Argyle Comeback: Why This Is the Pattern to Watch in 25–26
This classic and timeless pattern is everywhere this Fall/Winter 25–26, from the high street to high luxury. Let’s dive into its history and how to enjoy the Argyle comeback.
A Scottish Legacy Reimagined
The argyle pattern, that signature arrangement of overlapping diamonds crossed by diagonal lines, has long roots in Scottish tradition. Its name comes from Argyll, the region associated with the Clan Campbell, whose tartan kilts and “tartan hose” in the 17th century inspired the motif. In modern times, argyle diverged from true tartans into its own visual language: bold, graphic, and geometric.
By the early 20th century, brands like Pringle of Scotland helped turn argyle into a fashion signature — think golf sweaters, Ivy League sweaters, and preppy looks.
Over decades, it has waxed and waned in popularity, appearing in bursts and then receding — until now.
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Why 2025–26 Is the Argyle Comeback
- The Preppy Revival
Fashion’s current mood is all about reclaiming heritage signals, but updating them with colour, scale, and attitude. Argyle fits perfectly into that space. According to Vogue’s trend coverage, designers like Khaite, Miu Miu, Proenza Schouler, and Zankov are leaning into argyle across sweaters, vests, and colour-drenched iterations. Meanwhile, mass and mid-tie brands are taking notice: H&M’s recent argyle jumper has been flagged as a viral hit for the coming season, supported by runway momentum and street styling.
- Data Confirms the Turn
On Depop, searches for “argyle print” have surged by over 150 %. Trend analysts see this as part of a broader Y2K / early-2000s revival wave, but with a more sophisticated twist. Rather than mere nostalgia, the revival is being driven by creative reinterpretation.
- A Visual That Commands Space
Argyle is inherently dramatic; the diamonds and diagonal lines structure the eye, and lend movement, depth, and visual tension. That bold geometry is perfect for the oversized knits, graphic layering, and maximal styling seen on many AW 25–26 runways. In short, it’s a motif that reads well from afar, ideal for the new era of fashion spectacle.
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Prada Argyle Cardigan, Miu Miu Oversized Polo and Khaite Top
Designers & Collections Leaning Hard into Argyle
- Miu Miu has reportedly used diamond knits and argyle in accessories and sweaters, helping anchor the pattern’s resurgence in fashion circles.
- Proenza Schouler is applying a simplified, colour-blocked argyle in knitwear, a restrained, modern take.
- Khaite paired argyle knits with leather and luxe outerwear, projecting the print into edgy territory.
- Zankov is going maximalist — mixing saturated colour, geometry, and scale to make argyle feel new.
- Kent & Curwen, Prada and Dior are also part of the whisper network reviving the diamond grid aesthetic.
- On the mass side, Mango and H&M are pushing argyle jumpers as one of their season hero pieces.
These names help anchor Argyle comeback not as a fleeting novelty but as a bona fide design pivot.
How to Wear Argyle in 25–26
Scale & Proportion
Go big or go home. Oversized argyle — think sweaters with exaggerated diamonds — helps subvert the pattern’s “heritage uniform” baggage. Pair with slim bottoms to balance.
Color Disruption
Classic combos (navy + forest, camel + cream) still work. But this season’s edge lies in neon accents, asymmetric mixes, and high-contrast layering. Designers are pushing the palette.
Layered Graphics
Argyle works beautifully layered — as vests over shirts, under leather jackets, or even over tights. Street stylists during Fashion Weeks have been doing precisely that.
Mix of Materials
Wool and cashmere blends retain Argyle’s knitwear legacy, but expect blends with mohair, silk, and even mixed jacquard weaves. H&M’s argyle knit, for instance, features a mohair mix.
Don’t Be Too Respectful
Argyle was once relegated to country clubs — now it’s a tool of subversion. Clash it with leathers, metallics, distressed denim, or avant accessories. Let the diamonds fight back.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Where did argyle originate? | It draws from the tartans of Clan Campbell in Argyll, Scotland, and was adapted into knitwear from tartan hose in the 17th century. |
| Why is argyle trending now? | Renewed interest in heritage motifs, a spike in related searches (e.g. on Depop), and a fashion climate embracing reinterpretation. |
| Which designers are using argyle in 2025? | Use oversized cuts, bold colour contrasts, layer with edgy pieces, and mix materials to push it beyond its preppy roots. |
| How to style argyle without looking dated? | Use oversized cuts, bold color contrasts, layer with edgy pieces, and mix materials to push it beyond its preppy roots. |
| What fabrics work best? | Wool, cashmere, mohair blends, and modern jacquard weaves that maintain structure but offer softness. |
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