Houndstooth print - Fashion History

Houndstooth originated in the Scottish Lowlands in the 1800s and it was originally worn as an outer garment of woven wool cloth by shepherds. The pattern is still popular to this day in tweed and wool fabrics. The pattern was made using a simple combination of black and white thread, as well as in the other color combinations that are popular now.

It first rose to recognition in the 1930s when, ironically considering its low-profile beginnings, upper-class Americans began wearing houndstooth as a symbol of wealth. in 1959, Christian Dior (which was one of their favorite design motifs to design a pointed court shoe featuring the pattern), Chanel, and Louis Vuitton (during their collections in the 1990s and mid 2000s) soon incorporated houndstooth into their couture collections as well, according to Rue La La. Since then, the trend’s enjoyed periodic revivals, like in Alexander McQueen 2009 F/W ready-to-wear collection. Pringle of Scotland featured a loosely draped, cinched at the waist dress in a large houndstooth that same season, nodding back to houndstooth’s Scottish roots.

But back to the present: whether you’re looking for a cozy, oversized coat or a classic dress like this one from Shoppertise, houndstooth is on trend now and, judging by its past, most definitely able to stand the test of time.