The snuggliest time of the year is officially back, but stashing your summer wardrobe and saying bye to slip on sandals and care-free camisoles doesn’t need to be doom and gloom. We know it’s not practical to put half your wardrobe into hibernation once the weather turns, which is where our knitwear guide comes in handy. So beat the winter blues with the new knitwear you won’t want to leave home without. It’s time to get your knits out!
This season, next season and every season cable knits have a place in our wardrobes. Endlessly versatile and unbeatable when it comes to cosiness, wear this classic style with just about anything you want and to make it instantly modern. Floaty summer dress? Stick a chunky cable knit on over the top for full style points. Favourite pair of boyfriend jeans? Wear with an oversized cable knit half tucked in and you’ve got a full LOOK. Mini skirt you’ve been waiting to wear? Put on a cable knit and we promise it’ll go from NSFW to daytime friendly in one move.
Fair Isle knits are such a cold weather classic, but you only ever see them once the weather turns so there’s something special about getting them out for winter. Depending on whether you have childhood memories of being forced into an itchy knit your granny made, you might not be thrilled to hear that this season they’ve made a serious comeback. Super cosy, bold patterns and a healthy dose of nostalgia mean that this style is here to stay. It’s time to embrace the Fair Isle.
Working out what to wear to yet another Christmas get-together is tricky at the best of times, but throw in the predictably gloomy weather and all you really want to do is stick on a cosy jumper, right? Well, we’ve found a solution: the metallic knit. Try wearing it tucked in with a daring mini or swishy midi skirt and heels for the ultimate mix of comfort and style. Don’t worry about dress codes either; wearing a jumper with a dressy look is a super modern way to approach smarter dressing. Plus, whether it’s daytime or after hours this is the ideal way to introduce a bit of sparkle to everyday outfits without going OTT.
If there’s one knit that deserves a place in your winter wardrobe it’s the roll neck jumper. Endlessly versatile, chunky styles will work worn with your favourite skirt or trousers while thin knits were practically made to be layered up underneath dresses. We don’t know about you, but if there’s a way to get more wear out of our summer wardrobe then we’re on board. It’s almost as good as wearing a duvet to work. Almost.
Store all your knitwear folded up on shelves or in drawers, hanging them up will ruin the shape.
Avoid a moth massacre by storing knits with bags of dried lavender or cedar balls.
Make sure all your jumpers are clean and stain-free when you put them away; they’ll attract moth larvae if not.
Follow the washing guidelines on the label. It sounds simple, but even washing at a slightly higher temperature can ruin your favourite jumper.
Don’t be tempted to cut corners by throwing your knits in the tumble dryer, there’s nothing worse than realising all your winter woollies have shrunk. Just re-shape them while they’re damp, dry them on a flat surface and be patient.
If your knitwear starts to bobble you can use a regular razor to remove pilling and keep it in tip-top condition for longer.
This is a form of goats wool but feels super soft and is the most luxurious material for knitwear. Cashmere is beautiful but needs to be handled carefully and hand washed.
Typically from sheep and goats, wool looks beautiful and is great for warmth in the colder months.
Easier to take care of and will retain its shape better than some other materials but it does retain water so maybe not the best choice if it’s raining outside!
Man-made and typically lighter than some thick wool garments.
Our knitwear teams top tips on how to care for your knitwear:
Storing knitwear:
Knitwear is best kept folded in boxes or drawers, this will stop the garment from growing and becoming misshapen over time.
Lyndsey says: ‘Hanging knitwear can cause jumpers to grow over time, turning jumpers into dresses!’
Bobbling or pilling:
This occurs over time, and it caused by two pieces of fabric rubbing together or during the washing process. You can remove bobbles easily with an electric bobble remover, it leaves the fabric smooth and looking newer for longer.
Washing knitwear:
Wash knitwear regularly. Washing in a machine at 30 degrees and under is fine, always wash coloured items separately and always follow the washing instructions carefully.
Drying knitwear:
Try not to hang your knitwear when drying it as this can cause it to lose its shape, instead allow it to dry flat in a cool dry place. Stay away from the tumble dryer as this can cause knitwear to shrink.
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