A stripe is fundamentally a line or band that is a different color, tone, or texture from the area immediately next to it. When used as a pattern, stripes are a group of such lines arranged in a repeating, parallel layout. They are one of the most classic and versatile patterns in design, textiles, and art. Parallel: The lines run side-by-side. Contrasting: They differ visually from the background or the adjacent line. Orientation: They can run horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Stripes have been used for centuries and can convey different meanings based on their width and color, ranging from formal (like pinstripes on a suit) to casual/nautical (like a Breton shirt) to bold and modern.