Would you Wear Madras? | J. Crew Plain Madras Sportcoat – $248.00
There is no subtle way to wear madras. It’s either loud, or deafening. F-18 breaking the sound barrier over your head deafening. The fabric originated in searing hot India. It’s cotton, light, and very very plaid. And preppy as all hell so that’s why it’s abnormally expensive. There are two different kinds of Madras, and one is almost impossible to wear. Here’s a quick breakdown…
Madras Plaid – Gap Summer Shirt – $39.50 | Land’s End Canvas Shorts – $39.50
This is plain Madras plaid. The madras pattern was inspired by the Scottish Tartans worn by many of the Brits who traveled to India during the 19th century . Their dark itchy wool was quickly replaced by cooler cotton, which was dyed in lighter colors with inks that bled and faded with washing. When the Europeans left India, the Madras pattern made the return with them. Like the J. Crew Blazer at the top of the page, madras clothing can absolutely be made from one bolt of fabric. As opposed to… wait for it…
Patchwork Madras – Lauren Cambridge Pants – $89.99 | Jos. A Bank Sportcoat – $250.00
This stuff. This is the second kind of Madras, called appropriately, patchwork madras. Take a bunch of different shades of madras in different plaid patterns, cut them up, then stitch them together. It’s what most people think of when they think of Madras. Y’know that scene in the sound of music when Maria cuts up the drapes to make play clothes for the Von Trapp Children? Patchwork Madras looks sort of like that. But imagine Maria was on PCP, and in her mind she hunted down and massacred a herd of migrating table cloths. Then made clothes out of the carnage. That’s patchwork madras. And it’s not easy to wear. Unlike… again… wait for it…
Madras Accessories – Not a Bad Summer Idea.
To play it safe, keep your madras plain and limited to accent pieces like Ties and Pocket squares. You’ve got options too. Don’t want to take too big of a risk? Look for madras in two or three main colors. Going for more of a reach? Try a pocket square like this one with four or more. Just remember, madras can go a long way to brightening up a light summer suit, so keep the rest of your outfit fairly quiet.
As far Patchwork Madras goes… probably best not to wear any of it.
Would you wear Madras? If so… how far would you go? (Below: Brooks Brothers Pocket Square – $15.00)
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The “Maria on PCP” comment had me rolling laughing! But, as for the Madras themselves…I just don’t see myself going with anything in that style any time soon. Like you said, its either loud…or louder.
I’ve worn madras shorts before, albeit in muted tones, and I could probably wear a madras button down like the one listed above on a very casual day. But I’d never be caught dead with the patchwork madras on.
Wearing a madras button down right now, but I wouldn’t touch the patchwork stuff.
I would like to get a Madras shirt this summer. Brooks Brothers currently have Madras Button Down Shirts at 2 for $89 in Slim Fit.
Land’s End offers a short sleeve madras shirt for $30. Be sure to size down one size though.
Wow, Jos. A Bank managed to make something even uglier than their usual clothing.
Full Marks to Greg on that one. I laughed loudly at it.
JCREW has a bunch of new madras shirts that i dont think are over the top…light weight for summer also, roll up the sleeves and pair with a neutral pair of chinos or something!!!
Chris: I’m really liking the J. Crew Madras shirts that don’t look that much like Madras. Like this one: Summery Blue plaid in a tailored fit. Just $40 too. Not bad.
I would wear leopard print before I was caught wearing madras… I am just not that fashionable.
I agree that Madras accessories are the safest way to avoid making the whole situation too loud, and I think for smaller details it could be a great way to accentuate or compliment some other colors or patterns.
I do also think I’d be willing to wear a Madras jacket if the pattern was right, or the coloring was right, but that would have to be some jacket. The way I see it, I’d have to make it the focus and the most adventurous thing going on in the entire outfit. Actually, it would be kind of great to find socks to match to the jacket.
http://www.nantucketbrand.com has some great madras pants, shirts and dresses. Classic style that would fit your budget
Of course – madras is and always will be classy, and if you can carry it off well, you ‘re going to look classy. The good thing is that madras shirts or shorts are not too stuck up classy – they’re just right, and make a casual preppy class statement.Its not very cheap to buy though, so i got my own madras shorts made, from madras fabric that i bought at Atlantis fabrics. I think they are here: http://store.fabrics-textiles.com and they have the widest range of plaids and patchwork.Awesome !!