Item of the week: the singlet

What it is:

A singlet typically refers to a standard sleeveless top. Yet while simple,
the silhouette was undoubtedly one of the most popular in menswear SS24
collections. While the look was initially linked to the underwear category,
typically layered under workwear in the early 19th century, it eventually
made its way into sportswear in the second half of the century, worn to
enhance the movements of athletes. Later, the item seeped into the world of
fashion, favoured by rock musicians and gay men of the 1970s and -80s. Now,
the singlet is a staple wardrobe addition, genderless in its form and
must-have to complete a wardrobe.

Why you’ll want it:

For SS24, the singlet was a standout item, seen in an array of prints,
materials and colours, exhibiting the vast amount of variations it is now
available in. The piece itself is popular among both men and women as an
effortless outfit alternative for warm days, or as a piece that can be
easily layered alongside other items. Being completely genderless in most
cases also means that there are less boundaries placed on the top, allowing
it to appeal to a broader audience and cross borders.

Where we’ve seen it:

The singlet appeared in various styles in the collections of menswear for
the upcoming season. Simple iterations of the vest could be seen at
Givenchy, Rick Owens and Junya Watanabe, each of whom stuck to black and
white colourways. Knitted singlets were particularly popular on the
runways, however, either in fluffy, mohair-style looks like Wales Bonner,
diamond knit at Lgn Louis Gabriel Nouchi or mesh techniques, as present at
Fendi. Others took on more experimental forms. While Lazoschmidl offered up
cut-out, swimwear-like pieces, Botter displayed a singlet that appeared to
resemble the texture of a wicker construction.

How to style it:

A singlet can be used as a standalone item, however layering the piece
makes it a lot more interesting and brings some depth to an outfit. One
example of such a technique is using a knit tank over the top of an
oversized shirt, which can be further elevated by adding a scarf or necktie
to finish the outfit off. A button-up in a more flowing material makes the
perfect over-layer for the singlet, providing the wearer with a useful
piece to bring on cooler spring/summer nights.

The singlet, with all of its history, has become a modern-day staple, a
must-have of the wardrobes for both men and women. Next to its prominence
on the runway, the look provides customers with an effortless garment to
cater to their summer needs.