Like an ’80s mullet, many tops this season are business in the front and party in the back!
Buttons, bows, lace panels, cut-outs, contrast fabric and architectural folds all transformed the backs of otherwise simple knitwear into more dramatic pieces.
DESIGNER: Clockwise, from top, 3.1 Phillip Lim Open Back Ribbed Wool and Yak Blend Sweater (here), Jil Sander Open-back Lace-up Cashmere Sweater (here), REDValentino Cropped Tie-back Ribbed Votton Sweater (here), Valentino Tie-back Satin Crepe Trimmed Cashmere Sweater (here), Mira Mikati Appliqued Striped Cotton Sweater (here).
Knit-inspiration
Traditional knitwear often makes a feature of the backs of sweaters – using cable, lace and textured details – and so there are plenty of patterns for the home knitter to re-create these looks. There are also an increasing number of knitwear designers who are interested in playing with structure and traditional tailoring to create pieces that also make a feature of the back of the garment. These garments also offer a surprising degree of versatility as many can be worn with the back as the front or vice versa. See below for some pattern suggestions inspired by this latest fashion for surprising back details!
KNIT-INSPIRATION: Clockwise, from top left, Gully by Leah B. Thibault (photo copyright Whitney Hayward) (here), Tuberose by Amy Christoffers (photo copyright Berroco, Inc.) (here), #01 Tie Back Tank by Mari Tobita (photo copyright Vogue Knitting) (here), Aurora by Shellie Anderson (photo copyright Shibui Knits) (here), Planche Vest by Meghan Jones (photo copyright Interweave Knits) (here).
Over to you
What do you think of this trend for dramatic back features? Do you have any pattern recommendations for similar designs?
knitting through the back loop 