What is Stripes Print?

Stripes are one of the most fundamental and commercially important print categories in the textile industry. Vertical, horizontal, and diagonal parallel lines in varying widths, spacings, and colour combinations create an enormous range of aesthetic effects - from classic nautical Breton stripes to power-dressing pinstripes, from bold rainbow festival stripes to delicate candy stripe cotton. The category encompasses bold graphic stripes, multi-colour pattern stripes (madras, Bengal), ticking stripes, awning stripes, and the elegant chalk-stripe of suiting.

Origin & History of Stripes

Striped textiles have been produced globally since ancient times - striped wool and linen have been found in Pharaonic Egyptian tombs. The Breton sailor shirt (marinière) - navy and white horizontal stripes - was standardized for the French Navy in 1858 and later adopted by Coco Chanel for resort wear in the 1920s, making it a fashion staple. The bold candy-stripe Oxford shirt was popularized in British fashion in the 19th century. Madras plaid stripes from the Madras (Chennai) textile tradition became iconic in American collegiate style through the 1950s-60s.

Why Designers & Brands Choose Stripes

Stripes are among the highest-volume print categories for manufacturers - consistent demand across menswear, womenswear, children's wear, sportswear, and home textiles. The versatility of stripe print is unmatched: it works across price points, styles, occasions, and demographics. For fabric manufacturers, stripe is also one of the most reliable export categories, with strong demand from the US, UK, and European markets year-round.

Best Fabrics for Stripes at Clothwala

Stripe prints work across virtually all fabrics. Clothwala's most popular pairings:

Print Applications & Usage

Explore Other Print Types at Clothwala

Browse our complete library of fabric print types - each with detailed information on origin, fabrics, and bulk pricing.