The Ultimate Guide to Investing in Men's Knitwear
Knitwear represents a lifelong investment in any man's wardrobe. When chosen carefully, these pieces can deliver years of service and style. However, navigating the vast array of options to find quality garments that won't deteriorate after a few seasons requires expert knowledge.
As an experienced menswear writer and stylist, I've developed comprehensive insight into which brands truly excel in knitwear production—from high-street favourites and independent labels to heritage Scottish mills and luxury designers. I'm equally well-versed in styling techniques that elevate these pieces from simple basics to style statements.
Leading Knitwear Brands for Every Budget
Sustainable knitwear has seen remarkable innovation from brands prioritising environmental responsibility. Asket leads with complete transparency, providing detailed impact receipts for every garment and offering repair or recycling services for damaged items. Their classic merino wool polo (£120) and cashmere jumper (£190) exemplify their 'buy less, buy better' philosophy.
Rise & Fall, a London-based label, creates exceptionally soft and chic knitwear while maintaining ethical manufacturing practices and reasonable pricing. Their cashmere sweatshirt with a loose hem (£225) consistently attracts compliments, while their merino cardigan (£135) offers timeless appeal.
Sheep Inc stands out as a carbon-negative, B Corp certified brand using wool from regenerative farms. Their contrast hem jumpers (£250) combine playful design with exceptional quality, while their zip-through sweaters (£270) offer contemporary casualwear options.
High street options provide accessible quality. Uniqlo delivers outstanding value with their pure cashmere crew neck at under £90, while M&S offers excellent wool blend argyle (£38) and cable knit (£35) jumpers. Cos brings premium design to the high street with fashion-forward silhouettes using materials like brushed wool (£95) and cashmere (£169).
Mid-range and luxury brands cater to those seeking investment pieces. A Day's March embodies Scandi minimalism with their fuzzy mohair sweater (£230), while Toast focuses on slow-fashion with natural fibre knits like their apple-green marled wool jumper (£165). Les Deux from Copenhagen offers fashion-forward designs like the Brad round-neck knit (£125), perfect for those seeking understated cool.
Expert Styling Techniques for Modern Knitwear
Transforming knitwear from basic to exceptional requires simple styling tricks. The easiest method involves wearing a white T-shirt underneath to create a considered, layered look—a technique perfected by style icons like Jacob Elordi. For T-shirts with prominent labels, wearing them backwards creates a clean finish.
Knitwear's versatility allows for creative styling beyond conventional wear. Draping a jumper over your shoulders adds instant sophistication to any outfit, whether layered over a shirt, T-shirt, or coat. For further inspiration, menswear expert @noahaltink on TikTok regularly shares innovative knitwear styling advice.
Current trends see slightly cropped silhouettes, as favoured by Pedro Pascal, and crew-neck cardigans, popularised by Paul Mescal. The preppy aesthetic continues to influence knitwear, with V-necks experiencing renewed popularity among fashion influencers.
Caring for Your Investment Pieces
Proper maintenance ensures your knitwear develops a comfortable, worn-in quality without becoming ragged. Addressing bobbles promptly with a debobbler like Steamery's Pilo 2 (£55) or the more affordable Russell Hobbs lint remover (£19.99) maintains a pristine appearance. For delicate items, a manual pilling comb (£8) offers a gentler alternative.
When holes appear, consider learning basic darning techniques or seeking professional repair through services like London's Seam directory. Washing should be minimal—using fabric fresheners like Lab Co's cashmere and wool laundry mist (£9) between wears. When washing becomes necessary, always hand wash and air dry flat to prevent stretching or shrinking.
Choosing knitwear with longevity in mind means prioritising classic silhouettes in natural fibres from reputable brands. Whether you select versatile layering pieces or statement designs, proper care and styling will ensure these investments deliver style and comfort for years to come.
