In the textile trade, a check is usually defined as a composition of just two colors, while plaid refers to three or more. But sartorially speaking, such fabrics are often all simply grouped together as checks. Whichever name you use, dapper Dans—male and female—have long known that smartly tailored, crisply colored checked shirts juice up any outfit. And checks work for rooms, too. "They are traditional but have a youthful spirit," says designer Gary McBournie, who recently launched his own vibrant collection of checked fabrics. "I'd put one on an upholstered headboard or use one as a contrast lining for draperies or slipcovers. But I might also have some shorts made!" —Hillary Brown
1. Bahama Check Cotton in Fruit Punch and Lagoon. fschumacher.com.
2. Cape Cod Cotton in Brick, Aqua,…
