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By Laura Lajiness Kaupke and Julia Storm
Yes, sweaters come into play during autumn and winter, but they’re truly a year-round wardrobe mainstay – thus making an assortment from the best knitwear brands essential. Of course, sweaters do have their moments throughout spring and summer, too. Take, for instance, lightweight Mariner stripes or loosely woven jumpers to style with summer whites or atop your swimsuit, or a cardigan tossed over a breezy dress or blouse on brisk days in April and May. And come autumn’s crisper temperatures and winter’s brutal chill, the cosiest, most luxuriously spun styles become genuine hero pieces.
We’re talking crew-necks and cardigans with denim and dresses. Polo-necks, both fitted and oversized, for layering or wearing loosely over leggings. And, of course, sweater dresses of all kinds – from ribbed silhouettes to elegant cashmere styles. Knitted leisure sets and bottoms are equally suitable for everything from travel to lounging with family throughout the holidays or perhaps tossed on for a quick errand or coffee run.
Whenever, or however, you like to bundle up, scroll on for Vogue’s edit of the best knitwear brands, from luxury labels such as Khaite and The Row to beloved brands like Everlane, Loro Piana, Vince and Ganni.
The Swedish fashion house Filippa K has recently undergone a facelift under the direction of its new creative lead, Liisa Kessler, who joined from Saint Laurent. Nordic craftsmanship and sensibilities are slashed with a razor-sharp edge. The outcome? Comfort meets cool, and the same applies for the knitwear.
Filippa K Ribbed Cashmere Jumper With Frayed Edges
Filippa K Structure Yak Sweater
Since last year, 86 per cent of materials used to produce Cos separates have been sustainably sourced. At the crux of the brand is durable, well-crafted pieces that cause little impact on the planet. So far, so good. Our advice? Its cropped pullovers and half-zip jumpers will quickly become the backbone of your wardrobe.
Cos Pure Cashmere Turtleneck Jumper
Although Uniqlo’s heat-tech is beloved in cold weather, the Japanese retailer is failsafe for high-quality, affordable knitwear. You’ll always discover perfect basics, from extra-fine merino wool sweaters to cashmere, all in a range of neutral tones and fun colours. Plus, there are pieces from designer collaborations like JW Anderson.
Uniqlo 100% Cashmere Crew-Neck Cropped Sweater-Vest
Marks & Spencer’s wardrobe staples have been a permanent fixture in English households since its founding in 1884. They’re simple, great quality and budget-friendly. The knitwear does exactly what it’s supposed to do, keeping you warm and cosy. In short: don’t mess with a classic.
M&S Ribbed Crew Neck Knitted Vest
M&S Pure Merino Wool Crew Neck Jumper
Since 1967, Ralph Lauren has been a trusted go-to for elevated basics. The iconic American brand creates intricately woven knitwear items in an array of colours that are suitable for any occasion.
Ralph Lauren Ombré-Stripe Cotton-Linen Jumper
Ralph Lauren Cotton-Blend Herringbone-Knit Jumper
A true classic, Boden never disappoints when it comes to wardrobe staples. As a partner of the Good Cashmere Standard® by AbTF, the fashion house considers all aspects of conscious cashmere production in their vow to to manufacture all its clothing of 100% sustainable materials by 2025.
Boden Eva Cashmere V-Neck Jumper
Boden Eva Cashmere Crew Cardigan
Everlane’s ethical approach to closet staples has earned the company high marks among shoppers and editors alike. In line with the label’s streamlined aesthetic, the knitwear is simple yet covetable, from the assortment of ReCashmere sweaters (made from recycled materials) to nostalgia-driven cardigans, polos and half-zips.
Everlane The Felted Merino Half-Zip Jumper
Looking for great knitwear with a purpose? &Daughter is for you. Each piece is made with love using a slow fashion approach, crafted by “expert makers” in the UK and Ireland. From the natural yarns to the hand finishings, value is everything. The Fintra jumper is a best-seller, loved for its flattering fit and ever-lasting appeal.
&Daughter Aran Cable-Knit Wool Sweater
&Daughter Athea Wool Tank
Dutch label Extreme Cashmere prides itself on knits made for “everybody and every body.” Its Founder Saskia Dijkstra has mastered unisex knitwear that’s made to last: classic shapes are injected with unexpected pops of colour and quirky details, crafted from super-soft Mongolian cashmere.
Extreme Cashmere N°309 Clover Cashmere Cardigan
Extreme Cashmere Please Cashmere Sweater
Established in 2009, the store currently under the H&M umbrella is adored for its minimalist silhouettes, premium materials and fun collaborations (partnering with Rejina Pyo last spring was a momentous moment for the high street brand). & Other Stories novices should aim straight for the embellished Christmas jumpers.
& Other Stories Relaxed Fit Knitted Jumper
& Other Stories Collared Cashmere Jumper
Andrea Karg, the mastermind behind long-spanning German-based label Allude, ended her law career to pursue knitwear designing. Suffice to say, it paid off. Since launching in 1993, the brand has collaborated with several high-end retailers and unveiled numerous collections during Paris Fashion Week. Karg’s first design – an alluring cashmere V-neck sweater – is still a customer favourite today.
Allude Striped Wool And Cashmere-Blend Sweater
Arket’s mix of contemporary eco-conscious pieces and über-cool homeware separates it from the rest of the H&M family. For those dreaming of elevated knitwear staples, look to their sheer merino roll-necks and half-zip fleeces.
