Check Mate

Once the uniform of the lumberjack or design of your nan’s favourite blanket, check/tartan patterns are currently experiencing a renaissance and have developed into a major trend for AW14.

A classic and masculine motif, the majority of men will already be comfortable sporting checks – particularly in the form of shirts, accessories and, more recently, tailoring.

Yet for those who haven’t yet invested in menswear’s most prominent pattern, this article is set to highlight the key check and tartan pieces that should be considered for AW14, while showing you how to combine them with your current wardrobe staples…

1. Check Trousers

A must-have for the guy who likes to make a statement, check/tartan trousers offer the ideal way to add vibrancy and personality to an outfit, casual or formal. Whether you go all-out with a Black Watch tartan pair or desire something more muted and refined, patterned legwear will add fresh impetus to your go-to autumn/winter outfits.

But how do you wear a pair of trousers like this without looking like an out-of-touch Ian Poulter? Well, it’s simple really: keep the rest of your outfit neutral and restrained to anchor the trousers while letting them take centre stage.

Check and tartan trousers were particularly prominent at the AW14 shows, with everyone from Ami and Billy Reid to Hardy Amies and Richard Nicoll including them within their collections:

As you can see, the majority of designers opted for classic Prince of Wales or herringbone designs, which came in timeless shades of grey and brown. Ideal for combining with tailored separates or dressing down with knitwear and bomber jackets, they make a versatile and subtly striking addition to any contemporary wardrobe.

To create your own look, we suggest teaming a pair of winter-ready checked trousers with a cutaway collar shirt, tie, blazer and loafers for the office or a night on the town, switching for a simple t-shirt and heavyweight bomber jacket for Sunday drinks with friends.