Like ice cream and fireworks, printed shirts are a summertime staple. At a time of the year when weather dictates less clothing, a shirt with a vibrant pattern is an easy way to make an impression without relying on extra layers.

When it comes to pairing other clothing with patterned shirts, one golden rule works every time: pair solids to patterns. So in the case of a patterned shirt, you should consider picking out a pair of solid-colored pants and a solid-colored sportcoat.

That rule might be gold, but it’s not the whole story. Printed shirts vary in style and effect based on the scale or design of their pattern, which may also change how or where the shirts are worn. With that in mind, we’ll break down how to wear large-scale, small-scale and subtle printed shirts. 

How to wear large-scale prints
Large scale sit are at the most casual end of the spectrum. As such, they’re best left to other casual items like shorts, chinos, and jeans. You may wish to pair them with neutrally colored chinos or shorts as the shirt itself is already making a big impression.

How to wear small-scale prints
Small-scale prints aren’t any less fun or vibrant than large-scale prints, but by being shrunk down they can more easily sink into an entire outfit rather than stand out like a billboard. So while you can certainly wear them with denim and neutral shorts or chinos, you can try them with more colorful shorts or chinos as well, or even wear them casually under a linen or cotton sportcoat.

How to wear subtle prints
Subtle prints are not only on a smaller scale, but their patterns are more abstract and geometric. For this reason, you can more easily wear subtle print shirts with colored shorts or chinos, sportcoats, and even wear them under neutral-colored suits for a more casual tailored look.