Tie-dye is trending: these are the must-haves

By Jenny Brownlees

Tie-dye has been a staple feature on the summer runways for a number of seasons, with designers from Stella McCartney to Prada adorning the print across a wide variety of garments and silhouettes.

The instantly recognisable dye evokes a real feeling of individuality, as the unique process means no two prints are ever the same. The technique is nothing new, it began as early as 4000 B.C in a number of cultures across Asia and Africa. In modern-day, tie-dye is best known for its prevalence in the 1960s, favoured by the young people who were embracing the societal shift to a new, bohemian lifestyle. Showing its ever-lasting trend power, the print has seen yet another spike in popularity – becoming the go-to DIY trend during quarantine.

If you’d like to add a dose of mood-boosting colour into your wardrobe today, there’s an abundance of fashion-forward buys to suit everyone’s style. Whilst the psychedelic print is still heavily inspired by the free-spirited hippie movement, with swirling prints in acidic tones, if your style aesthetic leans more towards the minimal, there’s still a tie-dye piece that’s right for you. Many designers are offering modern, pared-down versions of the traditional print for any colour-phobes out there. Even if we won’t be dancing under the sun on a far-away shore this summer, we can still have our very own Woodstock moment at home, be it in our own back gardens or a local haunt. These are the stylish pieces we’re snapping up now.

Pastel slip dress

This chic slip dress is a prime example of the evolution of tie-dye. Updated in soft, muted pastels on satin fabric, this dress was inspired by the RAT & BOA founders’ trips to the Far East. This printed dress offers a perfect, polished way to work the trend with sophisticated elegance.

Jenna Bra

If you are a fan of trendy activewear, Weekday’s Jenna bra is a great way to switch up your plain gym gear by adding a tie-dye flare. Mixing the relaxed style of sportswear with a must-have print is an easy way to create a wonderfully casual yet on-trend outfit. 

Batik-patterned Shopper

It’s not just clothes that are getting the tie-dye treatment, accessories are an easy way to channel the trend. Add a touch of boho-chic to your weekend wardrobe with this patterned tote, complete with cute tasselled handles.

Palm Tree & Tie-Dye Yellow Ankle Socks

If you’re weary of fully committing to tie-dye, why not tip your toe in the trend with these palm-detail socks, for an easy way to inject some colour into your outfit.

Old Skool Trainer

California classic brand Vans was founded in the sixties, so it’s no surprise that they’ve opted to adorn their classic, comfortable yet style trainers in a tie-dye print. Easier to pull off than you might think, pair these with plain jeans and a white tee – allowing the trainers to be the statement item.

Fine-knit Jumper

If your outfits are feeling a little lacklustre of late, this printed top will provide you with an abundance of ways to style some colour into your look. Wear alone or layer up for an outfit that’s begging for the sun to shine.

Hully Cami Tie-Dye Print

4^th and Reckless have nailed it with this delicate cami top, given extra fashion points for its asymmetric button detail. The pairing of sage and white is a big hitter for S/S 20, and if you’re as obsessed with this colour combo as us, this print comes in a skirt and dress version, too. Nab it while you can.

Tie-dye print T-shirt

A tee is probably the most classic way to wear this trend. Versatile and easy to style, you can’t go wrong with a tie-dye tee and denim jeans. We love the acidic colour palette, whilst the text detail gives it an extra edge. This tee is a S/S must-buy – trip to the beach, optional.

Organic Cotton Denim Shorts

We’re hoping for some more of the June sunshine we’ve been experiencing, and what better way to embrace the warmer weather than with a new purchase in the print of the season?

Chore Jacket

We have it on good authority that the tie-dye trend will be around throughout 2020 and into seasons ahead. Snap up BDG’s pink and blue-dyed denim to wear all summer and beyond.