Pinstripe refers to a pattern of very thin, parallel lines, usually on fabric. The most famous pinstripe pattern appears on business suits, where narrow white or light-colored stripes run vertically down dark fabric, creating a formal, professional look. Bankers and executives often wore pinstripe suits to look sharp and authoritative, which is why people sometimes call powerful business figures “pinstriped executives.”

Baseball uniforms made pinstripes famous in sports. The New York Yankees' iconic white uniforms with navy blue pinstripes have been recognized worldwide since the 1910s. Other baseball teams adopted pinstripes too, making the pattern synonymous with America's pastime.

The stripes are called pinstripes because they're about as thin as pins. Unlike bold, wide stripes that grab your attention, pinstripes create a subtle, elegant pattern. The vertical lines can even make people appear taller and slimmer, which is one reason the style became popular.

Today, pinstripes appear on everything from dress shirts to car upholstery, though they still carry an association with formality and classic American style.