Pinstripe - Definition and Overview

Pin striping describes the application of a pin stripe. This is a very thin line of paint or other material, often used in automotive decorating. It can also describe a pattern in cloth, of very thin stripes running in the same direction.

Decorative

In auto body work, pin stripes can either be a thin vinyl tape or paint. The tape versions are adhered directly to the painted surface in the pattern desired. The painted ones are done by skilled artists with specialized brushes. The goal of pin striping is to enhance the contours of the surface, and the lines are of a complimentary color.

In any other form of decorative pin stripes, the goal is the same.

Clothing

Many men's suits are pin striped, but any type of clothing can have them. The New York Yankees baseball team's uniforms have had pin stripes for nearly 100 years.