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Space Dye Is 2022’s Answer to the Tie-Dye Trend (And You’re About to See It Everywhere)

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In winter, it can be all too easy to resort to wearing nothing but shades of black and gray. But the latest trend in knitwear is here to make the case for shaking things up and adding some much-needed pizazz back into your daily wardrobe. Yup, we’re talking about space dye, a multi-color dyeing effect that closely resembles tie-dye and was all over the spring 2022 runways. Missoni, Eckhaus Latta, Jonathan Simkhai, Bevza and Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini all featured space-dyed pieces in their collections, and we’ve started to see more accessible brands following suit.

What Is Space Dye?

Space dyeing is a technique in which yarns of wool (or another material) are dyed multiple colors (usually two but sometimes more), creating a random, quasi-striped effect. Missoni is well-known for its use of the wool treatment, which it popularized back in the ‘60s and ‘70s, but lots of brands now appear to be embracing the colorful material. Case in point? The 16 stunners below that we suggest adding to you cart ASAP…before someone else snaps them up!

The 6 Rules for Wearing a Sweater in 2022


topshop sweater space dye knits trend
ASOS

1. topshop Knit Space Dye Sweater

Best Space Dye Turtleneck Sweater

Space-dyed knits can often look like they have a subtle stripe pattern, which tends to dilute colors and lessen the impact of bolder stripes. Take, for example, this balloon-sleeve rainbow sweater, which feels much more posh than it would with richer, wider stripes, while still adding a pop of color to your winter outfit rotation.

Size range: XS to XL

river island dress space dye knits trend
Nordstrom

2. river Island Space Dye Dress

Best Casual Space Dye Dress

Combine two trends into one with this polo-collared knit dress that features a sunset-inspired mix of pinks, purples and oranges. The gold-tone buttons and ’70s neckline give us major Missoni vibes, but for a fraction of the cost.

Size range: 2 to 14

ciao lucia cardigan space dye knits trend
Moda Operandi

3. ciao Lucia Varese Cardigan

Best Space Dye Cardigan

We came for the gorgeous color mix, but it’s the fact that this 100-percent cotton sweater was hand-dyed and knit in Peru that really made us need it. Wear this blue-green cardigan over jeans and lug sole boots now, and with patterned midi dresses and ballet flats come spring.

Size range: XS to L

hansen and gretel skirt space dye knits trend
Revolve

4. hansen + Gretel Corbin Skirt

Best Space Dye Midi Skirt

Not every space-dyed knit incorporates rainbow hues. The technique adds much more interest and depth when seen in shades of beige and cream, as seen in this flirty midi sweater skirt that’s all at once attention-grabbing and beautifully subtle. Worried about showing too much leg? Try layering a cream-colored silk skirt underneath for some extra coverage.

Size range: XS to L

rails sweater space dye knits trend
Revolve

5. rails Echo Sweater

Best Neutral Space Dye Sweater

For another neutral variation, try this mock-neck sweater, which is made of a super cozy combo of wool, alpaca and nylon for a bit of stretch. Try wearing it just as you would a plain brown pullover, whether with dark wash jeans or a muted floral print midi.

Size range: XS to XL

jonathan simkhai dress space dye knits trend
Saks Fifth Avenue

6. jonathan Simkhai Kazuki Dress

Trendiest Space Dye Knit Dress

Jonathan Simkhai is one brand that went all in on space dye for 2022, but our favorite piece might just be this cut-out, calf-grazing dress. The twist detail at the top and bare clavicle show just enough skin to feel a little bit sexy without giving away so much as to be inappropriate or making it difficult to wear with a normal bra. That’s a real win-win in our book.

Size range: XS to XL

staud pants space dye knits trend
Moda Operandi

7. staud Nash Pants

Most Colorful Space Dye Pants

There '90s-inspired Staud pants are practically guaranteed to brighten your day (even if they are dry-clean only). They can easily be worn with the the matching crop top or an oversized white sweater or button-up if you’re not crazy about being too coordinated.

Size range: XS to L

jcrew cardigan space dye knits trend
J.Crew

8. j. Crew Reversible Cardigan

Best Reversable Space Dye Knit

Yes, you read that right—this adorable cotton knit is actually fully reversible, so you can wear the buttons either in front or down the back. It also comes in a gorgeous navy blue mix and a camel brown hue, and it’s Fair Trade Certified to boot.

Size range: XXS to 3X

asos design matching set space dye knits trend
ASOS

9. asos Lounge Space Dye Set

Best Matching Space Dye Set

Speaking of matching sets, this stretchy three-piece combo is actually a five-piece combo (there’s also a matching pair of shorts and cropped tee to go with the shirt, pants and bralette pictured) so you can really play around to figure out which mix you love best. Of course, you can also rock any piece independently: We recommend pairing the button-up with jeans, the bralette with a high-waist knit skirt and the pants with a cozy sweatshirt, giving you a ton of trendy outfit options to try.

