If you are going to invest in sustainably made knitwear made from natural fibres, our money is on lightweight knits. Yes, a statement chunky jumper is a thing of beauty, but you will only wear it for a few short months each year, compared to a versatile finer gauge design that can be layered under blazers and coats in winter (and is actually probably all you need warmth-wise if you’re holed up at home like the rest of the nation). What’s more, they can also be draped over summer dresses for that little bit of breathable, added warmth on chillier summer evenings. A year-round staple that, if bought right, will last you for years – like all good style investments. Here are seven of our favourite styles.
Sheep Inc.
The sustainability built in to Sheep Inc’s knits is incredible. Five per cent of revenue goes to biodiversity projects, while 10 times the CO2 impact of each sweater is off-set. You can track the exact farm the wool came from to make your jumper and wear it safe in the knowledge it was harvested using regenerative farming methods for a positive environmental impact. The ‘light knit’ is a classic crew shape, available in beautiful bold shades including our favourite, Baltic Blue. Great against denim and crisp white statement collars this season.
Navy Grey
We love British independent knitwear brand, Navy Grey for its timeless, perfect-fit knits. If you love a polo neck but don’t want to add bulk, the straight fit funnel neck skims the body in a chic, classic style. Choose camel to pair with denim, or leather and berry shades for an instant wardrobe hero.
Joseph
Beautiful in its simplicity, this cashmere short-sleeve t-shirt is a super luxe update on a standard tee, and perfect with almost all outfits: under blazers, tucked into skirts, or paired with wide-leg trousers. A luxury fabric in a casual cut, this is a modern, effortlessly chic way to wear knitwear this season. An investment yes, but one you’ll wear endlessly.
COS
Fine gauge knitwear doesn’t have to mean ‘slim fit’. This 100 per cent merino wool jumper from COS is flattering thanks to its slinky proportions, in a beautiful palette of neutral tones. The oversize shape is great paired with leather leggings and toughened up with chunky Chelsea boots.
Uniqlo
Uniqlo is the best go-to for affordable wool and cashmere everyday pieces. Its 100 per cent extra-fine merino ribbed polo necks are the perfect layering piece for under print dresses to keep super cosy this winter. They come in an array of colours and a good range of sizes from XXS to XXL, and are a snip at £25.
Poetry
The perfect under layer for winter warmth without the weight. This luxury mix of silk and cashmere in a fine rib knit is ideal for wearing next to your skin for a breathable, yet super snuggly base layer. Wear under chunky cardigans or shirt dresses this season in a beautiful muted palette of wintery shades.
Chinti & Parker
If you love the idea of a cosy, belted cardigan but don’t want to look like you’re in your dressing gown, never fear – Chinti & Parker has nailed the flattering fit, light-weight knit cardigan with aplomb. The gorgeous statement stripes in gelato hues with a winter-white base will pep-up even the greyest days. Layer over one of our fine knit base layers above to keep your silhouette sleek and stylish.
By Lydia Mansi
November 2020
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