The checked suit is one of British menswear's most enduring statements — bold, characterful, and rooted in centuries of sartorial tradition. Whether you're drawn to a subtle glen check or a striking windowpane, here's everything you need to know before you buy.
What Is Check?
Check (or plaid) is a broad term for any boxed, intersecting pattern on fabric. While the word plaid finds its heritage in Scotland, checked suiting has been embraced globally — from Savile Row to New York — and remains a staple of smart tailoring alongside pinstripe and block patterns.
The Main Types of Check
Tartan
The most iconic heritage check, tartan dates to late 17th century Scotland where it carried deep cultural and clan significance. Today it's been reinterpreted across contemporary tailoring, from full suits to statement trousers, while retaining its unmistakable character.
Glen Check & Houndstooth
Classic English and American heritage designs, glen check and houndstooth are more restrained than tartan but no less distinguished. They're a natural choice for the gentleman who wants pattern without ostentation — ideal for business and formal occasions alike.
Gingham
A smaller, two-colour check — typically white and one other colour — gingham has a long history in both menswear and womenswear. It became particularly popular in the 1960s mod scene and remains a fresh, confident choice for spring and summer suiting.
Windowpane
At the opposite end of the spectrum from gingham, windowpane suits feature wide, bold checks that create a strong visual impact. The lines can be softly or sharply defined, and the colour contrast will determine how statement or understated the overall look is.
How to Wear a Checked Suit
A full checked suit is a confident choice — and one that rewards careful styling. A few principles to keep in mind:
- Dark, subtle checks — versatile enough for corporate settings and formal events
- Bold, wide checks — better suited to weddings, social occasions, and events where you want to make an impression
- Checked blazer alone — a good entry point if you're new to check; pair with dark plain trousers for a balanced look
- Checked trousers — perhaps the most underrated option; tartan or gingham trousers with a white shirt and the right cufflinks is a genuinely exceptional combination
The Right Cufflinks for a Checked Suit
The key with accessories on a checked suit is to let the pattern do the work — choose cufflinks that complement rather than compete. Our Oak Cufflink in Gold and Green pairs beautifully with heritage checks, bringing a natural, earthy richness to the look. For bolder checks, our silver cufflinks offer a clean, refined contrast.
Browse our full cufflinks collection to find the perfect finishing touch for your suit — or explore our bespoke service for something made entirely to your specification.