the fabric. The use of cotton, and the tradition of intricate weaving and dyeing in India laid the groundwork for the development of gingham in Western textile history.”

Men’s closet

“For womenswear, gingham can be reprised through elegant and fun silhouettes. In menswear too, gingham equally has a multipurpose, making its way into classic button-down shirts, relaxed kurtas, tailored blazers and structured trousers. For a more casual approach, shorts, co-ord sets and lightweight summer jackets add a chic edge to this enduring print,” reports Rao.

Echoing Rao’s words, Soni agrees that “gingham style aptly clicks for a variety of men’s outfits as well. Its classic chequered pattern attaches panache to any look, whether it’s casual or semi-formal.”

Gingham shirts (button-down shirts, slim-fit shirts, short-sleeve shirts, polo shirts), gingham pants and shorts (chinos, tailored trousers, shorts), gingham suits (blazer or sport coat, full suit), gingham outerwear (jackets, blazers), gingham accessories (ties) leave male buyers spoilt for choice.

Universal usage

Gingham print is widely used in table cloths, napkins, workwear and school uniforms. “Its pervasive use in such everyday items speaks volumes for its practicality, multifaceted quality and durability. It’s a ubiquitous choice for several applications because of the key reasons — it is undying and inviting, long lasting, handy, functional, visually teasing, professional and neat, convenient and affordable, plus easy to clean and maintain,” enlightens Soni.

“Its ability to evoke a sense of warmth, tradition and utility keeps it indispensable even in present-day activities,” he concludes ahead.

The gingham print exudes a sense of familiarity, remembrance and longing, making it a beloved immortal masterpiece. “When integrated with fashion, gingham immediately emerges out of its classicism shell and taps the pulse of all hip fashionistas who are always clued in with trendy sartorial lines and statement accessories,” remarks Rao.

Accompanying accessories

Gingham works well for a clutch of accessories too. Some of the attractive pieces that can be fashioned out of gingham are scarves (neck scarves, headscarves), bags (tote bags, clutch bags, backpacks), hats (bucket hats), headbands (bows), belts (a gingham-patterned belt can cinch in the waist and add a colourful, fun flair to dresses, skirts or pants), shoes (ballet flats, sneakers, Espadrilles), gloves (a pair of gingham gloves can make a charming addition to a vintage-inspired outfit) and wallets (gingham-patterned wallets or coin purses are small accessories that add personality and allure while being practical).

Extending its magic beyond clothing to accessories, gingham can also incorporate its usefulness into scrunchies, hair accessories and props like hand fans, thus bringing a dash of nostalgia and elegance to everyday essentials.