Knitting Trends 2025: Your Guide to Next Season's Fashion
Knitwear Insights and Trends from Spring/Summer 2025 Fashion Weeks in Paris, London, and Milan.
Ah, Fashion Month— a crazy busy month for me, for others... that magical time when the world's fashion capitals transform into a whirlwind of creativity and inspiration. This September, as Spring/Summer 2025 collections paraded down runways, I found myself doing what any self-respecting knitter would do: taking notes on every knitted piece that caught my eye.
From independent designers to powerhouses like Hermès and Chanel, each show offered tantalizing glimpses of what we'll be wearing—and more importantly—knitting next year.
The journey of how these trends reach our needles has become fascinating. Centuries ago, fashion moved solely downward—from aristocratic wardrobes to the masses.
The width of a skirt or the shape of a sleeve would begin in royal courts before gradually filtering through society. Today’s trend ecosystem is delightfully more democratic and faster.
Professional forecasters scour streets as eagerly as they do runways, recognizing that inspiration flows in all directions.
Yet amid this creative democracy, runway shows remain our seasonal compass, offering fresh perspectives on proportion, texture, and possibility.
For those of us who craft our own garments, they provide invaluable creative direction. I've combed through countless collections to distill the most exciting knitwear trends for your needles. Consider this your SS25 field guide—all the inspiration, none of the overwhelm.
The Coordinated Comeback
The runways made one thing clear: matching sets are having a moment. But this isn't your grandmother's twin set. Gabriela Hearst presented sophisticated ensembles that included matching bags—yes, even the bags were knitted! Hermès played with whisper-light nylon knits that seemed to float down the runway, while Bottega Veneta did something that made me do a double-take: they translated traditional knitting patterns into leather.
Then came the surprise hit of the season: knitted shorts sets. I watched as Simone Rocha sent models down the runway in fluffy lurex cardigans paired with matching shorts in the most delicious shades of pink and black. Always colourful Casablanca found inspiration in sportswear, while Chloé, Ellie Saab, Chanel, and Acne reinforced this micro-trend's staying power.
Deconstructed Dreams
SS25 brought a fascinating reimagining of garment construction. Issey Miyake's innovations particularly stood out: a white cardigan transformed through removed sleeves and a reconstructed button band as straps, alongside a lime green sweater cleverly wrapped into a sleeveless top. MiuMiu explored the possibilities of tied sleeves, while Acne Studios pushed creative boundaries by presenting sweaters reconstructed as skirts—each interpretation offering fresh perspectives on knitwear's potential.
The Basic Revolution
This season brings a refreshing focus on the power of refined basics, with luxury houses championing the return of the classic sweater—albeit with contemporary perspective. Miu Miu, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Prada, JW Anderson, and Coperni all presented pristine knits that remind us why well-executed basics form the backbone of any thoughtful wardrobe.
The innovation this season lies in the styling: Balenciaga paired traditional sweaters with unexpected elements like underwear and stockings, while JW Anderson opted for contrasts with leather tutus. These dramatic pairings serve to highlight an important truth: when a basic piece is perfectly conceived and executed, it becomes the foundation for endless creative expression.
This runway trend reflects a broader shift in how we think about building a wardrobe, acknowledging that true luxury often lies in the perfect execution of simplicity. It's a timely reminder that mastering the fundamentals of knitting—clean lines, precise finishing, thoughtful fiber choices—can result in pieces that are anything but ordinary.
Crochet's Summer Statement
Crochet continued its evolution beyond traditional summer wear, with designers exploring new territories in scale and sophistication.
Gabriela Hearst showcased undyed, oversized yarn dresses that channeled modern macramé, while Elie Saab elevated the craft through textured net dresses adorned with crochet flowers. Acne Studios made a bold statement with oversized floral ensembles that redefined possibilities of scale.
The shorter silhouettes proved equally compelling, with Loewe, JW Anderson, Victoria Beckham, and Chloé presenting statement mini dresses and bodysuits that demonstrated knitwear’s versatility.
These pieces effectively bridged the gap between casual beachwear and sophisticated evening options, suggesting exciting possibilities for crafters looking to expand their technical repertoire.
I know this is getting a bit lengthy, but I couldn't help sharing a glimpse of my day-to-day work and giving you a peek into the runways of the fashion world.
What many of you might not know is that I get to work in the world of fashion every day, and sharing that connection with knitting is truly exciting for me! Either way, I'll be sharing more next week, where I'll dive into the patterns I've found that align with these trends, helping us make that transition from runway inspiration to our own needles.
In the meantime, I'd love to hear your thoughts! Which of these trends speaks to you most, and are there any you can't wait to try? Let me know in the comments, and let's inspire each other on this making journey.
Either way, I'll be sharing more next week, where I'll dive into the patterns I've found that align with these trends, helping us make that transition from runway inspiration to our own needles.
In the meantime, I'd love to hear your thoughts! Which of these trends speaks to you most, and are there any you can't wait to try? Let me know in the comments, and let's inspire each other on this making journey.
Until next week, happy making.
The Knitting Explorer
Good to see that fastening your cardi up wonkily is now fashion.......I do it accidentally all the time and usually don't realise until I've come home from being out and about !
I crochet but I love the ideas. And would live to do a cardigan with a ruffly bottom