Herringbone trousers work best with plain pieces in calm colours: a white or light blue shirt, a fine-knit polo or a cardigan in a warm neutral shade. The herringbone pattern is subtle and gives the trousers extra structure up close. This keeps the rest of the outfit quiet and lets the fabric do the work.
What exactly is herringbone?
Herringbone is a weave in which the threads run side by side in a zigzag, like the bones of a fish. The pattern is common in classic menswear and is often used in winter fabrics. From a distance, herringbone trousers look almost plain. You only see the fine structure up close. That makes the pattern suitable for many office settings too.
The Ulysses is such a pair of trousers: straight-fit herringbone trousers in taupe grey, made from 66.7% polyester, 31.5% viscose and 1.8% elastane. Taupe grey sits between grey and brown, so it goes with many shades.
Keep other patterns calm
The pattern of the trousers is already a visual element. Keep your top plain, or allow at most a very fine stripe. A large check next to herringbone can quickly look busy. Choose texture instead of a second pattern, such as a fine-knit polo or a cardigan with a light rib.
Five combinations that work
| Top | Colour | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton shirt | White | Office, meeting |
| Fine-knit polo | Navy | Business casual |
| Open polo in lyocell | Anthracite | Dinner, evening |
| Wool cardigan | Beige | Cold workday |
| Shirt and blazer | Light blue and navy | Important appointment |
With a shirt to the office
A white shirt is a simple combination. The Hamilton shirt in white is made from 100% cotton and has an Italian collar. Wear it tucked in, with a belt in a colour that matches your shoes. The white brings out the taupe grey tones of the herringbone. For a more formal look, add a navy blazer. On the men's shirts page you will find more options.
With a polo for a calmer look
If you want it a little less strict, choose a fine-knit polo. The Alistair in navy is a knitted piqué polo with a stripe detail, made from 80.5% viscose and 19.5% polyamide. Navy and taupe grey together give a calm contrast. For the evening, the Theodore in dark melange anthracite is a good choice. It is a fine-knit open polo without buttons, made from 100% lyocell, and looks refined without a tie or jacket.
With a cardigan in the cold
On cold days you sometimes need an extra layer. The Maximilian cardigan in beige is a wool cardigan with a tailored cut, made from 100% wool. Beige and taupe grey are close together and make a tonal combination. Wear the cardigan over a shirt or polo, open or closed depending on the temperature. You will find more ideas for knitted layers in knitwear for men.
Colours that go with taupe grey
- White and cream: gives the whole outfit a fresh, light feel.
- Navy: the classic contrast for the office and business appointments.
- Anthracite: dark and deep, especially suited to the evening.
- Beige and camel: a soft tonal look for the weekend or a cold workday.
- Burgundy or olive green: an unexpected accent, for example in a scarf or a tie.
Shoes, belt and length
Herringbone trousers suit shoes in dark brown, black or navy. Loafers give a relaxed impression, lace-up shoes a more formal one. Take a look at our loafers for options. Make sure the hem rests on the shoe with a slight break, or ends a little shorter if you want to show your ankle. A hem that is too long can make the line around the shoe look restless.
Keep the belt simple and choose the same colour as your shoes. A heavy buckle suits a fine pattern less well.
For the weekend: less formal
Herringbone trousers are not only for the office. At the weekend, wear them with a knitted polo and a coat in a warm shade, such as camel or olive. Leave out the belt if the trousers fit well and choose a loafer or a smart sneaker in a dark colour instead of a lace-up shoe. The pattern stays calm enough not to look too strict, and through the winter months it gives you a polished look without feeling like a suit.
What to avoid
- A bright top: a bright red sweater next to the herringbone pattern draws attention away from the fabric.
- A second pattern of the same size: choose texture instead, such as rib or piqué.
- A fit that is too tight: with a pattern, pulling fabric is immediately visible, because the lines start to run crooked.
- A hem that is too long: the folds around the shoe make the pattern look restless.
How to care for patterned trousers
Hang the trousers up neatly after wearing and let them air. Brush them lightly with a small clothes brush to remove dust and lint. Only iron if the care label allows it and follow the recommended temperature. You can find more about caring for trousers in our care instructions.
Shop the look
Ulysses: straight-fit herringbone trousers, taupe grey
Hamilton: shirt with Italian collar, white
Alistair: knitted piqué polo, navy
Theodore: open polo in lyocell, dark melange anthracite
Maximilian: wool cardigan, beige
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear herringbone trousers to the office?
Yes. The pattern is subtle and works almost like a plain colour. Combine them with a shirt or polo and shoes in dark brown or black for a polished office outfit.
Which colour shirt goes with taupe grey trousers?
White, light blue and cream are calm choices. For a darker result, choose navy or anthracite.
Can I wear herringbone trousers with a checked shirt?
You can, but it is tricky. Keep the check very fine and choose colours that are close together. For a calm look, a plain top is the better choice.
How long should trousers be?
The hem should rest on the shoe with a slight break, or end just above the ankle. Have a hem that is too long shortened.
