Popular Men’s Shirt Styles for Fall: Plaid, Tartan, Check, Gingham and Tattersall Explained

Crossing lines make some of our favorite long-sleeved shirt patterns. Some may look at these patterns and think they’re all the same. But each has its own specific qualities and history. There are tartans, plaids, checks, gingham, tattersall and more. Do you know the difference between each of these classic business casual looks? Do you have a favorite? Let’s take a look at these timeless patterns and what makes them so popular.

Tartan vs. Plaid

Plaid is simply defined as a checkered or tartan twilled cloth, and is a Gaelic word meaning “blanket.” Historically, it was a piece of tartan patterned cloth worn over the shoulder, but today is primarily seen in shirts and occasionally pants. Both plaid and tartan are pretty much interchangeable, at least in North America. For more on the history of tartan and popular tartan patterns, you can check out our “Brief History of Tartan” blog post here.

Tartans and plaids are particularly popular for fall and winter attire, especially the darker color combinations.  Lighter plaids are common in spring and summer shirts but are often less popular than check and gingham patterns.

The Check Pattern “Family”

Another very popular pattern is the check pattern, which consists of vertical and horizontal stripes that form, in crossing, alternately colored squares. Think of a chessboard pattern, which is actually where we get the word “check,” from “check-mate,” to describe the pattern. Check patterns vary in size, but most men’s shirts tend to feature medium and smaller sized checks (often called mini-check shirts).Check patterns, like tartans, were traditionally used in Scotland, but unlike tartans which were associated with family clans, check patterns represented geographic regions, or districts. Today, you’ll find check patterns on everything from pizzeria table cloths, to (of course) men’s shirts. But not all check patterns are the same.

Gingham vs. Buffalo Check Patterns

One of the most popular check patterns is the one found in Gingham cloth. Gingham is created using two differently colored threads or yarns (one of which is most commonly white or black) creating a striped check pattern. The word “gingham” comes from a Malay word “genggang” which means “striped.” The weaving of the threads with the coloring is on the warp threads and always on the weft, creating a check pattern of three colored squares. For example, if combining white and blue threads as in the fabric square above, there will be pure white squares, dark blue squares (the color of the blue thread) and a lighter blue square where the white and blue threads combine. Notice that the stripes which form the squares are equal width? This is the essential gingham pattern.

Buffalo check is a common shirt design that tends to be a darker variation, most commonly available in black and red. While buffalo check shirts are often made of wool, the pattern’s popularity has made it available in a variety of fabrics and uses throughout the world. While traditional gingham patterns tend to feature narrower stripes/squares, buffalo check tends to be wider than gingham. While the name may elicit images of the Wild West (where it certainly gained a more modern popularity), buffalo check, like many other check patterns, got its start in 18th Century Scotland.

Whether you choose a narrow-striped classic white gingham shirt or a darker buffalo check shirt with wider stripes, you’re certain to discover a men’s shirt that will be as modernly handsome as it is timeless.

When the Boxes are More Like a Grid, That’s a Tattersall Shirt!

While plaids may feature narrow lines, and checks feature squares, tattersall shirt designs fall in between, with narrow colored stripes over a wider (often white) stripe. Whereas gingham forms squares by two stripes overlaying, tattersall forms squares by the colored narrow stripes essentially forming borders of the “background color” squares.

Tattersall is another pattern that dates back to the mid 18th Century, where it was available in horse blanket form at Tattersall’s horse market in London. Today you’ll find tattersall not only in men’s shirts, but also as a popular jacket lining.

Which Men’s Shirt Style Should You Choose?

The simple answer is “all of them.” Each of these patterns offers a unique blend of color and style. While a crisp, light gingham lends itself to a slightly dressier event, you can grab a plaid flannel or wool buffalo check shirt for casual warmth while doing yard work on cool fall days. Whatever the season or occasion, one of these men’s shirt designs will make a perfect choice and pair perfectly with corduroy, chino or twill pants.

Do you have a favorite pattern that is your go-to choice? Let us know why in the comments. Or, if we missed one of your favorite patterns, let us know and we’ll feature it in a follow-up post.