A distinctive textile pattern featuring broken checks or abstract four-pointed shapes, traditionally woven in black and white but now available in various color combinations. The pattern creates a distinctive optical effect and is associated with classic menswear and women's suiting.
Named for its resemblance to the pointed teeth of a hound, this pattern originated in the Scottish Lowlands. The term evolved from earlier names like 'dogstooth' and became standardized as 'houndstooth' in the 19th century.
Houndstooth became a symbol of sophisticated authority when worn by figures like Coco Chanel and later Bear Bryant, the legendary Alabama football coach who made it his signature pattern. The pattern's optical properties create movement and energy in static fabric, which is why it photographs so well and remains a favorite for television personalities and public figures.
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