Arket Mohair Blend Cable Jumper
Although Ganni is beloved for its signature quirky prints and overstated shapes, the Danish label was launched as a cashmere apparel line in 2000 by founder Frans Truelsen. In the late 2010s, husband-and-wife duo Nicolaj Reffstrup and Ditte Reffstrup took the helm and since have delivered cult balloon sleeve pullovers, poplin collar cardigans, and oversized turtlenecks in cozy cashmere, chunky cotton, and the brand’s latest recycled wool.
Ganni Chunky Cropped O-Neck Jumper
Ganni Brushed Alpaca O-Neck Jumper
Founded by Catherine Holstein in 2016, New York-based Khaite is beloved for its robust offering of polished foundation pieces with ease, all distinguished by premium materials and subtle yet striking details. The collection is primarily anchored by knitwear, including pieces like the bell-sleeve Scarlet cardigan, relaxed polo Jo sweater and ribbed dresses defined by sculptural necklines, including the Beth and Alessandra midis.
Khaite Franklin Striped Cropped Cashmere Sweater
Going on its 20th year in business, Vince is a beloved LA-based label offering versatile, always sophisticated basics. The contemporary knitwear is tried and true – minimally crafted crew- and V-necks to oversized funnel necks and cashmere lounge sets – and pairs perfectly with the label’s signature silk slips and skirts. Everything is offered in both regular and extended sizes.
Vince Relaxed-Fit Houndstooth Wool And Cashmere-Blend Jumper
Helmed by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, The Row is synonymous with luxuriously spun knitwear. Bestsellers range from simple crew-necks and polo-necks to subtle albeit impeccably detailed cardigans, sweater dresses, and intricate pullovers. Following the Olsens’ personal taste, a common theme is oversized fits – so perfect for layering.
The Row Callan Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater
Alanui’s jacquard belted cardigans, featuring a buttonless, oversized silhouette edged with dense fringe, are the very thing that launched the Italian label, and since, it’s amassed a cult following. The sibling-founded brand by Nicolò and Carlotta Oddi has expanded its offerings to include knitted skirts, bralettes, shorts and pullovers. Naturally, we can’t help but champion the piece that started it all.
Alanui Striped Woven Wool Sweater
Alanui Antarctic Circle Intarsia Wool Turtleneck Sweater
Founded by Vogue veterans Meredith Melling and Valerie Macaulay and Rag & Bone’s former head of business development, Molly Howard, La Ligne focuses on timeless pieces, all unified by the stripe. Some garments are more literal than others, from classic Breton striped sweaters to playful colour-block pullovers and knitted polo shirts.
La Ligne Marina Striped Cotton Jumper
La Ligne Mini Marina Striped Cotton Sweater
Famous for ultra-decadent fabrics, including luxury cashmere and wool products on the knitwear front, the high-end Italian label Loro Piana was founded in 1924 in Quarona, Italy. This is the ultimate label for investing in sweaters, knitted sets, heavyweight cable knits, and beyond – this season, don’t sleep on the autumnal-toned jacquard turtlenecks and ombré ribbed cashmere.
Loro Piana Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater
Loro Piana Striped Cashmere Sweater
Brunello Cucinelli is not only beloved for luxurious Italian craftsmanship; the founder is known as the king of cashmere, specialising in knitwear of all kinds. With a signature, sportivo-chic aesthetic, finely spun pieces range from intricate pointelle-knit alpaca-blend cardigans and crewnecks to beaded and metallic-flecked knits for festive style.
Brunello Cucinelli Ribbed-Knit Wool And Cashmere Sweater
Brunello Cucinelli Metallic Cashmere-Blend Turtleneck Sweater
Sheep Inc promotes a positive impact on the planet. The solar-powered manufacturing process means that energy is saved and stored each time a garment is made, resulting in “carbon negative knitwear”. Better still: Sheep Inc goods are impossibly soft thanks to the 100 per cent Merino wool, that are knitted as “one waste-free piece.”
Sheep Inc Cloud Blue Hoodie
Sheep Inc. The Checkmate Cardigan
Raey is team Vogue’s port of call for foundational wardrobe pieces, including its well-loved, timeless knitwear. Creative director Rachel Proud has a clear vision of her customer: “She has stuff to do,” she previously told British Vogue. “And money to invest, because she wants to be wearing that merino jumper for a really long time.”
Raey Sheer Ribbed-Knit Cashmere Cardigan
Raey Roll-Neck Wool Cropped Cocoon Jumper
There’s no wonder why Totême’s knitwear regularly sells out. The Stockholm-based brand specialises in cult sweaters – like its Breton stripe styles – that are not only snug, but wonderfully stylish.
Totême Oversized Ribbed Wool And Cashmere-Blend Sweater
Chinti & Parker’s colourful offbeat knits stand out from the crowd. The London-based label was founded in 2009 by Anna Singh and Rachael Wood with the aim to “invigorate women’s wardrobes with knitwear that celebrates joyful colour, timeless shapes, and innovative texture”.
Chinti & Parker Cream Wool-Cashmere Textured Sweater
Chinti & Parker Cream Wool-Cashmere Varsity Cardigan
Since founding her eponymous label in 1994, Isabel Marant has firmly established herself as a household name. With collections that feature slouchy sweatshirts, chunky knits and technical fabrications, the Paris-based designer’s vintage-inspired French-girl separates have become covetable wardrobe staples.
Isabel Marant Dimitria Striped Mohair Wool-Blend Knitted Jumper
Isabel Marant Zana Cutout Ribbed Merino Wool-Blend Sweater
Bamford not only creates handcrafted knitwear, it’s also renowned for ethically sourced materials and working closely with small-scale artisans. With a knack for producing pieces that are made to last, any purchase from the British heritage brand is a sound investment.
N6 Dty Bamford Leo Cashmere Crew Sweater