Argyle Diamond Patterns & Golden Eagles: Exclusive Archive Knitwear From Lyle & Scott
If there's one style that the Scottish golf brand, Lyle & Scott, championed from day one on the Casual scene it's got to be their legendary argyle diamond pattern knitwear.
Taking it back to the very beginning when sportswear stores were actually sportswear stores, there were numerous OG styles that came out of this "Casual commerce" mentality. It simply wasn't like shopping in a retailer these days where buyers have spent the last 2 years in advance planning launches, merchandising & what's going to be the next big thing. These types of sportswear stores frequented by the Casuals were not set up for "lifestyle" wear on the terraces, they were set up departmentally by a specific sport, for playing sport. A tennis section of expensive rackets, balls & track tops would follow with a range of golf clubs, Argyle knitwear & spiked shoes. As Casuals took sportswear in as there own it's almost like they walked through a traditional sports shop and took bits from each sport/section in as their own. Trainers from European handball players, polo shirts from tennis stars, roll necks from skiers & argyle knitwear from golfers. A complete mish mash of sportswear that somehow created one of the most talked about subcultures of the last 50 years as far as fashion is concerned. It was classic Argyle knitwear from brands like Lyle & Scott that gave the Casuals their own unique style, a classic silhouette that is now brought back to life courtesy of the Scottish designer label & their archive range.
Above: The Lyle & Scott Argyle Knitted Crew Neck Jumper in pink now available exclusively from 80s Casaul Classics.
Bearing in mind that no-one had actually worn the likes of an Argyle jumper before with a pair of jeans and Forest Hills trainer, the Casuals weren't trying to replicate the likes of Jack Nicklaus doing a Mulligan at the Masters. It was simply all about the "sporty" style, with an Argyle connection also to adidas & Ivan Lendl, it's not 100% clear who actually started wearing Argyle knitwear first. Diamond patterned knitwear became a key part of the dressers uniform with brands like Lyle & Scott not only respected for their expensive 'Made in Scotland' knitwear, but also their Golden Eagle was like a badge of honour to the Casuals, just like the crocodile from Lacoste or the F from Fila.
Above: The Lyle & Scott Argyle Knitted Crew Neck Jumper in pink now available exclusively from 80s Casaul Classics.
In celebration of the classic Argyle diamond pattern, and its connection to the Casual scene from the 1980s, we have worked exclusively with Lyle & Scott on some knitted crew neck jumpers. Dropping as part of the Lyle & Scott archive range which celebrates the brand's subcultural heritage to the UK over the last 50 years, the Argyle diamond pattern is brought back to life in true 80s Causal Classics style. Available in pink & navy colourways, the knitted crew features the classic Argyle diamond pattern to the front with a ribbed neckline, cuffs & hem. Other highlights include a knitted cotton blend fabric with a the iconic golden eagle embroidered to the left chest. A great addition to any dressers' winter wardrobe, the classic knit is now available exclusively from 80s Casual Classics via the links.