25 Tom Daley Crochet Sweater Outfit Ideas for Bold Handmade Style
If you have spent any time on social media over the past few years, you already know that Tom Daley is not just an Olympic gold medalist — he is a bona fide style icon in the handmade fashion world. The British diver made headlines when he was spotted knitting in the stands at the Tokyo Olympics, and ever since, he has been openly sharing his love of crochet and knitting with the world. His handmade sweaters, vests, and cardigans have sparked a massive wave of inspiration among crafters and fashion lovers alike. Today we are diving deep into 25 Tom Daley crochet sweater outfit ideas that will help you channel that same bold, playful, and unapologetically handmade energy in your own wardrobe.
Whether you are an experienced crocheter looking for your next wearable project or a fashion enthusiast searching for fresh outfit inspiration, this guide covers everything from colorful granny square pullovers to sleek monochrome vests. Let us get into it.
Why Tom Daley’s Crochet Style Resonates So Deeply
Before we jump into the outfit ideas, it is worth understanding why Tom Daley’s approach to handmade fashion has become such a cultural moment. In a world of fast fashion and mass production, there is something deeply radical about a world-class athlete sitting in the Olympic stands, needles clicking, creating something with his own hands. Tom has spoken openly about how knitting and crocheting helped him manage anxiety and stay grounded during some of the most high-pressure moments of his career.
His style choices are never timid. He wears bold colors, intricate patterns, and silhouettes that demand attention. And yet, there is always something warm and approachable about the way he puts together an outfit — it never feels like it is trying too hard. That balance of confidence and sincerity is exactly what makes his aesthetic so easy to love and so inspiring to replicate.
1. The Classic Granny Square Pullover with Wide-Leg Trousers
One of Tom’s most recognizable looks involves the granny square sweater — a timeless crochet motif that has made a massive comeback. Pair a multicolored granny square pullover in warm earth tones with wide-leg trousers in a neutral cream or camel shade. The structured silhouette of the trousers balances the textured, relaxed feel of the crochet top beautifully. Finish with simple white sneakers to keep things grounded.
2. Bright Color-Block Crochet Vest Over a Crisp Button-Down
Tom has been photographed in crochet vests more times than we can count, and this combination never gets old. Choose a vest featuring bold color-blocking — think royal blue paired with sunshine yellow or tomato red alongside forest green — and wear it over a neatly pressed white or light blue button-down shirt. Roll up the sleeves of the shirt slightly so they peek out beneath the crochet, and tuck everything into slim trousers. This is a look that works for creative workplaces, casual brunches, and gallery openings alike.
3. The Chunky Neutral Crochet Sweater and Straight-Leg Jeans
Not every outfit needs to shout to make a statement. A chunky, oversized crochet sweater in oatmeal, ivory, or warm beige worn with straight-leg dark wash jeans is one of the most wearable and effortlessly stylish looks you can put together. The texture of the crochet stitch does all the work, giving the outfit dimension and visual interest without relying on color. Pair with brown leather loafers or ankle boots for a polished finish.
4. Rainbow Striped Crochet Cardigan as a Statement Layer
Tom has never been shy about wearing rainbow colors, and a wide-striped crochet cardigan in every color of the spectrum is an absolute showstopper. Wear it open over a plain white fitted tee and your favorite jeans. Let the cardigan be the hero of the look by keeping everything underneath simple. This is a great option for Pride events, festivals, or any day when you want to bring a little extra joy to the world around you.
5. Monochrome Cream Crochet Sweater with Linen Trousers
There is a quiet elegance to a fully monochrome crochet look. A textured cream or off-white crochet sweater paired with linen trousers in the same tonal family creates a sophisticated, cohesive aesthetic. The contrast of the loose, open crochet work against the crisp weave of the linen is subtly striking. Add tan sandals or loafers and minimal gold jewelry to complete the look.
6. Graphic Crochet Sweater with Bold Motifs and Joggers
Tom often incorporates fun, graphic elements into his handmade pieces — think small hearts, stars, initials, or even diving figures worked into the body of a sweater. Pair a graphic crochet sweater with relaxed joggers and fresh white trainers for a cool, streetwear-adjacent look that still feels artisanal and personal. This is the kind of outfit that invites compliments and conversation.
7. Open-Weave Crochet Top with High-Waisted Shorts
For warmer weather, an open-weave or mesh-style crochet top is the perfect warm-weather statement piece. Wear it tucked loosely into high-waisted shorts in a complementary color. A light crochet top in sage green or terracotta over mustard or olive shorts creates a warm, summery palette that feels both handcrafted and fashion-forward. Add espadrilles or canvas sneakers for casual ease.
