Houndstooth: A Fashion Mainstay
Like the dramatic sophistication of the color black, the slimming simplicity of the A-line pencil skirt and the crisp freshness of a white oxford blouse, some fashion classics never go out of style. Because of their versatility and continual popularity, such fashion essentials have been reliable staples in the wardrobes of many women. Houndstooth is among the patterns that have stood the test of time. Although it has peaked in popularity throughout the ages, houndstooth has always been considered a standard in the world of fashion. Not only used for a variety of attire, houndstooth has also made its way to fashion accessories, upholstery and even umbrellas.
Houndstooth is a most recognizable pattern with its two-tone, checked design of jagged, four-point stars. Traditionally, the pattern was created with bands of four black threads and four white threads woven in an alternating pattern. The use of both black and white threads in the base, as well as in the filling, allows for the distinctive checked pattern. Originating in Scotland, the houndstooth design grew out the Scottish tradition of weaving kilts or scarves out of wool into the tartan pattern, which is similar to plaid. While the customary pattern contains tiny, woven shapes, the design can now be found with checks in a variety of sizes. Usually made from wool, houndstooth has also been made of cotton and silk.
Since the 19th century, houndstooth has been a popular pattern for both men and women’s clothing. As wool provided the necessary warmth for outerwear, many blazers, coats, skirts and dresses carried the houndstooth pattern. In the earlier part of the 1800s, hoopskirts, scarves and vest were fashioned out of wool in the traditional black and white houndstooth. In the 1930s, it made a comeback in men’s fashion as the Great Depression was ending. With more money available for men and women to display their love of style and luxury, houndstooth denoted wealth and class, and even houndstooth polo shirts became popular casual wear. By this time, houndstooth had become a classic. Another rise in popularity came in the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, when designers used the pattern in bold, new ways. No longer just a black and white pattern, a gold-on-brown design emerged, followed designers who experimented by coordinating the pattern with stripes, polka dots and even lace. Around the same time, Chevrolet even introduced houndstooth upholstery to its Camaros.
Throughout the 20th century, houndstooth became a respected fashion classic, worn by the masses and reinvented by designers. Although there is always room for the tradition white-on-black, new brighter colors have found their way into the design. On Inauguration Day in 2009, Jill Biden wore a classic houndstooth dress under a red coat as she stood beside her husband as he took the Vice Presidential oath of office. Houndstooth dresses are hot items, admired for their mix of classic style with trendy panache. As a permanent staple of women’s fashion, houndstooth is a design that has never gone out of style.