Style Guide: How to Wear Prince of Wales Check, the Classic Tailor’s Pattern That Dominates Winter Looks

3 July 2026

A walk through the city’s main avenues is all it takes to prove it: structured coats and classic tailoring reclaim their privileged place as temperatures drop. In that map of coats and textures, geometric patterns return to set the season’s visual rhythm. Among them, one particular weave stands out for its ability to instantly confer an air of sophistication: the Prince of Wales check.

A traditional sartorial print, whose origin and historic name trace back to Edward VII of England —the monarch who loved dressing in this distinctive squared grid— ceased to be the exclusive preserve of men’s wardrobes decades ago. Today, established as an undisputed winter trend, the print unfolds in an infinity of options that far exceed the classic office suit, gaining ground in combinations where comfort and personal expression are the true protagonists.

How does it differ from a conventional Prince of Wales check or a linear tartan? The original Prince of Wales pattern is based on a complex alternation of well-defined blocks: areas where the threads form a tiny houndstooth that interlaces with sections of fine mil Shade lines. This visual asymmetry creates a texture-rich grid that deceives the eye from a distance, simulating a solid color while revealing its complexity up close.

If you want to see how street style carries this print, we took a tour and show you some looks.

Mix of Prints

An impact-heavy concept built on the mix of prints. The tailored coat is paired with a long dark dress featuring red, blue, and yellow flowers. Accessories elevate the look toward a distinctly Parisian aesthetic: a red wool beret that matches the florals and a textured leather handbag in burgundy.

Urban Sophistication

An urban, comfortable yet sophisticated look. The straight-cut, double-breasted coat stands out thanks to the contrast with a high-neck sweater in a vibrant red that peeks out at the cuffs. It’s completed with dark gray denim jeans, classic black canvas sneakers, and a structured, end-to-end tailoring-style handbag.

The Power of Accessories

A street-style-inspired look that balances the formal and the sporty. It features a heather gray turtleneck and a black midi-length pleated skirt. The disruptive, trend-forward touch comes from burgundy urban sneakers with white details, paired with a quilted gold-chain handbag bearing an oriental print and a two-tone bow.

With a Sporty Touch

A clear bet on the comfy chic style. The long, tailored coat becomes completely relaxed when paired with a salmon-pink hoodie. Beneath it, black straight-leg pants and white urban sneakers create a laid-back outfit ideal for everyday wear.

Statement Coat

An urban, winter grunge aesthetic. An oversized tailored coat stands out over a total black base look, composed of leather effect pants and a wool beanie. Footwear stays true to the casual vibe with white-and-black skate sneakers, and a small crossbody bag with metal hardware finishes the ensemble.

The Tailored Look in Earth Tones

This outfit is pure autumnal/winter sophistication and proves that the Prince of Wales print isn’t confined to the traditional suit. It proposes a two-piece set consisting of a blazer with a slightly oversized, double-breasted silhouette, paired with a midi skirt featuring an asymmetric cut with slits. Presented in a palette of browns, beiges, and ochers, it moves away from office rigidity and gains warmth.

It’s a perfect option for those mid-cold days or events where you want to look polished but warm. The key style move is wearing knee-high boots that feel like a second skin and a black sweater underneath, which contrast with the earthy tones and streamline the figure. A structured leather handbag with a sole finish completes a flawless look.

With a Luxe Edge

Here we see the most modern, urban, and youthful way to wear a Prince of Wales blazer. The look completely breaks the formality of traditional tailoring by layering the classic gray blazer (with that pop of orange in the patch on the lapel) over a black hoodie. It’s the perfect balance between elegance and comfort (comfy chic).

Ideal for city day-to-day wear. The trick of pulling the hoodie over the blazer’s lapels isn’t just a style statement (very much in the European street-style aesthetic); it also adds an extra layer of warmth at the neck on windy days. Paired with bold gold hoops, it proves that sporty and tailored can coexist perfectly.

With Denim

This look is a masterclass in combining winter textures in a single outfit without overdoing it. The absolute star is the long Prince of Wales coat in the classic gray palette, acting as a neutral canvas. Below it, the style explores the contrast of heavy, rich materials: a chocolate-brown knitted wool sweater with cable patterns and a tailored leather-look trouser in an oxblood/brick shade.

It’s a high-winter outfit ideal for being out on the streets while staying stylish. The long coat provides structure, while the mix of textures (wool + leather + woolen cloth) retains warmth exceptionally well. The use of white sneakers gives a casual, urban vibe, perfect for walking, and the gray beret adds that Parisian touch that never fails in cold months.

 

Angel

I write about fashion with a personal eye for detail, elegance, and real-life style. Through Angel’s Boutique, I share honest reviews, boutique finds, and style notes for women who want inspiration that feels feminine, modern, and easy to make their own.