Knitwear. Treat it right and it can last you a decade. Cashmere, wool, angora – we're not fussy. The most important rule is to bring comfort and warmth in the months when both are sparse. Spending time indoors as the temperature begins to plummet?
Time to get cosy with our favourite knitwear brands, below.
1. Frisson Knits
View this post on Instagram
Where to shop: Online
Known for: Handcrafted New Zealand mohair sweaters, anyone? Frisson Knits is a favourite for its locally sourced, ethical wool creations that look and feel like a Cavoodle is taking a nap on your torso. The most sustainable in the business, each sweater/cardigan is hand made with yarn, knitting needles and a needle and thread. An all-round winner in our books.
2. Nagnata
View this post on Instagram
Where to shop: Online, at their Byron Bay Flagship Store, or at select stockists.
Known for: Activewear and knitwear might not seem like they could be friends, but Australian lifestyle brand Nagnata are showing us just how it's done. Merging sustainable materials with innovative technology, the brand have successfully blurred the lines between technical sportswear and fashion. Their knitted activewear and loungewear are season-less and timeless, and since 2020, have been moving toward a genderless collection.
3. Country Road
View this post on Instagram
Where to shop: Online and at Country Road stores and stockists.
Known for: One of the backbones of Australian fashion, Country Road is now in their 50th year. They're purveyors of elevated knitwear pieces for all genders and ages (yes, even the kids can shop here), and are a great brand to keep on file due to their wide range of knitwear and plentitude of store locations around the country.
4. ANDERSEN-ANDERSEN
View this post on Instagram
Where to shop: Online and at Maillot in Sydney.
Known for: A family-owned company established in 2009, each piece is designed in Denmark and crafted by the best knitters in Italy. For knits that will stand the test of time, ones inspired by Danish maritime traditions and craftsmanship, look no further.
5. TOTÊME
View this post on Instagram
Where to shop: Online and in select boutiques
Known for: All about the high necks and cable knits, Totême knows how to do a good knit. Available in everyday shades for maximum longevity.
6. GUEST IN RESIDENCE
View this post on Instagram
Where to shop: Online
Known for: Famously the brainchild of Gigi Hadid, this all-cashmere label does what it says on the tin, with an ethical perspective. From knitted loungewear, bandeaus, arm warmers, bike shorts and crew necks, Guest in Residence has all bases covered. Unsurprisingly, fashion-forward considering the mind at its helm.
7. EXTREME CASHMERE
View this post on Instagram
Where to shop: Online
Known for: Exactly as it sounds. Amsterdam-based label, Extreme Cashmere, is a 100% cashmere brand, supplying us with all of our cashmere needs in every possible style. If a capsule wardrobe of cashmere is in your interest, these are the guys to visit. Designed to endure trends, seasons and consistent wear.
8. Acne Studios
View this post on Instagram
Where to shop: Online and in Acne stores and stockists.
Known for: Acne have long been known for their knitted scarves, but they also do some pretty neat sweaters and knitted garments as well. From sheer, lightweight knits perfect for layering, to big chunky and sculptural pieces donned by the likes of Willow Smith, the brand has pretty much all bases covered.
9. MM6 Maison Marigela
View this post on Instagram
Where to shop: Online and at select stockists.
Known for: If you're looking for something a little more elevated, MM6 by Maison Margiela is the knitwear of choice. From patched cardigans to cropped hoodies, we're particularly big fans of their knitted bandanas and beanies.
10. & DAUGHTER
View this post on Instagram
Where to shop: Online
Known for: Cable and aran knitwear made in Scotland and Ireland. Using local lambswool and hand-finished cashmere, the brand fashions these luxury materials into heavenly hoods, cardigans, scarves, beanies and vests. A personal favourite.
11. MARNI
View this post on Instagram
Where to shop: Online and at select stockists.
Known for: Italians do it better and Marni is proof. Eccentric knitwear, from sweater vests to cardigans, in sunny 70s-inspired colours palettes with a preppy edge. We love its mohair and cashmere fabrications best.
