There are garments that transport us directly to another era. The oversized striped sweater, with a polo collar and that distinctive sporty vibe, is one of them. We might remember it from family photographs from the 1990s or from outfits where jeans, sneakers, and a knit sweater were enough to look well dressed. Now, several decades later, this design returns with force to prove that it still has a lot to offer our wardrobe.
During the last winters, knit jumpers in neutral tones have been practically indispensable. We have worn them in gray, beige, black, or chocolate brown, paired with all kinds of pants and skirts. However, this autumn wide stripes present themselves as an alternative for those looking to introduce some color without giving up the comfort and versatility of knitwear.
We are not talking exactly about the classic fine-striped navy jersey. The trend recovers rugby-inspired designs, with thicker horizontal stripes, contrasting color combinations, and, in many cases, polo collars that impart a slightly masculine air.
The striped jersey from the 90s is back in fashion
To understand the appeal of this garment, you need to look at the fashion of the 1990s, a decade when sporty aesthetics began to coexist much more naturally with everyday clothing. Polos, rugby jumpers and university-inspired pieces found their place beyond sports fields.
Those wide stripe designs, often in combinations of navy blue, bottle green, burgundy or white, became an informal alternative to the classic crew-neck sweater. They had personality, were comfortable, and worked especially well with denim jeans.
This autumn, fashion recovers part of that aesthetic. The polo collar regains prominence in knitwear collections, but now it appears reinterpreted in softer fabrics, loose silhouettes and color combinations that allow it to be worn even with more sophisticated garments.
Un look con jersey con estampado de rayas estilo polo.
Among the most interesting versions we find striped jumpers in chocolate and blue tones, burgundy and cream, or green and brown. Also notable are designs that combine different stripe thicknesses, a way to update this print without losing its retro essence.
Why this striped jersey can substitute the classic plain knit
One of the great advantages of striped sweaters is that they allow you to build an interesting outfit without needing to add too many accessories. While a plain knit usually functions as a wardrobe staple, printed designs bring color and personality on their own.
Moreover, horizontal stripes have a relaxed aesthetic that fits especially well with the garments we wear most during autumn. They don’t require special pants or flashy shoes to work. In fact, the simpler the combination, the more current the outfit can be.
The silhouette also matters. The new models lean toward relaxed shoulders, slightly roomy sleeves, and lengths that allow wearing them both tucked in and outside the pants. These are details that help move away from the stiffer image of the old sporty sweaters.
How to style the striped jersey to achieve a current look
The simplest combination is also one of the best: straight-leg jeans, a striped sweater with wide stripes, and loafers. If we add a brown leather bag or a suede jacket, we achieve a perfect everyday look.
For a more elegant version, we can wear it with wide-cut tailored trousers. In this case, it’s advisable to choose a fine-knit sweater and a more discreet color combination, such as gray with burgundy or navy blue with cream.
It is also interesting to pair it with a midi skirt, especially if we choose a thick-knit design. The mix of a sporty garment with a more feminine one allows achieving that contrast we often see in street style.
