Ah, knitwear—the fashion equivalent of a comforting hug from your nan. I love knitwear, and thankfully, living in Britain means I get to indulge in my obsession with all things woolly for most of the year. Even in the peak of summer, you'll find me toting an extra knitted layer tied around my shoulders or waist, prepared for when the inevitable evening chill sets in. So it's particularly helpful now that it's winter as all of my favourite brands are taking their knitwear pretty seriously right now.
Whether your budget is high street or high end, the selection of knitwear out there has never been stronger. And I've already started to see patterns in the knitwear landing in new-in sections across the internet.
Francesca Saffari wears a cream jumper from COS.
Of course, you can never go wrong with a classic cream cable-knit or a soft cashmere cardigan. Still, brands are thinking well and truly outside of the box with their knitwear, shifting it from something of a mandatory purchase to one that's significantly more exciting. From classic stripes to bright block colour to folksy embroidery to intricate swirls, the knitwear scene for winter 2024 is eclectic, so you're guaranteed to find a woven wonder to suit your style. As for which brands to start with, I can help with that.
Having conferred with my colleagues, I've curated a list of the knitwear brands we think are worth spending your money on. I've included labels you'll know, such as Arket, and others you might not yet be familiar with (&Daughter, perhaps). Scroll on to see the 19 knitwear brands to have on your radar.
The 19 Best Knitwear Brands for Women, Hands Down:
1. MARKS & SPENCER
M&S does some of the best affordable cashmere around.
This is such a versatile cardi for cold weather dressing.
2. REFORMATION
Reformation's cashmere pieces exude relaxed California cool.
Take it from me: scarf knits are an winter must-have.
3. COS
COS is always my go-to for minimalist knitwear with a cool edge.
Such a great fit.
4. UNIQLO
Wear with trousers, jeans and skirts alike.
I love this burnt orange shade.
5. H&M
This looks way more expensive than its £28 price tag.
I love how this is styled.
6. THE ROW
This chic cardigan is made from Italian cashmere.
You'll keep this forever.
7. WHISTLES
Stripes are a knitwear classic.
I love wearing a fitted knit with high-waisted jeans or tailored trousers.
8. & OTHER STORIES
& Other Stories creates exceptional separates and dresses, and its knitwear is just as impressive. It has more cult styles than perhaps any other high-street brand, and its pieces never hang around for long.
This jumper feels distinctly & Other Stories, which is always inventive with its details.
9. ARKET
We're all familiar with Arket and regularly shop its different categories. But knitwear is the section our editors favour most. This knit is a best seller and now comes in a gorgeous array of colours.
You'll wear this ideal layering staple over and over.
10. KHAITE
Ever since Katie Holmes wore Khaite's bradigan (our term for a cardigan and bra set), the brand has remained in the style spotlight. This cardigan is an update on the very style Holmes wore and continues to be a best seller.
A very off-duty-model jumper.
11. TOTEME
This knit is a icon. Don't believe me? Read all about why we love it so much here.
A classic that will never date.
12. ISABEL MARANT
The oversized fit makes it ideal for layering.
Irresistibly soft.
13. &DAUGHTER
Scottish- and Irish-made brand &Daughter creates its pieces slowly and in limited runs to maximise its sustainability.
This season the brand is doing bright colours so well.
14. LORO PIANA
If luxury knitwear is what you seek, Loro Piana is the answer. The Italian atelier specialises in elevated staples using premium-quality fabrics.
Soft, warm colours is integral to Loro Piana designs, and this knit demonstrates that perfectly.
15. GANNI
Ganni is a Scandi-style favourite, with several of its knitwear pieces gaining followings on social media. I'm particularly into this irreverent take on the argyle look.
Ganni also has a slew of classic, unembellished knits to choose from—in bright colours, of course.
16. ALLUDE
Founded by Andrea Karg, the "queen of cashmere," this Munich-based label should be your go-to for elevated staple knitwear.
This is the perfect jumper to make jeans suddenly look polished.
17. LA LIGNE
Stripes are a signature of this American brand, and this wool and cashmere jumper is a perfect example.
Red is the colour of the season, and this cropped jumper is a brilliant way to introduce it into your wardrobe.
18. AMERICAN VINTAGE
Our editors are big fans of American Vintage, particularly for its slouchy knits.
This is such a gorgeous colour for all seasons.
19. ACNE STUDIOS
ACNE Studios might be known for its accessories, but its knitwear is also a star in its sartorial line-up.
Although there are plenty of neutral and muted knitwear options to choose from, this season, ACNE Studios is dabbling in colour.
This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
