Knitwear Evolution: From Ancient Craft to Runway Artistry


Tracing the thread of knit fashion through time and trends.

          For the fashion industry, a thread of creativity has woven its way through time, bringing knitwear from the workshop to the runway. According to Brunette from Wall Street, the knitwear trend in summer 2023 can align in various styles such as sheer, crochet, cutout, open knit, ruffled, sleeveless, fringed, and striped knitwear. Knitwear designers and brands have elevated this textile art, turning it into a canvas for high fashion and ready-to-wear collections that tell stories beyond the stitches.

          From Fall 2023 Runway, the narrative of knit takes centre stage at shows like Acne, Off-White, and Chloé. Here, knits are deconstructed, tie-dyed, and shaped into forms that defy convention.

Acne Studios Fall 2023

Off-White Fall 2023

Chloé Fall 2023

          Just cast your gaze back to the fall 2021 runways, where Proenza Schouler, Bottega Veneta, Altuzarra, Phillip Lim, and The Row showed soft separates and head-to-toe knits crafted with warm wools and cosy cashmere yarns.

Ancient Roots and Cultural Threads

          Knitting is a method of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn using needles. Its history dates back thousands of years and the exact origins are a subject of debate among historians.

          Some say that knitting threads its origins through the Middle East and Egypt in the 3rd or 4th centuries CE during the Middle Ages, where it danced hand-in-hand with religious practices, used for clothing and also for practical items like socks, gloves, and accessories. The Renaissance painted Europe in the hues of knitting's growth, guilds and professional knitters spinning threads of trade across the continent. The Industrial Revolution heralded a new chapter, the clatter of machines made knitted goods more accessible to a broader range of people. In the 19th and 20th centuries, knitting intertwined with daily existence, crossing societal divides and embracing various fibres, such as wool, cotton, and later synthetic materials.

Thai Knitwear Brands

Allur.Quarter

          Soft shades and pastel dreams converge in their knitted collection, ranging from crochet tops to tanks, tees, and bags. The highlight is a net beach crochet top for beach trips.

Clothesfriend.co

          Cosy knitwear that specialises in tops and cardigans in a variety of colours. Easy to wear as an everyday look.

Wool.bkk

          Providing a selection of modern and fashionable knitted clothing styles that are unique in design and silhouettes.

Knit Circle

          Infused with sustainability, their garments breathe new life into leftover yarn, offering simplicity, intricate detailing, and a kaleidoscope of colours.

Gypsoul.krafts

          It’s a modern crochet and knitwear store that values the special touch of handmade creations. They offer lovely patterns and a selection of items like bags and hats.

          Today, knitting remains an essential aspect of the fashion industry and everyday clothing. Advances in technology have further expanded the range of possible knit patterns and textures. Additionally, there has been a resurgence in the appreciation of handmade knitting, with many individuals embracing it as a creative and meditative hobby.