New Stripes, New Stories: Four Bold Retro Icons Join the Madcap England Line-Up
This season, we’re turning up the volume on retro style with four new striped pieces—each one infused with decades of cultural energy, musical rebellion and unmistakable mod attitude. These aren’t just garments; they’re wearable chapters of subcultural history. From the poetic fire of 70s jazz-funk to the carefree swagger of 90s Britpop, our new arrivals channel the rhythm of the past while staying razor-sharp for the modern wardrobe.
Whether your style leans toward refined knitwear, rainbow bravado or clean-cut mod tailoring, this fresh quartet is ready to add colour, character and cultural resonance to your rotation. Stripes, after all, aren’t just a pattern—they’re a pulse. Let’s meet the newest beats in the line-up.
HARLEM POLO SHIRT – A 70s MOD CLASSIC REIMAGINED
A sophisticated slice of retro style with unmistakable mod flair, the Madcap England Harlem Polo Shirt
revives a heritage silhouette and reworks it for today’s tastemakers. This is where sharp tailoring meets textured knit detail, finished with a nod to the cultural groundbreakers who shaped a generation.
Crafted from fine-gauge 100% cotton, the Harlem features a distinctive textured stripe panel blending navy blazer, red and white—vertical ribs adding depth, movement and a tactile sense of rhythm. The mod big collar delivers instant attitude, complemented by a smart 4-button box placket and a slim, streamlined silhouette that feels crisp, confident and made for the spotlight.
But the Harlem is more than texture and tailoring. Inspired by the pioneering words and spirit of Gil Scott-Heron, the polo reflects the soul of an era where poetry, politics and music collided with powerful effect. His iconic message—“The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”—still resonates today. And here, that message is woven into every line, every stitch and every bold stripe.
The revolution, in this case, is knitted: rhythmic, thoughtful and ready to wear.
REVOLUTION JUMPER – RETRO ATTITUDE, MODERN EDGE
Taking the same artistic influence into a fresh new silhouette, the Madcap England Revolution Jumper
brings striking retro energy and transforms it into a piece with true contemporary bite. It’s the perfect example of how a classic can be reborn through texture, structure and unmistakable mod precision.
The navy blazer base serves as a grounding tone, allowing the textured stripe front panel—woven in navy, red and white—to take centre stage. The vertical ribbing adds architectural definition, echoing the clean lines and understated drama of 70s knitwear. A slim fit, ribbed crew neck and minimal trims complete the picture: sharp, polished and quietly bold.
Once again, the spirit of Gil Scott-Heron pulses beneath the surface. The jumper transforms cultural commentary into wearable art, offering depth and intention without sacrificing style. It’s a garment that looks effortless but carries weight—a reminder that clothing can be a statement as much as it is a staple.
The message holds true:
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised – This Revolution Will Be Worn.
SUNDOWN JUMPER – RETRO RAINBOW WITH BRITPOP BITE
Now for something brighter—an explosion of colour and pure retro joy. The Madcap England Sundown Jumper
is where 70s sunshine meets 90s indie cool, a fusion of two eras known for their free spirit, creativity and unapologetic personality.
Crafted from fine-gauge cotton, this jumper showcases vibrant rainbow stripes sweeping across the chest and sleeves. It’s bold without being loud, playful without feeling costume-like, and designed to bring instant optimism to any outfit. The result? A genuine feel-good knit that radiates warmth and nostalgia.
Versatility is part of its charm. Match it with bell-bottoms and let your inner 70s icon shine, or pair it with jeans and trainers for the effortless nonchalance of 90s Britpop. Clean ribbed trims keep it polished, ensuring that even a riot of colour maintains a sleek silhouette.
Bright, bold and buzzing with retro warmth—the Sundown Jumper is pure colour therapy, ready for days when your wardrobe needs a hit of happiness.
JARVIS JUMPER – 70s HERITAGE MEETS 90s BRITPOP ICONOGRAPHY
If the Sundown Jumper is the vibrant glow of a retro sunset, the Madcap England Jarvis Jumper
brings the warm afterglow—moody, mellow and effortlessly cool. With gradient rainbow stripes across a soft birch backdrop, this piece channels 70s nostalgia while giving a knowing wink to 90s Britpop iconography.
The fine-gauge cotton knit offers a smooth, comfortable wear, while the slim silhouette and ribbed trims keep the look clean and contemporary. Subtle fashion-stitch details at the shoulders add refinement without distraction, and the gradient effect gives the stripes a textured sense of movement—like music rolling through an open window.
Culturally, the Jarvis sits happily between decades: it nods to the carefree colour schemes of 70s knitwear, yet its attitude and aesthetic are firmly rooted in the age of parka jackets, festival fields and Britpop swagger. It’s nostalgic and modern all at once, making it an instant classic for wardrobes that celebrate personality as much as style.
Wear it with denim, with tailoring, with whatever feels right—its charm lies in its adaptability.
FOUR STRIPED STATEMENTS, ENDLESS STYLE POSSIBILITIES
From revolution-inspired textures to rainbow brightness, this striped quartet brings fresh energy to the Madcap England collection. They’re rooted in cultural heritage yet fully designed for today—pieces that don’t just reference the past, but reinterpret it with clarity, confidence and creativity.
Each garment carries its own personality, but they share a common language: fine cotton knitwear, sharp mod sensibility and bold stripes that speak volumes. They’re for the dressers who appreciate history, the rebels who love a statement piece, and the everyday stylists who know that good knitwear is a year-round essential.
Bring the past forward. Wear it loud. Wear it proud. Wear it Madcap.
