Originally worn by the middle-class, chalk stripe suits are now a staple for many executives and officials. Timeless and understated, chalk stripes elicit the feeling of sophistication and authority. In general, the narrower the spacing is, the more formal the attire. The spacing between stripes varies based on the suit. This gives them a less pronounced appearance than pinstripes. Most chalk stripes consist of between two and five threads and are woven directly into the background weave. This type of stripe is usually long, vertical, and continuous. The chalk stripe is so named for its appearance, which resembles the line from a tailor’s chalk.

Now, the pinstripe is widely popular in both men’s and women’s suits. However, it became a popular addition to suit jackets in the 20th century after coming to America. Originally, only suit pants boasted the pinstripe. Pinstripes evoke the feeling of sophistication, confidence, and power, which is why many people associate this look with wealth and influence. In fact, if you look closely, you’ll see that each thread is distinguishable since pinstripes are not entirely continuous. This gives them a well-defined, sharp appearance. They consist of a single-warp yarn and are woven into the fabric separately from the background weave. The stripes themselves are no wider than the width of a pinhead. Depending on the suit, the distance between each stripe can range from around 1/10 of an inch to 1 inch.

A pinstripe is a narrow, vertical stripe commonly found in formal suits.

Pin stripe