Knit vs Crochet: Their Differences And How Men Can Effortlessly Style Them

Your linen and cotton shirts have got competition this summer. This season, men’s fashion brands are going all-in on crocheted clothes and why not? It’s cool. It’s colourful. It’s here to stay. 

Taking a cue out of Pinterest and Instagram mood boards, even big designers and niche boutiques are reimagining the classic craft of interlocking loops of yarn with a hook and using it to make several knit and crochet menswear pieces like co-ords, shirts, hats, gloves and even trousers – everything aligning with the millennial sensibility. 

Fashion-forward dudes are digging these breezy pieces that are helping them elevate their everyday wardrobe, just like the K-drama-inspired outfit ideas a few seasons ago.

While the crochet trend is gaining popularity, there’s another yarn craft called knitting, which is often confused with and used interchangeably with crocheting. The two techniques are considered sister crafts, but there are key differences when you compare crochet vs knit stitches.

So, whether you are endeavouring to be the next Olympic gold medallist diver Tom Daley, who loves to knit in his free time, or just craving more insight before committing to the menswear trend, our knit vs crochet guide will help you decide which one is for you. 

Knit vs crochet: What’s the difference?

Both knitting and crochet are yarn crafts that work with interlocking and knotting loops of yarn to create a garment, but they differ in technique and the types of clothes they’re best suited for making. Here are some of the key differences between the two:

1. The technique used: Knitting uses two needles to interlock yarn to make a fabric, while crochet employs a single hook to create a garment from yarn.
2. The fabric which is created: Knitting helps create a delicate, drapey fabric that is more suitable for making pieces like sweaters, socks, and mittens while crochet produces more structured items such as hats, jumpers and blankets. However, popular garments like shirts, vests and trousers can be made using both techniques.
3. The elasticity and bulkiness of the pieces: Crochet tends to be bulkier and more resilient while knitting offers more elasticity and drape, ideal for wearables like scarves and mittens.
4. The stretchability of the garment: The stitches in knitting are interlocking loops, allowing for more stretching, while crochet stitches resemble knots and are more solid and sturdy.
5. Mistake correction in both crafts: Fixing mistakes while crocheting is easier since you are working one stitch at a time, whereas if you drop a stitch in knitting it can lead to unravelling, called a ‘ladder.’

Knitwear or crochet shirts: Which one should you pick to make a style statement?

While there’s no specific answer to which craft is easier, it all depends on your personal preferences, dexterity of hands and the will to learn a new style. Some find knitting easier, while others find crochet more intuitive and easy to grasp since there is only a single hook involved.

In fact, both techniques offer a good learning curve, allowing beginners to start creating simple projects fairly quickly. One can always experiment with patterns and mix different yarn colours as they become more pro at the craft.

Also, consider what type of pieces you want to create and how much time you can dedicate. Knitting is great for delicate patterns and garment making but can be more time-consuming, while crochet offers faster projects and more room for mistake correction.

That said, at the end of the day it is about finding joy in the process of creating something for your own, so pick what brings you more happiness. 

How to style a crochet shirt or a knitted outfit

Now that you know both crafts well, it should be easier for you to make a choice and style your outfit. Here’s how you can pull off a crochet shirt.

1. Pair it with matching trousers to work a monotone look: No, you don’t need a body like Dwayne Johnson‘s to ‘rock’ a crochet shirt, just some flair is good enough. Style your look with regular-fit chinos or trousers in the same colour as your shirt to work a monotone look.
2. Accessorise with a chain stack and some strappy sandals: Accessories are key to taking your look from basic to classic. Consider throwing on a stack of either silver or golden chains, a pair of sunglasses, and a watch (since most crochet shirts are done in short sleeves) to elevate your outfit. Finish your look with strappy sandals for that perfect summer feel. Also, keep the top two buttons open for that extra breeziness.
3. Pair it with linen shorts for that perfect beach look: Take your crochet shirts to the beach and level up your style with a pair of espadrilles or sliders to rock that ‘cool dude on vacation’ look.
4. Distressed denim for an edge: If you gravitate more towards edgy dressing, style your crochet shirts with ripped jeans. You could also try a crochet vest and denim look.
5. Polo shirts for a formal look: Many e-commerce brands are doing polo shirts in crochet. Introduce a few knitted polos to your formal wardrobe for a summer refresh.

(Header and feature image courtesy: Instagram/Nick Jonas/Ilaria Urbinati)