As the days grow longer and the weather warms, men’s fashion is getting a refresh – one that blends nostalgic, retro-inspired silhouettes with eco-conscious design. For Spring/Summer 2024, the focus is on elevated everyday essentials that capture the carefree spirit of summer, while also addressing the growing consumer demand for responsible, sustainable apparel.
From faded hoodies and vintage-inspired tees to slouchy cardigans and rugby tops, this season’s key knitwear and jersey trends tap into a sense of relaxed, lived-in comfort. But beneath the surface, these pieces showcase innovative materials, dyeing techniques, and circular design principles that future-proof the collections and appeal to the modern, environmentally-aware consumer.
As we delve into the details of this summer-ready capsule, discover how brands can balance nostalgic appeal with progressive sustainability, creating a wardrobe of timeless, versatile staples that are built to last.
Table of Contents
1. Faded Hoodies: Vintage-Inspired Comfort with an Eco-Twist
2. Retro Tees: Soft, Sustainable Staples with a Preppy Twist
3. Slouchy Cardigans: Preppy Updates to Everyday Outerwear
4. Rugby Tops: Sporty Stripes Meet Responsible, Retro-Inspired Design
Faded Hoodies: Vintage-Inspired Comfort with an Eco-Twist
The humble hoodie gets a vintage-inspired makeover for Spring/Summer 2024, embracing a faded, sun-kissed aesthetic that evokes treasured, well-worn favorites from the past. But beneath the lived-in look lies a focus on responsible, sustainable materials and production techniques.
Designers should take inspiration from upcycling projects like GL Scraps at Greg Lauren, exploring ways to breathe new life into existing garments. Alternatively, for knitted pieces, a jacquard technique can create a trompe-l’oeil effect, as seen at A-Cold-Wall, delivering the desired faded look without excessive finishing.
In terms of fabrics, GOTS or GRS-certified cottons, FSC cellulosics, linen, and hemp blends are key, with enzyme-washed organic cotton and hemp offering a particularly soft, irregular handfeel.
Brands can also leverage natural dyeing techniques, like those used by Ozen Mensucat in Turkey, or ozone washing processes that minimize water, energy, and chemical usage, as seen at Jeanalogia, to achieve the coveted faded aesthetic.
Retro Tees: Soft, Sustainable Staples with a Preppy Twist
The classic t-shirt receives a vintage-inspired makeover for Spring/Summer 2024, blending preppy, retro-infused detailing with a focus on responsible, sustainable materials. Raglan sleeves and ringer stripes lend a distinct baseball-inspired vibe, while a relaxed, easy-going fit aligns with the broader casual-cool aesthetic.
Certified organic cotton, hemp, nettle, and FSC-certified cellulosic blends should take center stage, with brands exploring the use of end-of-line yarns for the stripes, as seen at Produce Sinapsi in Italy and the Waste Yarn Project. This not only adds to the tee’s vintage appeal but also supports the circular economy by giving new life to otherwise discarded materials.
Subtle, earthy color palettes in muted browns and greens further reinforce the retro, “gentle” feel, while also speaking to the growing consumer preference for more natural, less-chemically-intensive dyes and finishes.
Slouchy Cardigans: Preppy Updates to Everyday Outerwear
The classic cardigan gets a relaxed, preppy-inspired update for Spring/Summer 2024, blending a slouchy silhouette with vintage-tinged details and sustainable material choices. Space-dyed mélange and distorted-dye effects create a naturally faded, aged appearance, while vertical stripes and open-knit stitches lend a handcrafted, artisanal feel.
Brands should explore recycled denim yarns, as seen at Pinori Filati, or source GOTS, GRS, or BCI-certified cotton, FSC cellulosic, or linen blends. Innovations like Lenzing’s indigo-effect Tencel Modal fibers, which reduce water, energy, and chemical use, or Huue’s less toxic biosynthetic indigo, can also be leveraged to achieve the desired faded, natural aesthetic.
Soft, muted blue tones, as highlighted at trade shows like CIFF, Revolver, and Pitti Filati, are a key focus, aligning with the broader summer-ready, vintage-inspired mood. By prioritizing these lower-impact dyeing and finishing techniques, brands can deliver cardigans that feel both timeless and environmentally responsible.
Rugby Tops: Sporty Stripes Meet Responsible, Retro-Inspired Design
The classic rugby top receives a sustainable, retro-tinged update for Spring/Summer 2024, blending sporty stripes with a naturally faded, aged appearance. Featuring a cotton collar and placket with topstitching, and a jersey body, this versatile piece can also work as a knitted stripe-and-collar combination for a more elevated look.
For the jersey fabric, brands should seek out pale, textured options that evoke a sense of vintage charm – think space-dyed mélange, flammé, or flecked effects in GOTS or GRS-certified cotton and FSC-approved cellulosic blends. Mélange GRS yarns from suppliers like CFM Conscious Fabric Makers and Familitex in Portugal offer a similar faded, undyed aesthetic.
To achieve the desired hand-worn look, ozone washing techniques that use less water, energy, and chemicals than traditional finishes, as seen at Jeanalogia in Spain, can create an eroded, vintage-inspired appearance without excessive abrasion or harsh treatments.
By leveraging these sustainable material choices and innovative finishing processes, brands can deliver rugby tops that capture the essence of timeless, sporty style while also appealing to the modern consumer’s demand for eco-conscious design.
Conclusion
As the warm days of summer approach, men’s knitwear and jersey trends are embracing a relaxed, nostalgic revival – one that blends vintage-inspired silhouettes with forward-thinking sustainable practices. From the elevated comfort of ombré knitted sets to the faded, eco-friendly hoodies and tees, this season’s key pieces offer a stylish, laidback wardrobe that speaks to the carefree spirit of the summer months.
By prioritizing responsible material choices, innovative dyeing and finishing techniques, and circular design principles, brands can capture the essence of this relaxed revival while also future-proofing their collections. As consumers become increasingly conscious of their environmental impact, these sustainable, yet fashion-forward essentials are poised to become the foundation of a modern, versatile summer wardrobe.
