Do’s and Don’ts for Bold Printed Shirts
First, I’ll cover the absolute do’s and don’ts — essentially the key styling rules for wearing boldly printed shirts. If you have a shirt with a vertical stripe print, wear it when you want to look slimmer. A horizontal stripe does the opposite; it can make you look broader if you have a fuller build. Another difference with stripes is whether the print is wide or narrow — this can create a completely different look. The thinner the stripe, the slimmer you’ll appear. With a wider stripe, the opposite applies. A polka dot print can make your body shape look broader. That can work in your favour, but it can just as easily work against you, so keep that in mind. It also depends on whether the dots on the shirt are large or small. Smaller dots are more slimming, while larger dots can make you look a bit fuller.
Which print suits you?
Don’t always go for that boring blue shirt. Step out of your comfort zone and wear a bold print! And no, it doesn’t have to mean polka dots or stripes. Our site features everything from a bike print to surfboards, and even houses on your shirt. The most important thing is that you feel good in what you wear. And even when you step outside your comfort zone, make sure it still feels like you.
How do you style all those printed shirts?
You might think a statement shirt is harder to style, but there are plenty of ways to make a bold print look seriously on-trend. Denim is always a strong choice, so it pairs perfectly with a printed shirt too. Finish it off with a great pair of understated sneakers and your outfit is complete. Chinos work especially well with polka-dot or striped prints. If you’re wearing a navy stripe, pair it with navy chinos. You can complete the look with a navy blazer.
Just make sure your outfit doesn’t become too loud or over the top. Accessories are a great way to bring more balance to your look—think a belt or shoes in a calm, solid colour without any print. Good options include black, brown, navy, or white.
Mixing and matching prints by season
In spring, shirts tend to feature brighter colours and bolder prints. In the winter months, prints shift again—you’ll see checks, polka dots and stripes. A floral print can also work well in winter, as long as it’s styled in darker tones. A statement printed shirt pairs perfectly with shorts. It looks great with denim shorts, and also with shorts featuring a subtle stripe, so the overall look doesn’t feel too busy. If you really want to stand out—at a festival, for example—you can also go for a co-ord outfit, where your shirt matches your shorts in the same print.
A formal look with a print
Your workwear look can definitely include a statement shirt. If you like bold prints, you could opt for a floral pattern in your shirt. A floral print works just as well for formal as for casual outfits—what matters is choosing the right style. You can create a well-balanced look by combining similar prints in different scales: let one print stand out, while the smaller one stays subtle in the background. A shirt with a check pattern is also a great option for the office. Pair it with men's jeans, add rugged shoes, and your look instantly gets a real boost!
Super casual and seriously on-trend
In summer, short-sleeve shirts are often more geared towards a casual outfit. The prints on these shirts also lean more casual. Florals and animal prints are definitely great for a festival or BBQ—casual looks feel upbeat and are easy to style with a great pair of denim jeans. Or go for trousers in a pop of colour to make your look stand out even more. Plenty of choice, then!
