Houndstooth

Houndstooth is a duotone textile pattern of broken checks or abstract four-pointed shapes that originated in Scottish woven wool, dating back to around the 19th century. The pattern is sometimes called 'shepherd's check' in its smaller-scale woven forms.

Coco Chanel helped make houndstooth internationally iconic in the 20th century by incorporating it into her tweed suits and Parisian collections. The pattern later became a signature motif for designers like Christian Dior, who used it extensively in his menswear and accessories lines.

Houndstooth features jagged, abstract four-pointed shapes created by alternating dark and light threads in a twill weave, while glen plaid (Prince of Wales check) uses a more regular, interlocking check pattern with overlapping grids. Both originate from Scottish woven wool traditions but are visually distinct.

Yes, houndstooth remains a staple pattern in both high fashion and ready-to-wear, appearing regularly in collections from brands ranging from Chanel to fast-fashion retailers. It is especially popular in autumn and winter outerwear, blazers, and accessories.