Garments that have been permanently splattered with paint as a deliberate feature of the pattern fall under this trend. Paint-splattered denim springs to mind right away. In some cases a pattern is knitted into a sweater to resemble a paint-splatter effect. And in other cases the pattern was screen-printed onto knitted or woven fabric much like any other design is screen-printed.

Items are fairly neutral. The paint-splatter design is usually one or two colours, and seldom multi-coloured. The paint-splattered effect can be subtle or dramatic, and has a casual integrity. You’ll find it on all sorts of wardrobe items across a range of price points. The trend has been around for a while. It’s very fringe, and likely to remain that way. It takes me back to the ‘80s, especially when it’s in bright and neon colours. This time round the paint-splatter trend is more subtle.

Here are some examples.

I am neutral about this trend, and neither love it nor loathe it. I prefer the more subtle versions.

In fact, I ordered this workwear shirt from G-Star and hadn’t noticed the paint splatters on the denim until I saw it in person. I thought they were part of the stonewashed effect. The big white studs and high collar launched me into orbit, and the sleeves are very unique. It has a modern ‘60s and ‘70s vibe to it, and the gentle architectural fit is perfect. It’s beautifully made, and sustainably too. I put it on and fell in love, paint splatters and all. It’s fab with my collection of white jeans, orange pants, red pants, and can work with a couple of skirts too.

Over to you. What do you think of the paint-splatter trend?