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 that so many brands seem to be 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.
Anouk Yve wears a cream cardigan from Sézane.
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 Breton stripes to bright block colour to folksy embroidery to intricate swirls, the knitwear scene for 2022 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 & Other Stories, and others you might not yet be familiar with (&Daughter, perhaps). Scroll on to see the 14 knitwear brands to have on your radar.
1. MARKS & SPENCER
M&S does some of the best affordable cashmere around.
I've been seeing this stripe knit all over Instagram.
2. AMERICAN VINTAGE
Our editors are big fans of American Vintage, particularly for its cardigans.
This is proving to be the colour of 2022.
3. NAVY GREY
Navy Grey is an independent Brit knitwear label that specialises in crafting classic woolies.
Take it from me: Red knitwear is just as timeless as cream or navy.
4. SHRIMPS
Shrimps is known for its floral embroidery, but anchors? Now that's impressive.
Squiggly lines are a key print this season.
5. ISABEL MARANT
Contrast buttons never get old.
This silhouette is instantly recognisable as being Isabel Marant.
6. UNIQLO
Uniqlo is our one-stop shop for basic knitwear.
This brand always delivers affordable, staple knitwear (everything from roll-necks to cardigans).
7. &DAUGHTER
Scottish- and Irish-made brand &Daughter creates its pieces slowly and in limited runs to maximise its sustainability.
I love the folksy embroidery on this cardigan.
8. 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.
9. & 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 cardigan feels distinctly & Other Stories, which is always inventive with its weaves.
10. 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.
Quiet detailing is integral to Loro Piana designs. The asymmetrical button-up on this knit demonstrates that perfectly.
11. 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 well into the year.
12. GANNI
Ganni is a Scandi-style favourite, with several of its knitwear pieces gaining followings on social media. For spring 2022, the brand is elevating its designs with collars and crystal buttons.
If that's too fancy for your taste, Ganni also has a slew of classic, unembellished knits to choose from.
13. SÉZANE
If like me, your ultimate goal is to dress more French, then Sézane will get you there. Although the brand serves up excellent clothes all year round, knitwear is its pièce de résistance. The Gaspard cardigan is a highlight.
This is the perfect cardigan to wear without a top underneath.
14. 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.
Along with its traditional cardigans and jumpers, the brand single-handedly put bandeau tops back on the fashion map with its knitted iterations.
Next Up: This French Brand Creates the Most Beautiful Knitwear
