What is it:
The term ‘tie-dye’ refers to various dyeing techniques that can be incorporated into a garment to create a dynamically colored finish. In this process, a fabric is folded, twisted, or crumpled before being tied with string and dyed. The look was popular in the ’70s as a signature style of the hippie movement and has since been associated with the rebellious youth that formed the counterculture. It is also often associated with surfer and eco fashion and with dropouts who oppose capitalism with their DYI aesthetic. Of course, tie-dye has nevertheless found its way into mainstream fashion and is used by both fast fashion and high-end brands.
Why you should order it:
The recent comeback of tie-dye fashion could be due to the rise of DIY culture and crafting, a counterbalance in the lockdowns where people have adapted to the situation and passed the time with homemade things. The response from design houses and brands has seen tie-dye appear a little more upscale, albeit still with a handcrafted effect that is closely linked to the laid-back style people associate with it. While the method is commonly used by sportswear brands to give garments a makeover, it’s also being used in everyday wear and premium designs, allowing it to appeal to a wider audience.
Where we saw it:
A particularly popular tie-dye effect that made the rounds on the SS23 catwalks was the ombre dye, in which one shade blends into another. This technique has been used by brands such as Peter Do and Ferragamo, both of which incorporate distinctly contrasting hues into their designs. Diesel also used this technique on everything from oversized jeans to tank tops to mini dresses. Études and Bluemarble used tie-dye techniques in bolder variations, with mottled prints bringing together a wider range of tones. Marcelo Burlon was among the designers who showed a more classic side to dyeing, most notably with a long-sleeved cape that featured a fossil print.
How to style it:
Tie-dye items offer many opportunities for experimentation. They come in different colorways and shades that have the potential to try different combinations. This means taking a specific color from the tie-dye pattern and pairing it with a garment of a similar shade to easily and effectively complete an outfit. To further simplify the look, tie-dye products can be combined well with jeans and clothes in black or white. These options offer a simple look for everyday wear. The look becomes more elegant in combination with materials such as leather to give the design an edge.
The tie-dye look has returned to fashion in an upscale way, with techniques like ombre elevating this quintessentially DIY aesthetic even further. Once popular in sportswear, the pattern was also used on the SS23 runways for evening wear, which will be the go-to choice for seasons to come.
This article was previously similarly published on FashionUnited.uk.