Gingham is a simple, checked fabric design where vertical and horizontal stripes of equal width intersect to make a checkerboard pattern.
Gingham can be found in both large and small-scale patterns. Generally speaking, the larger the pattern, the more casual the shirt. 1/2″-2″ checks will be louder and feel more outgoing, making for great sporty shirts for the weekends with jeans. Checks under 1/2″, and particularly 1/4″ or smaller can be quite business appropriate, though they will still feel more casual than traditional stripes or solid patterns.
Gingham can be found in one-color patterns as well as two-color patterns.
We suggest keeping your suit and tie solid when dressing up a gingham shirt. It is a bolder shirt pattern, so keeping the rest of your look toned down will keep you from looking overly flashy.
The History of Gingham
The word “gingham” is derived from the Malay word “genggang” meaning striped. Gingham fabric actually started off as a stripe pattern when it was first imported to Europe in the 17th century, but crazy folks making fabrics in Manchester England experimented with check versions. Over time the word gingham evolved to be mostly associated with the check pattern.
Click here to see our selection of gingham dress shirt fabrics.