The past few years have been an odd time for fashion, but it’s during this period that we have acquired newfound respect for the comforting clothes that were often overlooked in our wardrobes. Joggers are one such item, as are leggings, but if there’s one piece that has sparked joy and brought literal warmth into our lives these last few seasons, it’s knitwear.
Hero knits are nothing new. We’ve seen everything from Kenzo’s tiger-embroidered sweaters to Khaite’s cashmere bradigan reach their respective cult statuses almost a decade apart, but right now, the demand for designer knitwear is at an all-time high. In 2020, shopping app Lyst reported a spike in searches for knitwear—a rise of 32% year on year. Fast-forward to this very moment, where we find ourselves in the depths of winter, and designer knitwear is proving to be a hot-ticket item amongst those in the know, with styles selling out at a pace so rapid stock levels have changed even since I started writing this article.
I have, however, managed to pinpoint key designer knitwear pieces that are currently beloved by the fashion crowd and, to my surprise, are still in stock. Scroll on to see them, and then continue on to see more iconic designer knitwear options.
Ganni’s cable-knit jumper, complete with a built-in scarf detail, has been seen on our favourite dressers who reside in Britain, Denmark and France, so it’s safe to say it’s universally adored.
Sometimes the simplest tweak is what can set designer knitwear apart from its more affordable counterparts. Here, DeMellier’s split-front treatment of what is otherwise a classic roll-neck elevates it to new sartorial heights.
I’ve lost count of the number of influencers I’ve seen in this timeless Totême Breton knit, which has sparked something of a stripe obsession on the fashion scene this season. With a recent post-Christmas restock, I’m expecting it to sell out for what must be the fourth time.
Suzie Kondi might not be a name you’re instantly familiar with, but if you’re in the market for premium designer knitwear, it should certainly be on your radar. Monikh Dale’s textured knit is a fresh take on cashmere jumpers, which are typically slinky.
We all know Victoria Beckham is a mater of tailoring, but this season, the brand’s knitwear—in particular, its collaboration with Woolmark—is equally impressive.
The cardigan to end all cardigans—we’ll forever be indebted to Khaite and Katie Holmes for our 2019 knitwear reawakening.
Is there anything more luxurious than cashmere and silk? This Loro Piana knit feels all the more premium thanks to the brand’s signature ombré weave.
On the surface, this jumper sits on the subtle end of the designer knitwear spectrum, but to the trained eye, those sleeves scream Alexander McQueen.
This silhouette is one Isabel Marant revisits every winter, so it’s guaranteed to feel current.
Bottega Veneta put thin-ribbed knitwear on the fashion map a few seasons back, where it has remained ever since. Personally, I’m partial to this bow-adorned knit.
Impossibly soft and always in demand, ACNE Studios’ knitwear never hangs around.
No one does stripes quite like JW Anderson—this logo-embroidered knit will forever earn you compliments.
Gabriela Hearst is a big name on the designer-knitwear scene, always managing to make classic styles feel more fun with subtle details such as contrast edging.
I’m not exaggerating when I say this is a jumper you’ll wear for the rest of your life.
Zip-up knitwear began its comeback three years ago, but rest assured it’s still going strong.
This knit also comes in cream and grey should you subscribe to a muted palette.
Elegant and classic with feminine flair thrown in—it could only be Chloé.
It might not deliver in the warmth stakes, but fashion girls continue to be enamoured with Jacquemus’s shrunk-in-the-wash knits.
Built-in scarves are a trend that feels fresh for 2022, but in monochromatic colours, rest assured it’ll never date.
The colour might be of-the-moment, but Loewe’s intricate and instantly recognisable emblem is everlasting in its appeal.
