Summer 2021 Trends: Crochet Fashion Takes Center Stage

Crochet is making a huge comeback all over the world.

Crochet, or knitted/crocheted items, are taking the fashion world by storm. This ancient knitting tradition dates back thousands of years and encompasses many different styles and techniques. Crochet first appeared in a European magazine in 1823.

Knitting and crochet became a hobby for women after World War II. In the 1970s, square crochet patterns became a big trend. Because of their playful colors, these crochet styles perfectly suited the boho-chic style of hippie-influenced women. They preferred a comfortable yet sexy and colorful fashion style, so square/round crochet tops became trendy.

2021 marked the return of a host of retro trends, championed by major designers on the runways such as Fendi, Valentino, and Gucci. Gucci's Creative Director, Alessandro Michele, is a huge fan of 1970s retro fashion. With his support, flared jeans, corduroy fabrics, and crochet made a massive comeback.

Fendi also showcased crochet designs in its Spring/Summer 2021 show, employing a layering technique of sheer and crochet fabrics. The monochromatic designs with unique silhouettes offered a blend of elegance and spontaneity to the material.

The crochet trend isn't limited to clothing; it's spreading to accessories, particularly handbags and hats, in a variety of styles and colors. Even more uniquely, designers are incorporating this technique into smaller, delicate accessories like earrings, necklaces, and belts to add a touch of flair to outfits.

The crochet trend "boomed" in Vietnam in the summer of 2021.

With the recent rise of the retro movement, crochet is predicted to become very popular in the near future. In Vietnam, many artists are enthusiastically promoting this fashion trend.

The semi-revealing style of crocheted clothing is very popular among Vietnamese celebrities because it helps to accentuate a sensual, free-spirited yet youthful look. Therefore, most celebrities choose crochet for street fashion or beachwear instead of bikinis.

When introduced to Vietnam, most celebrities tend to wear crochet outfits in subtle, elegant colors such as beige, cream, and brown. The advantage of this material and color is that it gives the wearer a feeling of coolness, freedom, comfort, youthfulness, and is environmentally friendly.

Some of the leading figures in this trend in Vietnam include Chau Bui, Ninh Duong Lan Ngoc, Minh Hang, and others.

Chau Bui wrote on her blog: “There are two reasons why I really love the crochet trend this season. Firstly, crochet is an environmentally friendly material and can be made from recycled fabric. Secondly, this year's crochet designs are truly diverse, both sweet and sexy, with lovely pastel colors like pink, purple, or small floral prints.”

Not only popularized by celebrities, crochet outfits have also become an inspiration for Vietnamese fashion designers to create new collections. This year, several Vietnamese designers such as Nguyen Cong Tri and Le Thanh Hoa have not hesitated to promote this material in their Spring-Summer 2021 collections.

Perhaps the return of crochet is also a way for us to protect the environment by reusing and giving old clothes a "new life." Therefore, it can also be said that crochet is not just a trend of the moment, but a rediscovery of the past, bringing us back to a joyful world of vibrant colors.

How to style outfits with crochet clothing.

You might be thinking, "It's scorching hot, why would she wear wool?" Actually, because they are crocheted, crochet clothing has many breathable holes, helping you stay cool and comfortable when wearing them to the beach.

Today's market also offers many crocheted garments, but they are made from lightweight and breathable materials like cotton, viscose, and polyester instead of wool.

If you're unsure how to put together an outfit, the simplest idea is to wear a matching set or a dress.

Besides wearing a full crochet outfit, you can also mix a crochet top with jeans or shorts, which is enough to keep you on trend for summer 2021.

However, the downside of crocheted clothing is that it clings to the body, revealing imperfections you want to hide. For example, if you wear tight protective pants underneath that leave visible lines, crocheted pants won't cover those imperfections. Therefore, when buying crocheted clothing, you should try it on carefully and avoid choosing garments that are too tight.

Huyen Chau