In classic British style, the last week has seen temperatures fluctuate between a balmy 30 degrees and a cool 18, and in classic British style, here I am talking about it. But, really, all this shows is that the humble jumper is never redundant in the Brit’s year-round capsule, and thank goodness for the death of the season-centred fashion model because, more than ever, we need our wardrobes to be adaptable to our changing needs.
While there are, of course, plenty of jumper options from both high street and designer brands, I’ve recently been drawn to the entourage of up-and-comers staking their claim for the knitwear crown. With the homespun appeal of crafting reaching its peak during lockdown, it is the perfect time for smaller knitwear brands to gain traction. Some, such as The Knitter and Hope Macauley, have gone all-out with the chunky, handmade look, while labels such as Mad Brown Knitwear have cleverly harnessed the beauty of pre-loved cable knits to create their colourful designs.
We do acknowledge that many of these labels come in at a higher price point but, in most cases, this is due to the time and effort that is put into every garment. It might be something to save up for, but you know that when you get your hands on a one-off design that it’ll be something you treasure for many years to come. Scroll down to see and shop the knitwear brands I’m championing this year.
Lovingly designed and made in New Zealand and Peru, The Knitter was founded by Nicole Leybourne and offers up chic styles in chunky textures and feel-good colourways.
&Daughter is a slow knitwear brand offering timeless designs made from natural yarns which are sourced locally from the United Kingdom and Ireland. We have our eye on the Roshin Lambswool Roll Neck, which we’ll be pairing with jeans and chunky boots come autumn.
Hope Macaulay is an fashion and textiles designer based in Northern Ireland who creates larger-than-life, handmade-to-order knits out of 100% jumbo merino wool, a high quality, natural and sustainable material. Wall flowers need not apply.
If maximalist prints are more your thing then make sure to check out Hayley Menzies, a London-based contemporary luxury label specialising in silk and knitwear. The brand’s Gladys cardigan made waves on Instagram earlier this year with its nostalgic, bobble-knit style.
Another New Zealand-based brand, Frisson Knits hand-makes their stunning pieces out of New Zealand Angora goats, which are farmed in very small flocks, often by part-time lifestyle farmers. Sustainable style never looked so appealing.
All of Mad Brown Knitwear’s designs are made using pre-loved pieces that have been lovingly mended and reworked using coloured wool, which is woven between the cable knits. From tonal pinks to rainbow hues, each one possesses its own distinctive character.
Leset is an LA-based label, and is a play on the French term for The Set. Focusing on elevated essentials, this is the place to come for transitional roll necks and wardrobe staples.
Next up, the biggest autumn/winter 2020 fashion trends to know.
