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By Heidi Quill , Jessie Atkinson and Adam Cheung
Our edit of the best jumpers, vests, and cardigans is a lovingly-compiled list of prime layering pieces, proving that just because the British weather can be unpredictable, the quality of your outfits can still be reliably strong
Cadbury purple. Colossal collars. Beanie hats. They're all on the Autumn/Winter 2023 trend agenda. And while we love a prompt from fashion week, there are some timeless pieces that make up the foundation of a wardrobe through all seasons, regardless of temp or trends. One such fundamental pillar? Knitwear. A category of endless choice — and an infinite chance for layering.
That said, if you are taking your style cues from the catwalks, here's your quick walk-through of the latest: statement knits are still on the agenda, with V-neck, slouchy or shrunken shapes, and sleevelessness also cropping up in a few designer's sketchbooks. If that sounds good, keep scrolling, you'll find some of our choices from these categories below, though your more classic picks are also on display, because it will never be out of style to give your best merino turtleneck or cable knit fisherman's jumper another outing.
Worn under a jacket – denim, leather or otherwise – tactical knitwear could well be the difference between shivering your way through a pint and enjoying your social calendar to the fullest this autumn. Here, we've weaved our way through the masses of yarn hitting the rails to bring you a practical, considered edit of the best knitwear men can buy.
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According to European tradition, black cats are seen as bad luck, but the ‘Perci Cat’ crew neck jumper by Percival is here to prove this silly myth totally wrong. Constructed from a very fluffy mohair wool blend, it’s made from a new and improved yarn that’s infinitely softer and less irritable to skin. With a slightly oversized fit, you can layer this on top of a white dress shirt to fulfil your deepest cottagecore fantasies. £149. percivalclo.com
If Bert of Sesame Street's Bert and Ernie somehow saw a live-action reboot, we're pretty sure he'd be clad in this pick from Zegna x The Elder Statesman. Made from a comforting cashmere blend, this jumper is set apart by its vivid jacquard-knit stripes. £1,340. At matchesfashion.com
The ultimate trans-seasonal piece, Reiss' knit polo shirt is a shortcut to autumnal, smart-casual perfection. Woven from a cotton blend for a boxy fit, this polo is defined by its monochromatic, geometric arrangement and relaxed, cut-away collar. £98. reiss.com
Preppy but edgy, Marni's V-neck sweater straddles the worlds for a modernised beatnik feel that we didn't know we needed until right now. Underpinning its retro sensibility with a warming wool-blend construction, this '50s-inspired piece looks as good with your go-to denim as it would look worn to juxtapose your more streetwise cargo trousers. The choice is yours. £750. At matchesfashion.com
The tendency for autumn/winter dressing can be to indulge in navies, noirs and all the rich, saturated hues in the colour wheel - but hear us out. Knitted from 100 per cent RWS-certified wool, this icy-white jumper from Cos is every bit as seasonal as its inky counterparts, but with a distinct crispness that makes it more wearable than ever. £110. cos.com
How much Wood Wood would you wear if you could? No doubt inspired by the ornithological rhyme, Wood Wood's ‘Moby’ jumper is intarsia knit from an alpaca blend that contains soft merino in an abstract yellow design. As head-turning as it is comfy. £340. At matchesfashion.com
When we said autumn/winter is all about layering, we meant you're going to need more than one good cardigan. Just like your best crew neck but with the ease of a row of buttons, a hearty cardigan is the ultimate trans-seasonal essential – and this pick from Topman is certainly no exception. £44 £20. At asos.com
Brighten up your day (and your ‘fits) with the ’Kilcarra Naive' sweater by Acne Studio. Made from a soft and sumptuous wool blend, it’s painted predominantly in grey and is decorated with a colourful bouquet of flowers throughout. The edges and hems have been pre-distressed for an archival aesthetic, and the rolled neckline makes this even more unique piece. £490. At matchesfashion.com
Elevate your layering game this season with this sweater vest from Nike. Straying away from the American brand’s sportswear-centric aesthetic, it’s injected with just the right amount of preppiness. Crafted from a soft knit fabric, it’s dipped completely in black and decorated with an oversized Swoosh across the front that’s sure to make a statement. £69. At endclothing.com
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past year (or two), you’d know that Barbie pink is all the craze these days. If for whatever reason you still haven’t injected some Kenergy into your wardrobe, Jacquemus’ insanely-popular Neve polo sweater is exactly what you need in your life. Painted in a very bright pink palette, it boasts a brushed texture that perfectly captures the French label's contemporary, vibrant spirit. £475. At matchesfashion.com
