The Power of Stripes: A Style Guide Through Patterns and Personality

Stripes have been a timeless element in fashion, making appearances across centuries and silhouettes. From nautical uniforms to runway statements, stripes are one of the few patterns that feel both classic and modern, structured yet playful. At Cinnamon Closet, stripes aren’t just a pattern — they’re a form of expression. Every stripe we choose is intentional, adding a unique character to the garments you love.

Understanding Stripe Direction and Width

Before we dive into the types of stripes, let’s break down the basics:

Horizontal vs. Vertical: Horizontal stripes tend to widen the appearance of the body, giving a more relaxed and broadening effect. Vertical stripes elongate and slim the silhouette, which makes them a go-to for formal and flattering fits.

Narrow vs. Wide: Narrow stripes feel delicate, preppy, and often formal — think pinstripes or pencil stripes. Wider stripes make more of a visual impact, often used in casual or bold pieces.

Understanding Types of Stripes

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the many types of stripes we’ve used in our collections, explaining where each type comes from and how it subtly shapes the way your outfit feels.

Barcode Stripe

Inspired by the linear, high-contrast lines of barcodes used in product packaging, barcode stripes are often irregular and bold.
Vibe: Modern, edgy, slightly rebellious.
Cinnamon Closet Pieces: Raven Shirt, Rome Tunic, Solitude Tunic.

Bengal Stripe

Named after Bengal, India, these stripes traditionally alternate white with a bold color, with evenly spaced vertical lines.
Vibe: Classic, refined, with a tailored appeal.
Cinnamon Closet Piece: Serene Co-ord Set.

Banker Stripe

A variation of Bengal stripes but finer and more subtle, originally worn by financial professionals.
Vibe: Professional, clean, understated.
Cinnamon Closet Piece: Monsoon Top.

Balanced Stripe

Stripes which has symmetry through out, creating visual harmony. Vibe: , Minimalist, easygoing, fun. Cinnamon Closet Piece: Kingfisher Top.

Decorative Stripe

More ornate than your average stripe, decorative stripes feature embedded patterns like florals or motifs.
Vibe: Feminine, ethnic, playful.
Cinnamon Closet Pieces: Diya Tunic, Marigold Tunic, Sanvi Tunic.

Candy Stripe

Named after striped candy wrappers, these are thin, brightly colored stripes often used in summer styles.
Vibe: Sweet, cheerful, youthful.
Cinnamon Closet Piece: Rainbow Tunic (Pure Cotton).

Chalk Stripe

Resembles lines drawn with chalk — usually seen on wool suits with slightly blurred edges.
Vibe: Softly formal, mature, slightly vintage.
Cinnamon Closet Pieces: Ebony Tunic, Riverside Tunic.

Chevron Stripe

V-shaped zigzag stripes — a bold and ancient pattern found in early art and architecture.
Vibe: Bold, dynamic, statement-making.
Cinnamon Closet Piece: Raisin Ajrakh Kurta.

Hickory Stripe

Traditionally with thin vertical white stripes against an indigo blue ground and where the white stripes are slightly narrower than the indigo spaces in-between. Vibe: Durable, retro, utilitarian.
Cinnamon Closet Pieces: Amethyst Tunic, Arctic Tunic.

Navy Stripe

Nautical-inspired, typically  blue on white or vice versa.
Vibe: Crisp, maritime, classic.
Cinnamon Closet Piece: Marine Co-ord Set.

Pinstripe

Super fine lines used traditionally in menswear tailoring.
Vibe: Sleek, formal, elongated silhouette.
Cinnamon Closet Piece: Onyx Sleeveless Dress (Cotton Spandex).

Pencil Stripe

Similar to pinstripe but slightly wider, like lines drawn by a pencil.
Vibe: Light and breathable, less formal than pinstripes.
Cinnamon Closet Piece: Sunflower Tunic.

Tricolor Stripe

Composed of three distinct color bands, either stacked or interwoven.
Vibe: Playful, bold, graphic.
Cinnamon Closet Piece: Amber Tunic.

Zigzag Stripe

Alternating angular stripes in a zigzag formation — energetic and often eye-catching.
Vibe: Quirky, energetic, bold.
Cinnamon Closet Pieces: Kiran Tunic.

Final Thoughts

Stripes aren’t just a style — they’re a statement. Whether you're into bold barcodes or elegant banker lines, each type tells a different story. And at Cinnamon Closet, we love giving those stories a place in your everyday wardrobe. Which stripe are you loving most right now? Let us know!

Stay tuned for more stripes in our next collection! — Here is a sneak peek!

Your patterns, your personality — one stripe at a time.