8. The Oversized Crochet Sweater Dress Approach
While Tom tends to wear separates, the spirit of his look translates beautifully into a sweater dress approach. An oversized crochet pullover worn as a mini dress — belted at the waist with a wide statement belt — channels the same playful, creative energy. Layer over thick tights and knee-high boots for a cool autumn look with serious handmade credentials.
9. Textured Crochet Polo Sweater and Tailored Chinos
A crochet polo-style sweater — one with a short placket and collar worked in crochet — adds a sporty yet refined element to any outfit. Pair it with well-fitted chinos in a complementary shade and clean white sneakers or leather Oxford shoes. This is a versatile look that bridges the gap between casual and smart casual with ease, and it is particularly well-suited to relaxed summer events or weekend sightseeing.
10. Patchwork Crochet Jacket as an Outerwear Statement
Take the crochet outerwear concept up a notch with a patchwork jacket made from different crochet squares or panels in varying colors and textures. This is a more ambitious project from a crafting standpoint, but the results are absolutely worth it. Wear the jacket over a plain fitted black turtleneck and slim black trousers for a look where the jacket does all the talking. This ensemble is perfect for fashion events, art shows, or anywhere you want to make an unforgettable entrance.
11. Vintage-Inspired Fair Isle Crochet Sweater and Corduroys
Fair Isle-style patterns translated into crochet have a wonderfully nostalgic quality that pairs perfectly with corduroy trousers. Choose a sweater featuring repeating geometric or floral motifs in autumnal colors — rust, burgundy, navy, cream — and pair with wide-wale cords in a deep olive or tobacco shade. Add suede Chelsea boots and you have a look that feels simultaneously retro and completely current.
12. Cropped Crochet Sweater with High-Rise Wide-Leg Pants
The cropped crochet sweater is one of the most flattering and on-trend silhouettes right now. When paired with high-rise wide-leg trousers, the proportions create an effortlessly chic silhouette. Choose a sweater worked in a tightly stitched pattern for a more refined look, or go with an open, lacier construction for warmer months. This is one of those outfits that looks like it required a lot of effort but actually comes together very easily.
13. Color-Pop Crochet Sweater and Matching Trousers Co-Ord
Coordinate the color of your crochet sweater with your trousers for a sleek, intentional look that feels modern and pulled-together. If your sweater features a dominant color — say, cobalt blue — pair it with trousers in the same shade. The handmade texture of the crochet against smooth trouser fabric creates a beautiful material contrast within a unified color story. Add white or black accessories to punctuate the look.
14. Crochet Sweater with a Longline Blazer
Layering a crochet sweater under a structured longline blazer is a combination that Tom Daley’s aesthetic strongly suggests, even if he hasn’t always done it explicitly himself. The structure of the blazer contrasts beautifully with the organic, textured nature of the crochet, creating a look that is polished yet creative. Choose a blazer in a neutral or complementary color and keep the trousers simple. This works particularly well for events where you want to look creative but still put-together.
15. Pastel Crochet Sweater and White Denim
Soft pastel crochet sweaters — think lavender, baby blue, mint, or soft peach — look incredible against the clean backdrop of white denim. The combination feels fresh, optimistic, and inherently spring-like. This is an easy, accessible outfit idea that almost anyone can put together, and the handmade element of the crochet instantly elevates what might otherwise be a fairly straightforward casual look.
16. Crochet Vest Over a Turtleneck for Autumn
One of the most popular styling combinations that Tom’s crochet-forward wardrobe has inspired is the crochet vest over a fitted turtleneck. For autumn and winter, this layering approach is both practical and stylish. A multicolored crochet vest over a slim navy, black, or forest green turtleneck, paired with straight-leg trousers and ankle boots, is a go-to look for anyone who wants to incorporate handmade pieces into a more weather-appropriate outfit.
17. Statement Sleeve Crochet Sweater and Tailored Shorts
A crochet sweater with dramatic, voluminous, or fluted sleeves becomes an instant fashion statement even when paired with something as simple as tailored shorts. The juxtaposition of the elaborate sleeve detail against minimal, streamlined bottoms creates visual balance and a sense of playful sophistication. This look works beautifully in warmer climates or as part of a resort wardrobe.
18. Heritage-Pattern Crochet Cardigan and Dark Denim
Heritage patterns — including Aran-inspired textures, Nordic-adjacent motifs, and woven-look geometric designs — translated into crochet have a timeless quality that pairs perfectly with dark rinse jeans or denim in an indigo shade. A heritage-pattern crochet cardigan worn open over a simple white or navy tee and dark denim jeans is a classic look with genuine staying power. It honors the craft tradition while remaining completely wearable and current.
