While jumpers come into play during autumn and winter, they’re truly a year-round staple, which means that having a mental rolodex of the best knitwear brands is essential.
Certain labels have excelled in the knitwear space: from those that specialise in premium knitted staples, like homegrown label &Daughter, to high-street stalwarts like Arket and Cos, both of which stock a healthy range of styles each season.
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 affordable brands like Everlane, M&S and Cos.
- Best high street staple: M&S Pure Merino Wool Crew Neck Jumper, £35
- Best cashmere jumper: Cos Pure Cashmere Sweater, £155
- Best designer investment: Khaite Morris Cashmere-Blend Sweater, £1,510
- Best black jumper: Everlane Ultrafine Merino Wool Polo Top, £116
- Best Fair Isle style: Ganni Fine Brushed Alpaca Jumper, £295
Filippa K
The Vogue editors are dedicated wearers of Filippa K’s trousers (the Darcey is a resounding hit among the team) – and the Scandi brand’s knitwear offering doesn’t disappoint. The same minimalist, high-quality approach defines its range of cosy knits, which come in neutrals and pared-back blues and purples.
Cos
Cos’s cashmere and cable-knit sweaters will quickly become the backbone of your wardrobe. Made to last – and to layer – the brand’s knitwear is a known favourite among fashion insiders.
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Everlane
In line with Everlane’s 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.
Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer’s wardrobe essentials have been a permanent fixture in UK 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.
Hades
Crafted in the UK, Hades champions responsible design, ensuring that each piece is made to last. Its unique, mood-boosting creations draw inspiration from counter-culture, iconic figures, and historical moments. From jumpers and cardigans, to scarves and skirts, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant, character-filled collection. Top tip? The Alphabet bags are ideal for gifting.
Begg X Co
By showcasing colours reminiscent of misty green pastures or paved city streets, Begg X Co’s sumptuously-soft jumpers effortlessly blend into both rural and urban landscapes. The Scottish brand uses age-old techniques alongside cutting edge technology, resulting in high-quality pieces with sentimental value.
Loewe
Loewe’s iconic knitwear collection is a masterclass in craftsmanship. From thick knitted polo tops and lightweight cashmere cardigans, to loosely woven mohair jumpers and wool-blend sweaters – hand-knitted using contrast yarn – each piece embodies the brand’s commitment to quality and style. And, if Jonathan Anderson’s innovative designs alone aren’t enough to entice you, perhaps brand ambassadors Josh O’Connor and Taylor Russell – who are often spotted wearing Loewe creations – can tempt you to take a closer look.
Uniqlo
Although Uniqlo’s heat-tech is beloved in cold weather, the Japanese retailer is failsafe for high-quality, affordable knitwear. Here, you’ll discover perfect basics, from extra-fine merino wool sweaters to cashmere, all in a range of neutral tones and fun colours.
Loop Cashmere
Counteracting fleeting trends and embracing the desire to create knitwear that can last for years, Loop Cashmere’s pieces are supremely soft, incredibly comfortable, and beautifully comforting. Its process of dyeing the raw fibre before spinning it into yarn guarantees that the depth of colour will be retained throughout the years. Thanks to techniques like these – plus Loop’s unwavering dedication to quality and craft – any piece from its collections will become a cherished addition to your arsenal.
Ralph Lauren
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.
&Daughter
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.
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Boden
A true classic, Boden never disappoints when it comes to hardworking basics. As a partner of the Good Cashmere Standard® by AbTF, the label considers all aspects of conscious cashmere production in its vow to to manufacture all its clothing from 100 per cent sustainable materials by 2025.
Extreme Cashmere
Dutch label Extreme Cashmere prides itself on knits made for “everybody and every body.” 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.
Arket
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 the sheer merino roll-necks and half-zip fleeces.
& Other Stories
& Other Stories is adored for its minimalist silhouettes, premium materials and fun collaborations (partnering with Rejina Pyo last year was a momentous moment for the high-street brand). Novices should aim straight for the festive jumpers.
