There are many theories about the origin of the tailored pinstriped suit that is now almost universally a professional uniform for bank managers, lawyers and businessmen.
While it may now be regarded as indicating sobriety and respectability when the pin-stripe first emerged in the 1920s, it was seen as a bit flashy and the double-breasted suit of choice for those pursuing more dubious professions.
Hence the choice of pin stripe or chalk stripe for dressing the gangster and mafia characters like Al Capone in Hollywood movies depicting the era of prohibition and the mobs.
Gradually, though the suit’s image changed and was seen on stars like Clark Gable and Fred Astaire and began to be seen as respectable and smart.
While details like the number of buttons, the cut of lapels and double or single breasted have changed, the respectable image has remained but there seems to be no clear history of the origins of the striped fabric for men’s tailoring.
One theory is that its origin was from military uniforms or from the striped trousers traditionally worn with the morning coat by City bankers.
Another possibility is that it was inspired by the boating suit of the 1890s, which had a thin, dark stripe on a white or cream background and the sporting link continues in the USA with the uniforms worn by various baseball teams in the early twentieth Century.
For the best fit the suit should be bespoke or made to measure by an expert tailor and the home of the best is still in Saville Row, London.
However, for those on a more limited budget, pinstripe suits can now be bought ready to wear, although the perfect fit may still require expert alterations.
