The real trend of the season is your thumb The aesthetic that from activewear has reached luxury

Can we talk about a trend when the recurring element is not a print, a color or even a material (like mohair this season), but a simple detail, an almost hidden habit that goes unnoticed? In some cases, yes, especially if that detail begins to make its appearance on the catwalks of the major luxury houses, completing yet another luxury translation of a detail born in the world of activewear. Hand in hand with balaclavas, opera gloves and knitted handwarmers, one of the season's micro trends would have been very popular with Fonzie from Happy Days: thumb holes, literally thumb holes, or mitten-sleeved garments. In short, longer sleeves, just enough to cover a large part of the hand, while allowing a glimpse of fingers and thumb. The functionality of an apparently insignificant detail is linked to the context in which it was born, that of sport, since for decades it has represented an inevitable touch on sweatshirts and thermal clothing for running, on turtlenecks and sleeveless shirts for skiing, assuming a new identity in the world of yoga, where brands like Lululemon have made it their distinctive sign. Warmth and comfort may not be the only reasons behind brands' obsession with thumb holes.

It is not clear what is so fascinating about making the thumb the protagonist of a top, perhaps the hand gestures, the manicure, that slightly emo, slightly sporty allure exert a charm that should not be underestimated. The thumb holes thus become an expedient to play down otherwise serious garments, adding a casual touch to the world of luxury.