The pinstripe is not only the trademark of powerful men. Women have long adopted the classic pattern and given it a whole new meaning. From Katharine Hepburn to Tilda Swinton – strong women wore and wear pinstripes as a symbol of confidence, elegance, and as a quiet rebellion against traditional gender roles. Discover how the pinstripe suit is now back in vogue as the epitome of modern femininity.
Pinstripe – a pattern that in its clear, precise structure embodies the epitome of authority and style. In a world where fast social media trends emerge and fade every minute, there is still fashion that remains timeless, no matter how style evolves. An example of this are pinstripe trousers, which, although currently fully on trend due to TikTok's latest office siren obsession, remain classic and chic themselves.
The roots of the pinstripe lie in England. Already in the early 19th century, bankers there wore these distinctive stripes, with each financial institution often having its own unique pinstripe pattern. Over time, the pinstripe became a symbol of professionalism, power, and fame, spreading beyond the banking world into general business attire and formal fashion. A man in a pinstripe suit then had power in his account and in society. We gladly believe today that the macho fashion was well received by the mafiosi in the USA. Now the pinstripe became "street" and it was only a matter of time before Hollywood showed these cool lines in numerous films, often portraying powerful figures in pinstripe suits.
US mega-influencer and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian shows with pinstripes that she has superpower as a business mom (Photo: Instagram).
Even back then, numerous actresses cultivated the pinstripe look and gave it new meaning, like Katharine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich, who wore women's suits in the 1930s and 1940s, defying conventional clothing norms. They often combined pants and blazers in masculine cuts made from pinstripe fabrics, making it clear: fashion is not a gender-specific issue but a matter of personal expression. In the 1980s, women's fashion rediscovered and adopted this style. Today, this classic look holds a firm place in the wardrobe of style-conscious women, far beyond the office as business attire.
Pinstripes are a statement that says: "Here I am. And I take my place."
But pinstripes are not just a relic of the past; they are a pattern that still polarizes. The vertical stripes can quickly dominate an outfit and make it difficult to combine with other patterns or bright colors. Due to their origin in the business world, pinstripes can seem out of place in more casual or semi-formal settings if not styled correctly. Additionally, the stripes emphasize the fit and silhouette of the clothing, meaning poorly fitting blouses or shirts underneath immediately stand out – a well-cut pair of pants or a perfectly tailored blazer is therefore essential. The typical color schemes of pinstripe pants also require careful coordination with other garments to avoid unpleasant contrasts, which can make styling even more challenging.
Hollywood loves noble stripes: US actress Blake Lively in "A Simple Favor."
Despite these challenges, pinstripes remain an incomparably versatile pattern. Whether you're aiming for an elegant, polished look or want to create a casual outfit – pinstripe pants can be surprisingly adaptable. At SoSUE, we pair them daily with a new top.
A leap into the present shows that pinstripes have lost none of their fascination. Diane Keaton, one of Hollywood's best-dressed women, is known for her androgynous style, which often includes pinstripe suits. Her role in "Annie Hall" defined an entire era of style and brought the masculine silhouette into the mainstream of women's fashion. The characters she portrays are strong, independent, and stylistically untouchable – exactly what pinstripes convey.
The American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish always fashionably on point (Photo: Instagram).
Or the British actress Tilda Swinton, whose style is repeatedly described as avant-garde, goes even further. Swinton manages to completely dissolve the boundaries between genders with a pinstripe suit. She combines the classic with the experimental, structure with lightness, and proves that such a look can be not only formal but also artistic and provocative.
But pinstripes are not only at home on big screens and red carpets. In current fashion, they are everywhere: from the streets of London to the runways in Paris and New York. Designers like Stella McCartney and Phoebe Philo have incorporated pinstripes into their collections and reinterpreted them for a new generation of women. They show us that pinstripes don't have to be part of a traditional suit. They can just as well be expressed in wide-legged trousers, an oversized blazer, a vest, or even a feminine dress. The appeal lies in the versatility of this pattern, which seamlessly fits into any style while always preserving its originality.
So what makes pinstripes so irresistible for women? Maybe it's the subtle play with power. A pinstripe suit emphasizes the shoulders, elongates the silhouette, and creates a presence that cannot be ignored. In a world that often encourages women to minimize themselves, pinstripes are a statement that says: "Here I am. And I take my place." Today's woman wears pinstripes not just to impress, but to make a statement: for herself, for her beliefs, and for a fashion that goes far beyond mere appearances. Whether in the boardroom, on the street, or in the spotlight, pinstripes remain a faithful companion and a sign that elegance and strength can go hand in hand.
Fancy pinstripes? In the current SoSUE collection you'll find many pinstripe pieces. The pinstripe vest matches many of your outfits. Take a look.
