As the days get shorter (thanks, daylight savings) all we want to do is snuggle in the cosiest things we can get our hands on, which means it's time for our luxury knitwear to shine.
A good jumper can brighten up a whole outfit, or when slung over the shoulders could give you that je ne sais quoi often reserved for off-duty models. Ultimate model-muse Gigi Hadid would know — and her knitwear label Guest in Residence confirms that stylish jumpers are a must-have in every respectable fashion girl's wardrobe.
We've all been guilty of buying knits that unravel after a season, pilling and stretching to the point where they're unrecognisable. Which is why as the leaves fall, we invite you to invest in the luxury knitwear brands that stand the test of time. Buying well-constructed jumpers in finer materials is not only a sound, long-term investment, but also the sustainable way to go.
So if you're currently searching for all things wool or cashmere, we've got you covered. From the usual suspects to newcomers on the market, below check out the jumpers we're adding to cart from our favourite luxury knitwear brands.
The Elder Statesman
The Los Angeles-based label best known for their knitwear in fun prints and colourways was founded by Greg Chait in 2007, and prides itself on pieces from cashmere blankets to jumpers hand spun by handloom knitters, weavers and dyers. If you're looking for a jumper that can single-handedly boost your mood, one of their tie-dye jumpers is sure to do the trick.
Guest in Residence
Gigi Hadid first came up with the idea behind her knitwear brand Guest in Residence while being cocooned in a hotel during fashion week. From there, she sought to create a line of cosy knitwear that, in contrast to her hectic lifestyle, is meant to be timeless representations of home – which translated into hoodies, crewnecks, sweats and pyjamas all easily incorporated into your wardrobe.
Madeleine Thompson
Sustainability is at the heart of British cashmere lifestyle brand Madeleine Thompson. Using the highest grade cashmere and sourcing responsible, traceable yarn, the British designer who grew up in London and Hong Kong ensures her chic, minimalist knitwear label makes you look and do good.
Loro Piana
The 100-year-old, LVMH-owned Italian label is known as the King of Cashmere (and of the quiet luxury trend), and for good reason. Loro Piana sources the finest and rarest materials, be it via vicuña from the Andes, extra-fine Merino wool from Australia and New Zealand or even lotus flower fibre – and the resulting knitwear is of the highest quality known to mankind.
Sheep Inc.
Founders Edzard and Michael scoured the earth to find the world's finest Merino wool, and once they did, created Sheep Inc. to celebrate the farmers who shared their same dedication to environmental and animal welfare. Each of the beautifully crafted jumpers can be traced using an NFC tag back to the fleece of the hand-selected sheep. Luxury, after all, is in the storytelling.
Gobi Cashmere
Cashmere, as most may know, historically comes from the region of Mongolia, Nepal and Kashmir, so it's no wonder one of the finest purveyors of the fibre also hails from the region. Gobi Cashmere celebrates the fine fibre's origin with a line of timeless designs using cashmere, camel wool and yak down products. You have to touch one to believe just how soft it is.
Barrie
One of the oldest cashmere knitwear manufacturers in Scotland, Barrie has been crafting gorgeous jumpers since 1903 and was acquired by Chanel's Métiers d'Art in 2012. This means in addition to continuing its legacy of innovative knitwear techniques, Barrie offers fashion-forward designs that incorporate touches of Chanel, like the jewel-like buttons.
Brunello Cucinelli
Over the last several decades, luxury knitwear has become synonymous with Brunello Cucinelli thanks to the Italian designer's penchant for creating super-chic collections that blend an effortless, quintessential Italian elegance with Mongolian cashmere.
& Daughter
A story of family and heritage, & Daughter was founded by Buffy Reid to pay homage to her Irish grandmother – who was “an amazing knitter” – and her father who spent his career selling Donegal tweeds and Arans. Now, the preppy-chic collection, which includes the Ada Crewneck Cardigan that has been seen on every fashion influencer last season, has firmly cemented & Daughter as a knitwear label we need in our wardrobes this winter and beyond.
GODS TRUE CASHMERE
Brad Pitt (yes, that Brad Pitt) and friend Sat Hari founded God's True Cashmere, a label of ultra-soft cashmere shirts and hoodies in the hope that the pieces will bring not just effortless style but also a sense of peace and comfort. The founding story goes, Sat Hari had a dream about Brad in which he asked for a gift, a shirt in green made only of cashmere. “Softness,” he said, “I need more softness in my life.” The rest, as they say, was history.