12. UNIQLO
View this post on Instagram
Where to shop: Online and at stores across the country.
Known for: We can always count on you. For those with simplicity and function as a priority, you can't go wrong. Premium cashmere, merino and lambswool at completely affordable prices that won't fall apart after a few wears. We love it's streamlined silhouettes that keep up with the current trends.
12. MARLE
View this post on Instagram
Where to shop: Online and at select boutiques
Known for: Consciously created from natural fibres and fabrics, Marle is considered in more ways than one. Knitwear made of the softest mohair and packaged up in compostable packaging, the fact that Marle only work with manufacturers and suppliers equally committed to keeping the planet healthy is plenty to sweeten the deal. Investing in pieces that champion product and planetary quality is what we're all over this season.
14. COS
View this post on Instagram
Where to shop: Online and in COS stores.
Known for: COS services that middle ground between luxury and fast fashion. We love it for its affordable take on trend-oriented pieces without skimping on quality. Loved for its mohair knits.
15. GANNI
View this post on Instagram
Where: Online and Galeries NSW
Known for: Scandinavian cool with an abundance of colour. For those looking to jazz it up, GANNI is the clear go-to. We love GANNI for its inclusive size range, sweater vests, and B Corp Certification.
16. bassike
View this post on Instagram
Where to shop: Online and at bassike stores and stockists.
Known for: A quintessential Australian classic, Bassike is a no-brainer for seasonal knitwear. Bonus points for its ethical supply chain and sustainably sourced cashmere, merino wool, mohair, cotton and linen fabrications.
17. WYNN HAMLYN
View this post on Instagram
Where to shop: Online and at select stockists.
Known for: From our New Zealander friends across the pond. Wynn Hamlyn offers fun knitwear that isn't afraid of colour of texture. After your next sweater vest purchase? This is the first place to look.
18. Loulou Studios
View this post on Instagram
Where to shop: Online and at select boutiques
Known for: Founded by the inimitable Chloé Loulou De Saison, French brand Lou Lou Studios offers the perfect understated knitwear for everyday life with a distinctly French sensibility. Lightweight knit t-shirts or chunky forever pullovers, the options are endless and endlessly chic.
19. Friends with Frank
View this post on Instagram
Where to shop: Online and in select stockists.
Known for: Quality over quantity. Designed in their Richmond showroom, Friends with Frank is the place for all your basics – especially when it comes to knitwear. Classic shapes with considered manufacturing; this is for the minimalist wardrobe and office essentials.
20. P Johnson Femme
View this post on Instagram
Where to shop: Online and at select showrooms.
Known for: P Johnson's expansion into womenswear in recent years has seen all of Patrick Johnson's signature tailoring and attention to craft applied to versatile, beautiful and cool wardrobe staples – including stunning cashmere sweaters and cardigans. Perfect for layering, they come in a range of sophisticated neutral hues – from taupes to greys and forest greens.
21. Paris Georgia
View this post on Instagram
Where to shop: Online and at select stockists like SSENSE.
Known for:Designed in New Zealand, Paris Georgia is the place to go for elevated wardrobe staples and statement pieces alike. Eschewing seasonality for timeless silhouettes and designs, they're purveyors of knitwear that will live on in your wardrobe for years to come.
22. A.EMERY
View this post on Instagram
Where to shop: Online and in stores.
Known for: Founded in 2017, A.EMERY have expanded beyond the realm of footwear and into a full read-to-wear collection that extends their philosophy of minimalist, luxurious design. Stocked in a multitude of Australian stockists, the brand carries a range of beautifully crafted Merino Wool and cotton knits designed to be layered into every wardrobe with ease.
23. Iris & Wool
View this post on Instagram
Where to shop: Online and in stores.
Known for: Australian knitwear label Iris & Wool stand the test of time when trends come and go. Drawing inspiration from the everlasting beauty of the Iris flower, which blooms year after year, their latest collection becomes a celebration of renewal and endurance, offering an uplifting curation of merino wool pieces that are destined to become cherished favourites for seasons to come.