Size range 0 to 14

Size range: 0 to 14

Size range: 0 to 14

cotton on dress space dye knits trend
Macy’s

10. cotton On Space Dye Dress

Best Space Dye Bodycon Dress

This slim-fit dress comes in four color options—black, beige, a blue-brown combo and the green above—but the latter really grabbed our attention for its cool Matrix vibes. Channel your inner Trinity and layer on a leather trench coat and some tough lace-up boots.

Size range: XS to XL

lane bryant cardigan space dye knits trend
Lane Bryant

11. lane Bryant Space Dye Cardigan

Best Space Dye Open Cardigan

Finding pieces that are both supremely comfy and right on trend is always a major boon, and this cozy cardigan checks both boxes—plus, it has pockets. Reviewers say it runs true to size, but some advise sizing up for an even cozier slouchy fit.

Size range: 10 to 24

stradivarius top space dye knits trend
ASOS

12. stradivarius Space Dye Top

Best Space Dye Top

This thin, cropped knit is great for layering under everything from sweater vests to jumpsuits and V-necks—you name it—to lend an interesting pop of color to your ensemble. Note: It does run a little small, so consider ordering up if you’re between sizes.

Size range: XS to XL

missoni pants space dye knits trend
Bergdorf Goodman

13. Missoni Home Space Dye Flare Pants

Best Neutral-Hued Space Dye Pants

This list just wouldn’t be complete without a little Missoni. Unlike the orange stunners above, these trendy flared black-and-white pants could even be made to work for the office with the addition of a white button-up and black longline blazer. It’ll almost feel like wearing your favorite sweatpants to the office, just without fear of weird judgemental stares.

Size range: 4 to 10

self protrait dress space dye knits trend
Saks Fifth Avenue

14. Self-portrait Space Dye Dress

Best Space Dye Midi Dress

If you’re wary about sporting a curve-hugging sweater dress, finding a space-dyed version just might make you a fan after all. The intricate pattern helps to mask any lumps or bumps you may be self-conscious about, especially if you opt for a darker hue, like the brown one above, or even a gray or navy blue.

Size range: S to L

marine layer sweater space dye knits trend
Marine Layer

15. Marine Layer Kora Sweater

Best Space Dye Crewneck

Most of the time, space dye creates the illusion of micro stripes, but there are definitely versions that go meta and turn out wider stripes as well. This sunset-hued pullover looks bold from afar, but up close still has all those minute details that make space dye so special. And for an eco-friendly boost, it’s made from recycled cotton.

Size range: XS to XL

asos design dress space dye knits trend
ASOS

16. Asos Knitted Maxi Dress

Best Space Dye Sweater Dress

Our favorite takes on the trend incorporate both neutral hues and brighter colors, much like the combination of browns, grays, blues and oranges seen in this fun frock. It makes it all the easier to pair your space dye with both wardrobe basics and funkier styles. (P.S. There’s also a petite version made especially for gals under 5 foot 3.)

Size range: 0 to 14

The Best Space Dye Knits at a Glance:

Best Space Dye Turtleneck Sweater: Topshop Knit Space-Dye Sweater
Best Casual Space Dye Dress: River Island Space-Dye Dress
Best Space Dye Cardigan: Ciao Lucia Varese Cardigan
Best Space Dye Midi Skirt: Hansen + Gretel Corbin Skirt
Best Neutral-Hued Space Dye Sweater: Rails Echo Sweater
Trendiest Space Dye Knit Dress: Jonathan Simkhai Kazuki Dress
Best Stand-Out Space Dye Pants: Staud Nash Pants
Best Reversible Space Dye Knit: J.Crew Reversible Cardigan
Best Matching Space Dye Set: ASOS Lounge Space-Dye Set
Bets Space Dye Bodycon Dress: Cotton On Space-Dye Dress
Best Space Dye Open Cardigan: Lane Bryant Space-Dye Cardigan
Best Space Dye Top: Stradvarius Space-Dye Top
Best Neutral-Hued Space Dye Pants: Missoni Home Space Dye Flare Pants
Best Space Dye Midi Dress: Self-Portrait Space-Dye Dress
Best Space Dye Crewneck: Marine Layer Kora Sweater
Best Space Dye Sweater Dress: ASOS Knitted Maxi Dress

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Editor

Abby Hepworth is an RRCA-certified running coach who has worked in fashion for over 10 years. Want to know what shoes are in this season? She's got you. Need recommendations on...