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Retro is the new modern. Checkerboard prints, vintage-inspired patterns, and bold geometric designs are flooding TikTok and Instagram in 2026 — and women's knitwear is leading the charge.
A Brief History
Checkerboard patterns have roots in medieval heraldry and gained fashion prominence in the 1960s mod movement, the 70s ska subculture, and the 90s skate scene. In recent years, the pattern has been reclaimed by high fashion and streetwear alike, becoming a symbol of playful sophistication.
What's Happening Now
In 2026, checkerboard and retro patterns are being reimagined in luxurious knit textures and elevated colorways. The trend is moving beyond black-and-white into rich, tonal colorblock checker combinations that feel fresh and contemporary. TikTok creators are styling checker knits as statement centerpieces of their outfits.
Our Checker Colorblock Knitted Drop Shoulder Sweater is the ultimate expression of this trend — bold checker meets colorblock in a relaxed drop-shoulder silhouette. The Emily Checkered Sherpa Loose Sweater adds cozy sherpa texture to the checker print for a luxuriously tactile take, and our Stripe Checker Balloon Sleeve Sweater boldly mixes checker and stripe for maximum retro impact.
Future Outlook
Retro pattern revival shows no signs of slowing down. As nostalgia continues to drive fashion cycles, expect checkerboard and geometric prints to evolve into even more creative, mixed-media expressions across knitwear and beyond.
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