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Table of Contents
- What Does Prince of Wales Check Look Like?
- The History Behind the Prince of Wales Check
- Famous People Who Have Worn the Prince of Wales Check
- Why Invest in Prince of Wales Check Pieces?
- How to Style the Prince of Wales Check
- FAQs
- Conclusion
From American movie premiers to Windsor Castle and the streets of London, the Prince of Wales check is a pattern that has been worn by famous faces from around the world. While you may know this iconic pattern by a different name, you'll definitely recognise its large checks and stripes at just a glance.
But what is the Prince of Wales check exactly and where did it originate? And most importantly... How did it become so popular?
In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about this famous pattern that comes in many different guises. We'll also provide advice on how to style your Prince of Wales check pieces and answer some of your most frequently asked questions on the topic.
What Does Prince of Wales Check Look Like?
Prince of Wales check is made from a combination of puppy tooth patterns in various sizes. This gives the illusion of squares and stripes when viewed from a distance. The original Prince of Wales check was black and white, made from thick wool, but these days it is often threaded with hints of green, grey and/or blue.
A few variations of the original design have been introduced over the years, but no matter the colour or shade, the Prince of Wales check is instantly recognisable.
The History Behind the Prince of Wales CheckPrince of Wales check is also known as Glen Plaid, Glen Urquhart Plaid, and Glen Check. This now-famous pattern originated in the Scottish Highlands and is said to have been invented by Miss Elizabeth MacDougall, who lived in the village of Lewiston. The pattern was registered with the Scottish Register on January 1 1840, which means that it has been around for nearly 200 years! Countess Caroline of Seafield can be thanked for the pattern's first rise in popularity. The New Zealand-born countess chose it when looking for something warm and smart to dress her grounds staff in. Glen Check, as it was called at the time, was made from thick wool. This made it the perfect choice for the cold Scottish winters. The estate workers wore their 'Glen Urquhart Check' proudly for many years and the design was tweaked to suit Countess Caroline's preferences. When King Edward VII— who was then the Prince of Wales — visited the estate for a hunting trip, he grew very fond of the design. He began wearing this pattern so often that Glen Check soon became known as Prince of Wales check. Today, Glen Check is nearly always referred to as the Prince of Wales check, which should give you an indication of how fond Edward VII was of the design. Throughout his life, King Edward VII was pictured wearing Prince of Wales check suits and he is the person to thank for making this Scottish fabric internationally famous. |
Famous People Who Have Worn the Prince of Wales Check
In addition to King Edward VII, there have been plenty of celebrities who have sported this check pattern throughout the decades. From iconic golf courses to Windsor Castle and everywhere in between, Glen Plaid has been worn everywhere and has become ubiquitous in the world of fashion.
Princess Diana
Edward VII was not the only royal who sported a Prince of Wales check. Princess Diana, who was known for her androgynous taste in fashion, was often seen wearing the pattern, especially in the form of blazers. Recently, Kate Middleton has also adopted the check in a more modern way. Perhaps she was inspired by her husband's fashionable mother?
Steve McQueen
American actor and racing driver Steve McQueen was a household name during the 1960s. He was pictured wearing a classic Prince of Wales suit at various events throughout his life. These timeless suits matched his sense of style to perfection.
James Bond
James Bond is one of pop culture's most iconic characters. The Prince of Wales check has been famously worn by three of the actors who played James Bond, including Roger Moore, Sean Connery, and even the much-loved Daniel Craig.
Cary Grant
Cary Grant was an American actor known for his good looks and incredible fashion sense. Throughout his successful career, the leading man was seen sporting Prince of Wales check suits and played an integral role in the pattern's revival.
John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, often swapped out his traditional American suits for classic European ones. One of his favourite patterns was the Prince of Wales check, which he was photographed in frequently.
The Beatles
The music produced by The Beatles was highly influential during the 1960s. In addition to listening to their music, people were also interested in what The Beatles were wearing. The band often wore suits, and Prince of Wales check suits were worn by them on more than one occasion.
Why Invest in Prince of Wales Check Pieces?Classic LookThe Prince of Wales check has truly stood the test of time. Popularised in the 1800s, this pattern is still appearing on runways in the 2020s! If you're looking for a pattern that won't ever go out of fashion, you can't go wrong with a Prince of Wales check. Wear a piece of historyUnlike many of today's modern patterns, the Prince of Wales check has a rich and fascinating history. It has been worn by kings and rock stars alike! When you wear this particular pattern, you are paying homage to its past and allowing its legacy to live on. Can be styled in many different waysOne of the best things about the Prince of Wales check is that it is highly versatile and is perfect for all seasons. It can be worn for both casual and formal occasions, guaranteeing that you'll get a lot of wear out of your investment. |
How to Style the Prince of Wales Check
A Prince of Wales check piece looks best next to muted colours such as cream, white, and grey. It's best to keep your other pieces simple and let the pattern speak for itself. For example, when wearing Prince of Wales check trousers, you could pair them with a white polo shirt. You may also want to accessorise with a leather belt and shoes.
Another colour that the Prince of Wales check looks great with is navy. The crossing pattern really pops when worn with a navy shirt and pocket square, and this is a great option if you want to do something a little different from the norm.
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With that being said, there are no rules when it comes to wearing this pattern. You can easily incorporate the Prince of Wales check into your own personal style, whatever that may be. For example, you could create a casual street look by pairing a Prince of Wales check jacket with jeans, a T-shirt, and sneakers. It's entirely up to you to decide what sort of look you want to go for.
FAQs
Where can I buy Prince of Wales check golf clothing?
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to buying Prince of Wales check pieces in the UK. From thrift shops to Gucci runway shows, you can find this print everywhere. If you're looking for quality pieces to wear on the golf course, you should have a look at the lovely Prince of Wales check golf collection created by Glenmuir.
What clothing items can I purchase in Prince of Wales check?
Originally, the Prince of Wales check was used for suits. However, these days the pattern can be found on socks, ties, skirts, and many other clothing items. If you are looking for something truly classic, you should opt for a blazer or a pair of trousers.
What woven designs look similar to the Prince of Wales check?
If you like the look of Prince of Wales check, you may be interested in other check patterns like gingham, puppytooth, and tartan. Experimenting with different types of checks can really elevate your wardrobe, granted you invest in quality pieces and style them thoughtfully.
What fabric is the Prince of Wales check made from?
The Prince of Wales check is traditionally made from wool. But these days, the pattern is often made from cotton and is even printed onto polyester. If you want to buy a clothing item that will last you for many years to come, you should opt for garments made from natural fibres.
How do I care for my Prince of Wales check pieces?
How you should care for your Prince of Wales check golf clothing all depends on the fabric it's made from. Traditional wool pieces should not be bleached, tumble-dried, or ironed. Remember to read and follow the specific care instructions very carefully.
Conclusion
If you're a fan of classic patterns and are interested in adding more to your wardrobe, you should definitely consider investing in a few Prince of Wales check pieces. Not only is it easy to style, but this classic fabric won't be going out of fashion anytime soon.
Hopefully, this article provided you with everything you need to know about the Prince of Wales check and you're inspired to try out this woven design for yourself.