Allude
Andrea Karg, the mastermind behind 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.
Ganni
Although Ganni is beloved for its signature quirky prints and exagerrated 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 have since delivered covetable balloon-sleeve pullovers, poplin-collared cardigans and oversized turtlenecks in cozy cashmere, chunky cotton, and the brand’s recycled wool.
Khaite
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.
Vince
Vince is an LA-based label that offers versatile, sophisticated basics. The contemporary knitwear is tried-and-true – it stocks everything from minimalist crew and V-necks, to oversized funnel necks and cashmere lounge sets – pairing perfectly with the label’s signature silk slips and skirts.
The Row
Helmed by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, The Row is synonymous with luxury knitwear. Bestsellers range from simple crew-necks and polo-necks to cardigans, sweater dresses, and intricate pullovers. Following the Olsens’ personal taste, oversized fits are a common theme – which makes pieces perfect for layering.
Alanui
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.
Gobi Cashmere
For the past forty years, family-owned Mongolian cashmere brand Gobi has worked with local nomadic herders to create luxury cashmere garments across womenswear, menswear, kidswear, and home; marrying traditional techniques with modern innovations.
Sézane
If you’re after something ultra-soft and sensationally stylish, then look no further than French favourite, Sézane. Featuring fluffy mohair knits and chic ribbed cardigans, the collection exudes a certain laid-back charm. (No wonder that boho pioneer Sienna Miller has been spotted wearing it!) Choose from long knitted skirts, lace-trimmed cardigans, and V-neck jumpers, all available in a range of heavenly colourways. And if that weren’t enough, it’s now B Corp certified.
La Ligne
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 stripes. Some garments are more literal than others, from classic Breton striped sweaters to playful colour-block pullovers and knitted polo shirts.
Loro Piana
Famous for ultra-decadent fabrics, including luxury cashmere and wool products on the knitwear front, designer 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.
Brunello Cucinelli
Brunello Cucinelli is regarded a master 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 crew necks to beaded and metallic-flecked knits for festive style.
Totême
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.
Madeleine Thompson
Designer Madeleine Thompson stocks all the foundational pieces of a basic knitwear wardrobe, in addition to more experimental, contemporary silhouettes in an array of colourways and finishes.
Chinti & Parker
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”.
Isabel Marant
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 separates have become covetable wardrobe staples.
La Granni
London-based brand La Granni creates bold-toned, unisex knitwear made from soft Peruvian alpaca yarn. Alpaca fibres are typically stronger and more durable than other similar fibres, which has the desirable effect of reducing pesky pilling. The vibrant colours offer a perfect injection of joy to any outfit.
Bamford
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.
Vogue’s tips to finding the best knitwear
If you’ve ever purchased a knit that quickly becomes bobbly, loses its shape, or stretches beyond recognition after just a few wears, then you’ll understand the importance of checking the composition before buying. We recommend looking at the label/online product information and watch out for cheap, synthetic materials like acrylic, polyester, and nylon. This isn’t to say you should avoid them entirely – some good quality knits are made out of a cotton-nylon blend – but the best quality knits are typically made from a high percentage of natural fibres such as Merino wool, Alpaca wool, cashmere, and cotton.
If it’s softness and warmth that you’re after, then opt for Merino wool or cashmere. Cotton, on the other hand, is perfect for warmer climates thanks to its breathability, while Alpaca wool offers a lightweight yet warm option that’s also hypoallergenic. Plus, Alpaca wool is often praised for its strength and durability, which is why many brands – like Arket, Toteme, Isabel Marant, and La Granni – use it in their blends.
In addition to considering composition, you can look out for certifications that speak to a brand’s commitment to quality and sustainability. Labels like The Good Cashmere Standard®, B Corp Certification, and the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) can help you assess a brand’s practices. There are many certifications to explore, so it’s worth delving deeper into their meanings to ensure you’re investing in knits that align with your values.
