Looking for a style like Dark Academia but comfy?
Hey all,
I'm trying to find a style that fits me and came across dark academia and really really liked the look and feel of it... for the most part. The only problem is I hate how bulky/uncomfortable it is! The only comfortable aspect of it I can really nail down is the jumpers, but it looses the sleek smart look of a white buttoned shirt underneath. :(
Is there a style like Dark Academia but comfy that comes to mind? (Male, 20, UK)
41 Replies
people will be able to help you more if you share examples of what you like and don't like. maybe grab some photos online and then indicate what you like/dislike so we can better understand what you're going for.
that's a good idea thanks
this is actually really difficult
Is this a style you're already experimenting with and finding uncomfortable? I think a lot of folks find things like knits, button down shirts, wool trousers, dark denim, derbies or chelsea boots to be very comfortable so it's kind of odd to hear what is essentially university wear described as like very bulky or uncomfy
J wondering if you perceive it as uncomfortable from looking at stuff or if this is your lived experience
You can try searching pinterest or tumblr tags, lot of ppl use that term there. You can also try watching movies set at ivy league or oxbridge unis (or prep/boarding schools lol) which are kinda the og inspo for this aesthetic as far as I can tell.
Also regarding shirts under jumpers- I've found it looks a little better when you embrace getting a slightly or significantly oversized jumper, and a shirt that actually fits your neck size (not too large) so that it's not bunching up a ton.
Everything feels comfortable exepct for the buttoned up white shirts
these feel impossible to get to look both fitted and feel good
i should probably get one taloired for my exact body right?
You really don't have to do all that
You can forgo a white collared shirt and still fit this style
that's true i suppose
but when i wear knitted jumpers with the rest it doesn't scream academia at all
also is this the exact shirt you're trying to work with or just an example you pulled
close enough
right but this is a non-iron french cuff shirt, it's going to be uncomfortable by design
uniqlo white ocbds are quite comfy
Ooo i'll look into it
i've never heard of ocbds before aha
if i wear to go with Oxford Cloth Button Down Shirts, would I pair it with a crew neck or v-neck?
either is fine, whichever you prefer
oh i've seen this material before
i feel like, paired with a knitted jumper, this would be way too bulky still
Is the sweater you're working with particularly bulky?
I get that perception if you don't layer often but layering is kind of integral to this style
The look IS bulky is the thing imo. Almost every "dark academia" inspo/look I've seen involves a roomy/ oversized sweater. Do you have a pic of a sweater over shirt look that you like?
It really doesn't have to be though, like this is a pretty classic academic template and a shirt/sweater/blazer all layers very easily. There's probably an underlayer too so that's 4 layers of clothing and it all looks pretty light and comfortable
If you want to cut some bulk/layers I'd really suggest opting for a turtleneck under a blazer/overcoat
i think you're right..
the jumpers i do have are quite bulky
i have none bulky jumpers but they don't seem to match the current white button ups i have
im thinking i might be able to pull off the look via just jumpers..?
not sure how much it screams academia
Post pictures of your pieces
Ya like jumper under a blazer works great, you can cut out the shirt if that's the sticking point
I feel like dark academia is heavily influenced by surroundings, it's usually just business casual in autumn on some college campus. Don't sweat signalling academia too much if you aren't in college!
i am aha
im going onto my 2nd year of university
Seconding bishop, post pictures of your pieces or some fits you're considering so we can give you better feedback & advice
I think i've gathered enough info, thank you all
oh word nice
oh except one last thing, what's a good place for nice knitted jumpers? (UK)
Harley of Scotland
I'm sure they are tons more though
Bosie/Harley of scotland, inis meain (thrift it maybe?)
When I was in Edinburgh the vintage and thrift stores there often had a great selection. I'm sure there's good stuff all over the uk tho knitwear there rules
wow these are... very expensive
Yeah thrifting is the way to go haha. Honestly if ur a uni student random thrifted/high st/mall brand stuff might be the way to go, look for machine washable uber soft stuff and experiment. Really nice knitwear can be intimidating to wash well haha
I think Harley is actually pretty reasonably priced for well made 100% woolen jumpers/cardigans
but check out M&S they might have blends that are cheaper than that
good to know, thank you !
Uni kids are used to spending 20 quid or less on acrylic knits tho lol
around £50/60
very true
you could also search on ebay
Charity shops are an eco and wallet friendly way to experiment and every now and then you'll find something really really nice for cheap. Ebay is kinda hard to use unless you really know what you're looking for imo
That's fair and it can be a risk in terms of sizing from ebay. Suffered that with wool shirts that are smaller than they should be from people machine washing them
eBay
genuinescottishknits | eBay Stores
Welcome to our ebay shop. A small family run based in beautiful Southern Scotland. All our knitwear we sell is made from 100% wool in our factory in Annan, Dumfries & Galloway
and are absolutely best quality at genuine factory prices.
still probably out of your budget, but good and cheaper than harley