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Mar 21, 2024

The Best Crochet Knit Menswear to Rock in Summer 2023

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission. The word “crochet” is more likely to evoke images of granny

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission.

The word “crochet” is more likely to evoke images of granny knitting in the corner than what you’re planning to wear out to the beach or around town this summer. But a funny thing has happened of late: fabrics that have been crochet-knit, meaning that its yarns were looped together with a hooked needle, have begun to pop up in the collections of contemporary designers and boundary-pushing brands alike.

Common crochet-knit goods, like a homespun rug or scarf, are easily identified by the loose, open knit that gives them a visible texture and rougher appearance. As it turns out, that loose, open quality can be a boon to spring and summer clothing, as it allows more airflow than a comparable item with a finer, tighter knit.

For the summer of 2023, it feels like the secret to crochet’s appeal is out, as everyone from mainstream designers such as Todd Snyder and Vince to cult indies including Bode and Karu Research are turning out crochet-knit gems. From polo shirts to short-sleeve cardigans and even sandals, you’ll find a fine assortment of crochet-knit clothing and accessories below.

And who knows—after experiencing its visual charms and comfortable breathability first-hand, you might even be tempted to pick up a crochet needle yourself.

Perhaps no contemporary brand utilizes crochet so much as Bode. Indicative of the New York-based brand’s approach is its “Dream State” quarter zip, which draws inspiration from vintage objects—in this case, a crocheted table runner from the 1940s—and reimagines it as a quarter-zip pullover with psychedelic ribbing.

Buy Now on Mohawk General Store: $600

Those just dipping their toes into the wild world of crochet may wish to start with this restrained piece from Mr P. Crochet-knit from a lightweight blend of cotton and silk, it benefits from an open weave and rich texture without crossing into bohemian territory.

Buy Now on Mr Porter: $410

This Corridor cardigan is the wearable equivalent of the kitchen rug someone’s great-grandmother might have crocheted generations ago. Luckily for our purposes, it’s knit from a buttery-smooth pima cotton.

Buy Now on Canoe Club: $625

Black vertical stripes against a cream background provide this Vince knit button-down with plenty of visual appeal. But its crochet-knit heightens the effect by granting it plenty of texture while increasing airflow in the process.

Buy Now on Shopbop: $365

Green corduroy fabric and a funnel neck make this sporty Story Mfg. pullover interesting enough. But it’s the quintet of crochet-knit panels at the front that upgrade it to “charming.”

Buy Now on Browns: $470 $236

Res Ipsa’s crochet mules are made by craftswomen working with hand-woven, personally selected wool, an intimate process that makes each pair a one-of-one rarity. Suede lining makes them easy on the feet, and a stacked leather heel provides staying power on the streets.

Buy Now on Res Ipsa: $175

Crochet pants remain a rarity—but the Elder Statesmen would like to disagree. The LA-based designer has fashioned these drawstring trousers from crochet-knit cashmere in a striped, multicolored pattern that leaves it as zany as it luxurious.

Buy Now on Mr Porter: $1,885

Can you feel it, the breeze? If not, you’re probably not wearing these hand-crocheted cotton shorts from Commas, which bear an intricate knit pattern and expressively long drawstrings.

Buy Now on Luisa Via Roma: $445

Crochet-knit cotton can also be used as an accent. Exhibit A is this cotton chore jacket from Karu Research, which sports a contrast crochet collar where another, less daring label may have opted for corduroy.

Buy Now on Mr Porter: $545

A clear sign of crochet’s ascendency is that everyman designer Todd Snyder has worked it into his spring and summer collections. One example is his cabana polo, which is crochet-knit from a cotton-blend fabric that ensures the optimal level of breeziness.

Buy Now on Todd Snyder: $248

The openness of a crochet-knit can work wonders for those hottest, stickiest dog days of summer. If you don’t believe us, don this cotton cardigan by Barena Venezia, which could be worn on its own or as a lightweight but substantial layer over a tee.

Buy Now on MyTheresa: $655 $458

A link-up between Marni and No Vacancy Inn yielded these leather-covered sandals, which feature a faux-raffia upper crocheted into a wavy stripe pattern. Not many crochet-knit items can be worn comfortably to the beach, but this is one of them.

Buy Now on Matches: $895

Some people would make a short-sleeved, crocheted cotton shirt with a polo collar and call it that. But not Percival, whose Cabin Weave shirt is further distinguished by a wavy, zig-zag pattern that suggests a certain comic-strip character.

Buy Now on Percival: $300

Casablanca is another brand with an embarrassment of crocheted riches, but we’re rather taken with its logo tote, which puts a homespun spin on an expected accessory (it doesn’t hurt that it’s currently on sale, too).

Buy Now on Ssense: $385 $189