"Nostalgia is fashion’s strongest currency" has become something of a refrain in my writing this year. From Chloé’s 90s-inspired jelly shoes to Depop-approved Y2K fitted shirts and hibiscus prints, fashion continues to look at the old in order to inspire the new.
Joining the aforementioned trends this summer are retro stripes - in a shift we’ve unoriginally dubbed stripemaxxing. Delightfully laidback and blissfully beachy, vintage-themed striping has come to dominate the collections of both mainstream brands and emerging labels alike.
Versace debuted preppy colour-blocked pieces on the SS26 runway courtesy of Mario Vitale while JW Anderson tapped into the sentimental rugby shirt fad - conjuring up images of long weekends spent frolicking in the Hamptons, Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard. Or old-school Jack Wills campaigns for the millennials.
Similarly, Matthieu Blazy leaned into surfer girl-chic when debuting his Cruise 2026/2027 collection for Chanel. Hosted in Biarritz, the spectacle spotlighted slouchy knitwear, XL straw accessories, retro swimming caps, raffia skirts and, of course, nautical stripes.
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© Imaxtree
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© ImaxtreeRabanne, Loewe, Onitsuka Tiger and Mithridate followed suit, showcasing striped collections for all to see across the fashion capitals.
Despite widespread aversion to a certain blonde-haired president, Americana aesthetics are enjoying a vibrant revival with coastal dressing taking centre stage. According to Pinterest, searches for the term "stripe shirt outfits women" have rocketed up by 1,962 per cent, while "boat day outfit summer" has increased by 205 per cent.
Why the sudden interest in childhood-coded clothing? It's difficult to pinpoint, but perhaps, when the world feels increasingly chaotic and the global socio-political landscape anything but rosy, we instinctively gravitate towards the things that offer comfort - relics of a simpler, less complicated time. Enter terry cloth, primary colours and playful silhouettes seemingly designed for building sandcastles.
From cult labels such as Made Some, Dairy Boy, Damson Madder and Triangl to household names like Mango and Topshop, discover the best striped pieces to shop right now. A summer of nostalgia awaits.
Shop the trend:
Vespa Dress
Staud + Da Adolfo
Colourful and ideal for shimmying into on the beach this summer, this striped mini is a playful pick hailing from Staud's new collaboration with Da Adolfo.
Elli Loni Stripe Crochet Short
Triangl
Crafted from a soft-touch fine knit, Triangl's multicoloured crochet shorts are set to pair perfectly with your favourite bikini during sun-drunk holidays.
Embroidered Striped Polo Shirt
JW Anderson
A luxury take on retro stripemaxxing, JW Anderson's polo collar jersey is a gender-neutral layer that neatly leans into preppy East Coast vibes.
Stripe Gather Yoke Seam Long Sleeve Top
Topshop
Crafted from 100 per cent cotton, making for a comfortable layer, Topshop's stretchy jersey features a flattering V-neckline, a cinched waistband and a 70s-inspired stripe design.
Trudi Tankini Top
Damson Madder
A striking blend of fresh mint, chocolate and pale yellow hues, Damson Madder's tankini doubles down on nostalgic dressing with its Y2K silhouette that's finished with a brown picot trim and dolphin embroidery.
Striped Knitted Shorts
Mango
Striped shorts are certainly the stand-out silhouette from the ongoing stripe trend, and we love the romantic palette of Mango's affordable bottoms.
Palazzo Striped Pants
Guest In Residence
Hailing from Gigi Hadid's cool-girl brand, these dazzling summer-ready palazzo pants are finished with an airy linen-silk blend for ample vacay frolicking.
Logo T-Shirt
Versace
A playful nod to vintage sportswear, Versace’s striped cotton-jersey T-shirt marries collegiate colour-blocking with the house’s unmistakable Italian glamour.
Cali Stripe Shorts
Monday
Part of a highly glamorous set for those who can't resist a matchy-matchy beachside moment, Monday's ocean-hued shorts are heading to the top of our summer wish list.
Medium Recycled Nylon Bag
Monty
Monty is home to a myriad of striped totes, ranging from feminine pink options to neutral blue-green alternatives. A seriously fun accessory to house your poolside essentials.
Mini Short
Dairy Boy
Dairy Boy is an East Coast label rooted in American nostalgia. From striped polos to the brand's adorable Mini Short, the brand's offers the ultimate out-of-office uniform.
Stripe Terry Towelling Romper
Roxy x Juicy Couture
Made from soft terry towelling, this striped bandeau romper captures the carefree spirit of Y2K beach culture, complete with embroidery and an effortlessly laid-back silhouette.
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