This season, as our Diamonds Are Forever collection arrives on court, you’ll notice something quietly iconic running through the designs: the unmistakable rhythm of argyle. Criss-crossed diamonds, clean lines, and a subtle sense of movement - it’s a print with a long memory and a distinct Scottish accent.

The roots of argyle can be traced to the Scottish Highlands, where it first appeared not as a decorative flourish, but as a clan symbol. The pattern was originally worn as part of the tartan of Clan Campbell of Argyll in western Scotland, woven into kilts, plaids and the hose (long socks) of Scottish Highlanders. It wasn't just aesthetic, it denoted belonging, loyalty, and place.

But like so many great local motifs, argyle evolved. It travelled, adapted, and by the early twentieth century, it had found a new home: the golf course.

When the Duke of Windsor, then the Prince of Wales, began wearing argyle patterned jumpers while playing golf in the 1920s, it sparked a wave of popularity. His influence on menswear cannot be overstated, and his love of the print helped move argyle from Highland heritage into the arena of modern sport.

By the mid-century, argyle was deeply associated with sporting elegance. From golf to cricket to tennis, the diamond motif symbolised a certain kind of refinement, a world of grass courts, wooden rackets, and perfectly cut knits. In the post-war years, women’s tennis attire began to incorporate more sophisticated patterning, and argyle made quiet appearances on jumpers slung over shoulders, cuffs, and sock trims.

It’s this elegant athleticism we’ve channelled into Diamonds Are Forever. There’s something inherently dynamic about the diamond pattern, it moves with the eye, it elevates the silhouette, and it brings a sense of heritage without ever feeling dated. Our take on argyle is playfully considered, designed to honour the legacy (we hope!) while feeling utterly modern on court.

There’s also something joyfully empowering in reclaiming this storied print for women. Once the reserve of aristocratic menswear, argyle is now woven into garments designed to move with female athletes, strong, stylish, and entirely in their element.

At EXEAT, we often look to the past for inspiration, but never for imitation. Argyle, with its noble lineage and sporting flair, offers the perfect backdrop for our summer collection. A print shaped by tradition, reimagined for the modern player.

Diamonds, after all, are forever - but in our world, they also play tennis.

With love,

EXEAT xoxo