Be it a banker's pinstripes or a prisoner's black-and-white bars, a rugby shirt, or a nation's flag, these simplest of design forms have identified social strata throughout history.

Stripes offer so many variations on their theme, from the disciplined repeats and colorations of regimentals to the subtle shading of ombre shadow stripes. Kasuri, a yarn that is printed and then woven, looks very different from yarn that is twisted with two colors and then woven, although both create special effects that add dimension, movement and novelty. The addition of a chevron or herringbone weave can change the most routine design into a distinctive, special pattern.