Yes, sweaters come into play during fall 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 coziest, most luxuriously spun styles become genuine hero pieces.
Which are the knitwear brands to know this fall?
Since 1967, Ralph Lauren has been a key name in chic basics. The iconic American brand creates sophisticated knit sweaters in a wide range of colors, perfect for any occasion.
Arket
Arket sets itself apart from the rest of the H&M family with its mix of contemporary eco-conscious pieces. If you’re looking for good quality basics, take a look at their pure merino turtlenecks or half-zip fleeces.
Extreme Cashmere
Dutch label Extreme Cashmere rightfully prides itself on knitwear designed for everyone and every body. Founder Saskia Dijkstra had mastered the art of producing unisex knitwear that is made to last, including classic shapes elevated with original colors and quirky details, all made from ultra-soft Mongolian cashmere.
Mango
The Spanish high-street label may not be predestined for knitwear, but it does boast a wide range of soft knit sweaters to snuggle up in all season long.
Anine Bing
Anine Bing is first and foremost a cool, minimalist label featuring premium materials (cashmere, wool, alpaca…). Helmed for more than ten years by the designer of the same name, the fashionable label has made Californian cool its fashion signature, as seen in its ultra-soft knit sweaters.
& Other Stories
Founded in 2009, this affiliate of the H&M group has stolen our hearts with its minimalist styles, high-quality materials, and fun collaborations (spring’s partnership with Rejina Pyo was the label’s highlight).
Jacquemus
Simon Porte Jacquemus launched his namesake label at the ripe age of 19, inspired by the South of France. Ever since, the 2015 LVMH Special Jury Prize winner has been churning out hit after hit, including delectable knitwear, ranging from dresses and tops with off-the-shoulder necklines to body-skimming silhouettes detailed with attention-grabbing cutouts.
Allude
Andrea Kang is the brains behind the German brand Allude, having retired from her career as a lawyer to devote herself to knitwear design, and with good reason. Since its launch in 1993, the label, which has collaborated with several high-end retailers, has become a regular at Paris Fashion Week. Andrea Karg‘s very first creation – a seductive cashmere V-neck sweater – is still one of the house’s star pieces today.
Cos
As of 2021, 86% of the materials used to produce Cos clothing come from sustainable sources. The brand’s main idea is to offer sustainable, quality clothing with low impact on the planet. So far, they’re doing pretty well. Our advice? Their cropped sweaters and half-zips could quickly become the foundation of your wardrobe.
Sézane
It’s been 10 years since Morgane Sézalory launched Sézane, which offers timeless quality in a distinctly bohemian spirit. The label’s knitted sweaters, with their chic, feminine details, first won over French women, then international fans of beautiful pieces (several stars have recently opted for their Claude bag). Their wool and mohair are RWS-certified, ensuring that animal welfare and ecological requirements are respected.
Cormio
Founded by Jezabelle Cormio in 2019, the namesake label has already won over celebrities like Dua Lipa and Olivia Rodrigo. Its signature OTT knits are bold, provocative and perfect for all those who already have the basics and want to find pieces to make a statement.
Ganni
Though 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 and Ditte Reffstrup took the helm and since have delivered cult-loved balloon sleeve pullovers, poplin collar cardigans, and oversized turtlenecks in cozy cashmere, chunky cotton, and the brand’s latest, 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 cult-loved pieces like the bell-sleeve Scarlet cardigan, relaxed polo Jo sweater, and ribbed dresses defined by sculptural necklines, including the Beth and Alessandra midis.
The Row
Helmed by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, The Row is synonymous with luxuriously spun knitwear. Bestsellers range from simple crewnecks and turtlenecks 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.
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 then, 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, though, we can’t help but champion the piece that started it all.
Weekend Max Mara
Weekend Max Mara began as a “lifestyle” capsule in 1984 to meet the Max Mara woman’s needs for informal pieces in her free time. Ever since, it’s become a mainstay line within the Italian luxury house, offering elevated casual staples, including distinctive knitwear.
Loulou Studio
Among the inspirations of Chloé Harrouche, founder of the fashionable made in France label Loulou Studio, are Paris being her hometown, the desire to create premium basics, and her favorite material, knitwear. The result is a chic, comforting reinterpretation of the Frenchwoman’s wardrobe, including cozy knit sweaters to snuggle up in all winter long.
Loro Piana
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.
Brunello Cucinelli
Brunello Cucinelli is not only beloved for luxurious Italian craftsmanship; the founder is known as the king of cashmere, specializing 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.
Raey
Raey is a must for the Vogue team when it comes to wardrobe essentials, and in particular its timeless wool pieces. Artistic director Rachel Proud has a clear vision of her clientele: “She has stuff to do… and money to invest, because she wants to be wearing that merino jumper for a really long time.”
Totême
It’s no surprise that Totême knitwear is regularly sold out. The Stockholm-based brand specializes in iconic sweaters – think Breton stripes – that are not only perfectly cozy, but also insanely stylish.
The Frankie Shop
The Frankie Shop knitwear is a cool commodity not to be underestimated. With a legion of luxury brands – from Loq shoes to the American label Rachel Comey – this eclectic store makes it easy to build a timeless wardrobe.
Isabel Marant
Since creating her self-named label in 1994, Isabel Marant has been one of the most recognizable names in the fashion world. With collections that include baggy sweatshirts, chunky sweaters and advanced manufacturing techniques, the Parisian designer’s vintage-inspired pieces have become must-haves for any sophisticated wardrobe.
The Elder Statesman
While plenty cozy, The Elder Statesman’s knitwear assortment is a far cry from neutral. Instead, the LA-based luxury label, founded in 2007 by Greg Chait, offers a more playful California-surf aesthetic with signatures like ultra-saturated tones and quirky motifs, all in sumptuous cashmere.
We Norwegians
As the name suggests, the eco-responsible label’s designs are created in the heart of Norway. Primarily designed for the mountaineering wardrobe, the knit sweaters can also be worn in the city for a comfortable look.
Eric Bompard
Specializing in luxury cashmere, the French brand has been innovating since 1985, with a sometimes neutral, sometimes vibrant color palette featuring timeless co-ords.
Sonia Rykiel
Dubbed the “Queen of Knits,” French fashion designer Sonia Rykiel became famous for her knitwear, creating iconic pieces like the Poor Boy Sweater—a fitted striped pullover sweater with ribbing on the body and sleeves. Most other sweaters boast a playful sensibility, from colorful geometric logo jumpers to multicolor intarsia knits.
Falconeri
The Falconeri brand’s mission? Classic, easy-to-wear knit sweaters at reasonable prices, without compromising on quality or ethics. In fact, the label owes its manufacturing secrets to a long tradition of Italian craftsmanship, for which it is now widely renowned. Specializing in cashmere with a timeless allure, it also gives prominence to other precious materials such as merino wool and silk.
Kujten
The brainchild of close friends Carole Benaroya and Stéphanie Eriksson, who share a common passion for cashmere, and an initiatory trip to Mongolia, the French brand Kujten is now a knitwear standard bearer. Presenting fresh and modern models, tie & dye is the label’s signature print, for a wardrobe that’s both bohemian and fashion-forward.
This article was initially posted on Vogue.com
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