Not only is Carhartt WIP the king of workwear, it also knows a thing or two about men’s knitwear. Sporting the Detroit brand’s classic Verse pattern, this baroque-inspired jacquard cardigan is made from a mixed material construction and is finished with a tonal button closure and rib-knit edges. The perfect piece for layering, complete the Carhartt look by jumping into a pair of cargo trousers – preferably one with billions of tiny pockets. £179. At endclothing.com
You just can’t talk about the best men’s knitwear without bringing up Gucci. This knit jumper is made in Italy from a cobalt blue wool blend and is decorated with retro-inspired mushroom intarsia that reflects the collection’s joyful narrative. The Milan-based fashion house’s “GG” monogram features across the piece, and it’s finished off with elasticated ribbed trims for an extra snug fit. It’s a little on the expensive side, but we'd say it's worth it. £1,750. gucci.com
If you’re a big fan of cottagecore, then Percival’s Crochimond crew neck deserves a spot in your wardrobe ASAP. Part of the British brand’s Cautionary Tale collection, this piece is made from 100 per cent cotton and crocheted by hand so that every single detail is truly impeccable. Rock these with some lovely straight-leg trousers to complete the look. £279. percivalclo.com
Goats are delightful animals, but it’s their ability to produce cashmere that’s their ultimate triumph. At Gobi, find the material woven into scores of knit triumphs. This simple and beautiful periwinkle blue turtle neck jumper is a gem of the collection. £179. gobicashmere.com
Once the mercury drops, you just can't beat a bit of cashmere. Rising to the sartorial occasion, as ever, Uniqlo has debuted this pure cashmere rollneck in a rather festive cranberry red hue for the winter season. 'Tis the season after all. £109.90. uniqlo.com
Saint Laurent is world-renowned for its punk rock-inspired collections, and this sweater follows through on this rebellious theme. Painted in black, black, and even more black (because of course), it features the French fashion house’s logo in a graffiti-style font, and is finished with a fuzzy mohair texture. Ribbed edges make their way to the collar and hems for extra cosiness points. £1,130. At matchesfashion.com
This cardigan is living and breathing proof that Icecream isn’t just for the sweltering summer months. If you want to feel extra cosy over autumn and winter, the Pharrell-founded label has designed this with you in mind. Knitted in beige, it’s covered with popsicle graphics throughout and finished with a V-neckline and ribbed edges. Pair this with a crisp graphic tee and some blue denim jeans for a playful vibe. £135. At matchesfashion.com
You shan’t be needing a bigger boat when it comes to this shark, because in addition to being bisected, this fish is intarsia knitted and softly finished in cashmere. From the front, this Palm Angels creation is emitting Ralph Lauren energy, but turn around and you’ll find a large logo at the back complete with fringe detail. Ultimate, big-stakes streetwear doesn’t always have a hood. £860. At palmangels.com & flannels.com
Stüssy has come a very long way since the ‘80s. Originally a surfwear brand that screen printed T-shirts and shorts from the back of a van, it’s now a global fashion brand that makes iconic pieces such as this crew sweat. Crafted from 100 per cent cotton, it features an all-over fur print that’s designed to unleash the beast within. Pair these with some joggers for an off-duty streetwear aesthetic. £160. At endclothing.com
Didn’t you hear? Knitwear needn’t have sleeves. One of the biggest summer trends of the year, bicep-bearing tank tops graduate to ultimate boss-dom with this cartoon face V-neck number by knitwear royalty The Elder Statesman. Harry Styles would be proud. £1,370. At matchesfashion.com
Spun in the Scottish hills using yarn from one of the world's oldest spinners, this Sunspel jumper has been left next-level soft thanks to its tightly woven construction. Once knitted, this jumper is soaked in Scottish spring water in all its melange-effect glory, sealing in its delicate texture. When it comes to styling, we suggest either indigo-hued denim or neutral-toned chinos. £265. sunspel.com
Pull off a wardrobe royal flush with this Ami Paris pick, which distils everything we love about the French brand into one: it’s high-quality, it’s timeless, and it perfectly balances subtlety with a touch of streetwear brashness. Wear with slacks and Converse. £330. At matchesfashion.com
Preppy needn’t mean stuffy, and Luca Faloni’s zip-through cashmere cardigan, while redolent with old money vibes, can be incorporated into any wardrobe. In simple navy or charcoal, it’s a rib-knitted staple that can be layered under a pea coat come winter or chosen as an in-case layer for summer weekends in a new city. £525. lucafaloni.com
knit sweater women Sure, dad dressing is hot right now, but what about grandad dressing? A self-proclaimed grandad cardigan, this oversized knit from Raey has been designed and crafted in Nepal from a supple blend of recycled cashmere and responsibly farmed merino wool, for the ultimate louche feel. Lean further into the chic-geriatric vibe with a relaxed pair of trousers and slip-on mules. £495. At matchesfashion.com