Driving down Cape Town’s trendsetting Kloof Street, it becomes abundantly clear that lockdown did wonders not only for loungewear in general, but tie-dye loungewear in particular. Long gone are the days of spending your 9 to 5 in body-binding corporate wear; comfort, above all else, has indeed become the new normal.
But why is this design fad from the 1960s only making its comeback now? Our forecast is this: when it comes to fashion, the desire for comfort very rarely supersedes the desire for self-expression, and loungewear is no different.
The pandemic stripped a lot of people of their creative outlets, particularly in terms of fashion. Tie-dyed sweats and other lounging attire offer the wearer an opportunity to retain their uniqueness, while still enjoying the benefit of loose-fitting, basic pieces intended for optimal cosiness. It says “yes, I’m comfy, and yes, I probably have nowhere to be today. But I’m also a carefree, colourful person who likes to look good amid a global crisis, okay?!”
Tie-Dye History Books
One can’t help but draw parallels between the era in which tie-dye first made its memorable mark on the world, and the current state of today. The term tie-dye emerged in the mid-60s in the United States, when the world was facing several tumultuous events.
Before this, tie-dye had existed in ancient times amongst different civilizations. There is evidence of tie-dye in China and Peru as early as 500AD. In Japan, twisting and dying clothing with plants has been a practice since the 8th century, and West Africans have been embracing a similar technique for centuries themselves.
In the 60s, the desire for radical self-expression was thick in the air amongst civilians, especially our friends the hippies. This would have been the birth of modern psychedelic tie-dying, made extra popular by early influencers like Janis Joplin and John Sebastian (who was renowned for dying all of his clothing!).
How to style it
Now that tie-dye is back on the streets of the western world, you can have a little fun incorporating it into your daily wardrobe. Our tie-dye loungewear essentials would include the following pieces:
The two-piece sweatsuit
Start with this initial investment and build your loungewear wardrobe around it. Tie-dyed sweats are wonderful because you can easily wear the full set as is, and be good to go. You can also mix and match the pieces depending on your mood. Dyed sweats pair well with any neutral-toned top or bodysuit, while your tie-dyed sweatshirt is just as versatile and can be worn with anything from jeans and leggings to skirts and dresses!
A pair of easy-to-wear pants
A must-have for those work-from-home days where you’re going to be cross-legged on the couch for a good few hours. Also great to throw on for a spontaneous beach venture or a trip to the grocery store.
The short and top set
A fabulous wind-down set to throw on after a long day whilst you cook your dinner and sway your hips to a psychedelic music playlist to match.
The crop top
Tip the scales by adding one of these basics to your collection. Loungewear doesn’t always have to be baggy and conservative!
The oversized tee
When nothing in your wardrobe is sitting right, an oversized tie-dyed tee paired with sneakers, a bucket hat and your favourite jewellery is a major vibe. Who needs pants in a pandemic, anyway?
Love to see more of the Turban
Too beautiful