19. Tie-Dye Effect Crochet Sweater with Earthy Basics
Some of the most exciting handmade sweaters use gradient or ombre yarn to create an effect that resembles tie-dye or watercolor. These sweaters are visually stunning on their own and need very little in the way of supporting pieces. Pair with simple earth-toned basics — a clay, olive, or camel trouser — and let the sweater be the centrepiece of the look. Natural fiber accessories like a jute belt or leather sandals amplify the artisanal quality of the whole ensemble.
20. Crochet Sweater and Athletic Shorts for a High-Low Mix
Tom Daley is an athlete, and there is something brilliantly subversive about combining a handcrafted, artisanal crochet sweater with sporty shorts. This high-low styling approach feels very much in the spirit of Tom’s personality — someone who holds world records in the pool but also sits knitting in the stands. Wear an oversized crochet pullover with fitted athletic shorts and clean white trainers. It is casual, fun, and utterly original.
21. Floral Motif Crochet Sweater with Linen Trousers
Sweaters worked with flower motifs — either as all-over patterns or as occasional accent details — have a joyful, handcrafted quality that pairs beautifully with the natural, relaxed feel of linen trousers. Choose a sweater with daisies, sunflowers, or abstract floral shapes and pair with wide-leg linen pants in a coordinating earthy shade. This is an ideal warm-weather look for outdoor events, markets, or a casual day out.
22. Black Crochet Sweater and Leather-Look Trousers
Crochet does not have to feel exclusively boho or cottage-core. A tightly stitched black crochet sweater — particularly one with an interesting stitch pattern or geometric texture — worn alongside leather-look trousers or slim black jeans creates a look that is edgy, sophisticated, and quite unexpected. The handmade element adds softness and personality to what would otherwise be a fairly austere monochrome outfit.
23. Crochet Hoodie Sweater with Cargo Trousers
The crochet hoodie — a pullover worked with a hood attached — is a more casual, relaxed take on handmade knitwear that pairs perfectly with cargo trousers for a contemporary streetwear-inspired look. Choose a crochet hoodie in a neutral or muted tone and match with olive, khaki, or stone-colored cargoes. Add chunky trainers or boots and you have an outfit that feels both handcrafted and very much of the moment.
24. Crochet Sweater with Printed Trousers
One of the bolder styling choices you can make is to pair a textured crochet sweater with printed trousers — think florals, abstract prints, plaid, or even animal print. The key is to find a color within the print that also appears in your crochet sweater, creating a thread of visual connection between the two pieces. Tom Daley’s willingness to take sartorial risks is a huge part of what makes his style so compelling, and this combination embodies that spirit perfectly.
25. The Head-to-Toe Crochet Moment
Possibly the boldest look of all — and one that the most adventurous among us will want to explore — is the head-to-toe crochet outfit. A crochet sweater paired with crochet wide-leg trousers or a crochet skirt in a coordinating palette creates a look that is simultaneously maximalist and cohesive. This is a look that requires confidence to pull off, but it is also the look that earns the most admiring glances and genuine compliments. Tom Daley’s fashion influence has helped make this level of handmade commitment not just acceptable but genuinely aspirational.
Tips for Building Your Own Tom Daley-Inspired Crochet Wardrobe
Now that you have 25 outfit ideas to work with, here are a few practical principles to keep in mind as you build your own handmade wardrobe:
Start with versatile base pieces. A neutral crochet sweater or vest in cream, black, or oatmeal will work with almost anything in your existing wardrobe, making it a good entry point if you are new to styling crochet pieces.
Do not be afraid of color. One of the most defining features of Tom Daley’s crochet style is his confident use of color. If you tend to wear a lot of neutrals, a bold crochet piece is an excellent way to experiment with color in a low-risk way, since the handmade quality gives it a softness that makes even the brightest shades feel approachable.
Think about proportion. Crochet sweaters often have a relaxed, slightly oversized silhouette, so pairing them with something more fitted or structured on the bottom — slim trousers, straight-leg jeans, tailored shorts — helps balance the overall look.
Let the texture do the work. Because crochet has inherent visual texture and dimension, you do not always need additional layers, accessories, or statement pieces. Sometimes the simplest outfits — a crochet sweater, well-fitted trousers, good shoes — are the most effective.
Make it yourself or shop small. Part of what makes Tom Daley’s approach to style so
