The Power of the Chalkstripe

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Suits with a chalk stripe, I’ve always had a soft spot for them. I cannot help it. Classic, timeless, and not at all boring. It doesn’t even have to be a suit, I also really love a jacket or trousers with a chalk stripe. I know I am not the only fan. Why is it that? What is the power of the chalkstripe?

The Power of the Chalkstripe
Photo: Olya AdamovichPixabay

1. Chalk stripes make you slimmer

Unlike countless other stripes, you rarely see a horizontal version of the chalk stripe. Luckily, because vertical stripes immediately make you look slightly longer and slimmer. But not all stripes are created equally. Pay close attention to what stripe you choose. If the stripes are thin and too close together, the stripe will be less noticeable. Chances are that from a few feet away it just looks like plain fabric. This is not necessarily a bad thing, it just depends on what look you are going for.

Want the chalk stripe to make you taller and slimmer? Then choose a slightly thicker stripe and make sure that the space between the stripes is somewhat large. The wider the space between the stripes, the more the stripe will stand out, this makes you appear slimmer and taller. The stripes are clearly visible, and so are you. The choice is yours.

2. Leadership

Presentation trainer Robert Willemsen researched colors and prints and what effect they have on our perception of a manager. He dressed a model in different outfits and had her photographed, always in the same pose. He presented the photo to the respondents and asked which lady could best assume the position of a manager. The people had to make a choice based on their intuition. With 73% of the votes, the photo with the chalk stripe outfit scored the best. The colors light blue and salmon pink scored the least, with 1% and 9%.

The findings of this research result are clear; the chalk stripe scores high in our perception of leadership. Perhaps useful to remember next time you are applying for a management position?

Photo: SplitShirePixabay

3. Choice galore 

The good thing about the chalk stripe is there are so many varieties. You have thick and thin stripes, in different colors or shades of gray, and the distance between the stripes can also vary. There is so much choice that people can differ on what is a normal stripe and what is a chalk stripe. The classic chalk stripe is white, but nowadays there are many variations.

Prefer a subtle, unobtrusive stripe? Then you can opt for the “pinstripe”. This is a chalk stripe made up of dots. The image above shows an example of this stripe.

In short: there are plenty of choices when it comes to this design. Remember, a chalk stripe makes you look slimmer, taller, and more managerial. So if you have a bit of ambition, I recommend you take a look at it. Chances are the chalk stripe will also become a mainstay in your wardrobe.

Greetings,

Aileen

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