Ah, knitwear—the fashion equivalent of a comforting hug from your nan. I love knitwear, and thankfully, living in Britain means I get to indulge in my obsession with all things woolly for most of the year. Even in the peak of summer, you'll find me toting an extra knitted layer tied around my shoulders or waist, prepared for when the inevitable evening chill sets in. So it's particularly helpful now that it's autumn as all of my favourite brands are taking their knitwear pretty seriously right now.
Whether your budget is high street or high-end, the selection of knitwear out there has never been stronger. And I've already started to see patterns in the knitwear landing in new-in sections across the internet.
Francesca Saffari wears a cream jumper from COS.
Of course, you can never go wrong with a classic cream cable-knit or a soft cashmere cardigan. Still, brands are thinking well and truly outside of the box with their knitwear, shifting it from something of a mandatory purchase to one that's significantly more exciting. From classic stripes to bright block colour to folksy embroidery to intricate swirls, the knitwear scene for winter 2025 is eclectic, so you're guaranteed to find a woven wonder to suit your style. As for which brands to start with, I can help with that.
Having conferred with my colleagues, I've curated a list of the knitwear brands we think are worth spending your money on. I've included labels you'll know, such as Uniqlo and Arket, and others you might not yet be familiar with (&Daughter, perhaps). Scroll on to see the 19 knitwear brands to have on your radar when making your 2025 knitwear investments.
The 19 Best Knitwear Brands for Women, Hands Down:
1. MARKS SPENCER
M&S does some of the best affordable cashmere around.
This new-in v-neck is proving to be one of the brand's bestsellers already.
2. REFORMATION
Take it from me: preppy stripes are an A/W 2025 knitwear must-have.
Reformation's cashmere pieces exude relaxed California cool. Choose from six perfect autumnal colours.
3. COS
COS is always my go-to for minimalist knitwear with a cool edge.
Fashion people are all raving about this exact COS jumper right now.
4. UNIQLO
The neck tie is such a premium addition to this piece.
I love a pop of red among neutrals for autumn/winter, but this wardrobe essential also comes in classic shades like cream, black and grey as well.
5. H&M
This looks way more expensive than its price tag.
I just love this pop of rich colour.
6. THE ROW
This is part of the luxury brand's 'Essentials' collection, and with good reason. They release it year after year and it never gets old.
Luxury knitwear at its finest.
7. WHISTLES
Stripes are a knitwear classic.
I love wearing a knit tank during these transitional months.
8. OTHER STORIES
Other Stories creates exceptional separates and dresses, and its knitwear is just as impressive. It has more cult styles than perhaps any other high-street brand, and its pieces never hang around for long.
The brand is great at adding unique details like the caped knit above, but don't overlook its classic cardigan selection (which you'll live in) either.
9. ARKET
We're all familiar with Arket and regularly shop its different categories. But knitwear is the section our editors favour most. This chunky knit is heavenly.
How elevated is this arm detailing option?
10. KHAITE
Ever since Katie Holmes wore Khaite's bradigan (our term for a cardigan and bra set), the brand has remained in the style spotlight. This cardigan is an update on the very style Holmes wore and continues to be a best seller.
A beautiful transitional piece.
11. TOTEME
Of course, we all know Toteme's iconic striped knit, but the brand has evolved since this was released a few years ago and now produces so many beautiful knits that deserve your attention. Look out for interesting textural details which they nail every season.
I predict a sellout.
12. ALIGNE
Aligne's new drop of knitwear has really impressed me. I love this polo but they also have plenty of capsule classic pieces. I really rate the brand for quality, too.
Irresistibly cosy.
13. &DAUGHTER
Scottish- and Irish-made brand &Daughter creates its pieces slowly and in limited runs to maximise its sustainability. They do colourful pieces particularly well.
In a dream world I'd own this perfect cardigan in every colour.
14. LORO PIANA
If luxury knitwear is what you seek, Loro Piana is the answer. The Italian atelier specialises in elevated staples using premium-quality fabrics.
Soft, warm colours is integral to Loro Piana designs, and this knit demonstrates that perfectly.
15. GANNI
Ganni is a Scandi-style favourite, with several of its knitwear pieces gaining followings on social media. I'm particularly into this irreverent take on the argyle look.
I love how preppy this piece feels.
16. ALLUDE
If it's specifically cashmere you're looking for, Allude does it perfectly. From neutral classics to playful brights, you'll find something to love now and cherish forever.
This is the perfect jumper to make plain jeans suddenly look really cool.
17. LA LIGNE
Stripes are a signature of this American brand, and this wool and cashmere jumper is a perfect example.
This feels so deliciously '90s.
18. AMERICAN VINTAGE
Our editors are big fans of American Vintage, particularly for its slouchy knits.
This is such a gorgeous cardigan for all seasons.
19. ACNE STUDIOS
ACNE Studios might be known for its accessories, but its knitwear is also a star in its sartorial line-up.
Although there are plenty of bold, experimental pieces from Acne, I actually love how pulled back and ladylike this feels.
This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
