Pinstriped

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Marked with thin parallel lines of contrasting color running lengthwise, typically on fabric used for formal clothing
2. Decorated with narrow, spaced lines usually in a different hue, this design is commonly found on textiles used for tailored garments
3. Characterized by slim, longitudinal stripes distinguished by color contrast, often seen on formal attire fabrics

Etymology: Pinstripe fabric is named for the pin, the small headed pin used by tailors and dressmakers. Those fine stripes are so thin and evenly spaced that they look like lines pricked into the cloth with a pin, and the name describes exactly that effect. "Striped" is the ordinary English adjective from "stripe," so the compound simply means "striped with pins," a reference to the delicacy of the lines rather than to any pin being used on the fabric.