A distinctive plaid pattern featuring intersecting lines in muted colors, commonly used in menswear fabrics and suiting.
This pattern was popularized by Edward VII when he was Prince of Wales in the 1860s, who favored wearing checks and tweeds from Scottish estates. The pattern became associated with his title rather than his name, creating one of the few fashion terms directly linked to a royal position. What's surprising is that this 'English' pattern actually originated from Scottish Highland tartans, but the Prince's endorsement made it a symbol of refined English taste.
Every time someone wears a Prince of Wales check, they're literally wearing a piece of royal fashion history from the 1860s. The future King Edward VII was such a fashion influencer that a plaid pattern bears his title to this day, making him perhaps history's first royal fashion blogger.
Named after Edward, Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII), mid-20th century. The pattern became a prestige marker in menswear, reinforcing association with masculine formality and royal authority.
Use neutrally to describe the geometric pattern regardless of wearer gender. Acknowledge it as a pattern name without gendering expectations.
["diagonal check","multi-line check pattern"]
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