Forget Everything You Thought About Tie Dye—It's Back, and I'm Into It

Tie-dye has a lot of associations—think Woodstock hippies in the ’60s and My So-Called Life in the ’90s. It’s also become a calling card for beach bums and their wardrobe of travelling trousers. But this year, tie-dye is making a name for itself in fashionable circles. In fact, those psychedelic swirls are soon going to go from far-out to on-trend. Tie-dye made a surprise appearance in many 2018 collections, however, surf culture is set to be one of the key trends for this summer, with tie-dye sweatshirts, cycling shorts and pukka necklaces trending.

The downside to tie-dye can be looking like you permanently live at Coachella, so avoid bleached denim, dungarees and rose-tinted glasses. Don’t even think about a tie-dye daisy chain crown, and, if in doubt, go for an ombré effect instead of concentric circles that include every colour on the wheel. Designers such as Proenza Schouler and Elder Statesman have elevated this DIY print, creating velvet ball gowns, fitted turtlenecks and cashmere jumpers in tie-dye.

Keep scrolling for our edit of the best tie-dye buys that are ripe with ’90s nostalgia and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Next up, see our guide to the key trends for spring/summer 2019.