Only the bold brave slogan pieces.
These quote or idiom-clad garments have divided opinion since their inception in the 1960s. Most prefer to shield under the umbrella of textless design so as not to make a stir. But mantra-embroidered knitwear or tees, on the other hand, have the opposite effect by reflecting the beliefs, thoughts or tastes of the wearer and consequently have a way of making a statement.
Slogan pieces have ignited controversy in the fashion world. In 2017, Maria Grazia Chiuri debuted her first collection for Dior as creative director. Plain white tees bearing the capitalised words "We Should All Be Feminists" were sent down the runway, inspired by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's essay. While the message behind the tops was well-intended, consumers were knocked sideways by the £690 price tag. A portion of the proceeds did go to charity, but many raised eyebrows nonetheless.
Fashion critics condemned the t-shirts for turning feminism into an Instagrammable fashion trend, which was sure to be picked up by fast fashion brands who exploit female workers. Others accused the fashion house of platforming lazy, obvious designs for commercial gain.
On the other hand, slogans have formed the foundations for brands such as Bella Freud and Chinti & Parker, which incorporate playful puns and sayings into their knitwear collections. Slogans have the ability to distinguish a label in the oversaturated sea of neutral clothing brands and tap into the consumer desire for personalised pieces that reflect their notions, or at least make them smile.
Slogan sweatshirts are seasonless staples that will inject fun into the wardrobe. Knitwear options seamlessly merge luxury design with tongue-in-cheek adages.
Take a leaf out of the celebrity-style book. Actresses Jodie Comer and Emma Appleton have sported Stella McCartney’s viral ‘Smile’ crewneck, Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski owns a plethora of slogan knits which are often documented via his social media feed and Kate Moss loves a splash of Bella Freud. The slogan knit lives on now and forever.
Discover the best slogan knit jumpers to wear loud and proud this season.
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Stella McCartney Smile Embroidered Crewneck Jumper
Starting with a high fashion hit, Stella McCartney’s Smile Embroidered Crewneck Jumper is a celebrity-loved piece with oodles of personality. Rainbows, sun-beams and peace ‘n’ love sentiment are at the heart of this radiant pick.
Buy now £630.27, Cettire
Bella Freud Romanticism Jumper
Best known for her iconic line of 1970 wool and cashmere jumpers, Bella Freud’s eponymous label is the place to go for funky and esoteric knits. This oversized jumper features the simple catchword, ‘Romanticism’ sprawled across the chest in ever so slightly wonky green lettering.
Though made from 100 per cent wool and therefore on the warmer side when it comes to spring-ready knits, we think this jumper is the perfect companion for bringing a touch of romance to those midnight beach walks and windy evenings in pub gardens.
Buy now £172.50, Bella Freud
Zadig & Voltaire Intarsia-Knit Merino Wool Jumper
In the words of the Rolling Stones, it’s only rock ‘n’ roll. Showcase your superior music taste with a Zadig & Voltaire roll neck knit crafted from 100 per cent merino wool.
Buy now £340.00, Farfetch
Chinti & Parker Intarsia Cashmere and Wool-Blend Sweater
Available in baby blue and crimson, Chinti & Parker’s sweater encourages all to care more about the planet. Slip into the sumptuous two-tone piece and take a stand.
Buy now £122.00, The Outnet
Sandro LOVE Knit Jumper
Spread the love with Sandro. This snuggly soft number features a rich cream backdrop with pink and green accents, perfect for those looking for a piece that oozes girlish glamour.
Buy now £239.20, Sandro
Acne Studios True Love Knit Jumper
Nothing tops true love, especially when it’s printed on an Acne Studios jumper. The Swedish brand’s romantic knit features a light grey tone, complete with lacey love-heart motifs, rolled neckline edges and slouchy shoulders. A piece that is bound to steal your heart.
Buy now £510.00, END.
Alberta Ferretti Intarsia Wool and Cashmere-Blend Sweater
Turn your frown upside down with Alberta Ferretti’s Intarsia Wool and Cashmere-Blend Sweater featuring a tongue-in-cheek slogan. Also suitable for Cancerians, volatile sisters and temperamental bosses.
Buy now £277.00, The Outnet
Kitri Darina ‘Venus’ Oversized Knit Jumper
Yeah, baby she’s got it. Kitri’s Darina ‘Venus’ knit is a candy-coloured piece with love hearts galore. Crafted from an alpaca wool blend, the girlish piece is ideal for transitional dressing. Goddess mode activated.
Buy now £149.00, END.
MC2 Saint Barth Motif-Embroidered Brushed Jumper
Whether jetting off to St.Moritz for a skiing sojourn or enjoying a summer spent in the Caribbean, a dash of MC2 Saint Barth is always recommended. The brand displays quirky sayings across its luxury loungewear pieces, which have accumulated celebrity backing.
Buy now £113.00, Farfetch
Desigual LOVE Oversized Jumper
For days when you need a bit of self-love, Desigual’s confidence-inducing gem is a need, not a want. Multi-coloured text sprawls across the black backdrop of the knit, urging everyone to look after number one.
Buy now £54.00, Desigual
