17 best knitwear brands, styled by our editors
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Controversially, outerwear isn't the thing I look forward to wearing most this time of year (despite how fond I am of a wool coat); its the best knitwear brands.
The joys of cable knit jumpers and chunky knit cardigans are enough to make anyone's winter woes float away on a cosy cloud – and now that Jack Frost is most definitely nipping at our noses, it's time to gear up for sweater dresses, sweater vests and half-zip sweaters galore.
Oversized, borrowed-from-the-boys pullovers and cardigans styled over the shoulders of the best white t-shirts are being favoured amongst influencers, stylists and fashion editors for 2025, and as for the runways? Textures like bouclé and loop knits are going to be everywhere according to Stella McCartney, and wearable earthy hues will be bigger than ever thanks to Miu Miu. Consider us in agreement.
How we tested the best knitwear brands
Glamour staffers are passionate about the knitwear they wear every autumn/winter. So whether you prioritise material (cashmere, wool, mohair, cotton, natural fibres etc) or price, we have thoughts on exactly which knitwear brands are worth your while, as a result of the thorough testing you'll see pictured below. When we were testing the best knitwear brands, we loved pieces that felt luxe, wore well (i.e. didn't bobble immediately) and that had long durability. Read more about how we test here.
Why you can trust me
In a conscious bid to showcase what new-in knitwear styles look like on varying body shapes, sizes and heights, I roped in my fellow colleagues and Glamour contributors (Lian Brooks, Sophie Cockett, Sophie Donovan and Felicity Hayward) and had them style a few trending silhouettes. See how we got on ahead.
Below, the best knitwear brands to wrap yourself up in this winter.
1. Free People
Lian Brooks wearing Free People.
Favourited by: Lian Brooks, Glamour's Senior Audience Development Manager.
As well as carrying tonnes of knitted styles from other brands, Free People has its own collection – and it's pretty epic. Right now we're crushing on the Frankie Cable jumper, which has a perfect love-worn look about it, and the Obi Bouclé long cardi which we can totally picture ourselves WFH in all winter. It's basically an outdoor-appropriate dressing gown.
Save when you shop for the best knitwear with these Free People discount codes at checkout.
2. ALIGNE
- romina introini/@romilux
- luca wetherby-matthews/@lucawetherbym
Favourited by: Sophie Cockett, Glamour's Senior European Commerce Editor.
One of our favourite brands for the best jeans for women, ALIGNE has some seriously good offerings in the knitwear department too. So much so that Sophie's recent purchase, the Dion jumper, has already sold out. See below for some similar alternatives from other brands.
In stock alternatives to the Dion jumper:
Hardly in need of an introduction, the backbone of high-street British brands unsurprisingly stocks some of the best British knitwear which will stand the test of time. Particularly from within the M&S Collection range. Their cable knit V neck jumper is selling like hot cakes on site right now, with its chunky pattern and spotless light blue colour-way.
Save when you shop for the best knitwear with these Marks and Spencer promo codes.
Falling under the H&M umbrella, & Other Stories – a Scandinavian brand that launched back in 2009 – is a treasure trove of knitwear of excellent quality. The store, best known for their minimalist silhouettes and wardrobe staples has seen huge success over the years with playful collaborations and Kate Middleton-approved denim. It's true: she has been spotted wearing the Favourite Cut Jeans on more than one occasion. So it's no surprise that their mock neck jumpers and wrap cardigans feature in the AW capsule wardrobes of many-a fashion editor.
Save when you shop for the best womenswear knitwear with these & Other Stories discount codes at checkout.
5. COS
At the heart of COS is a dedication to timeless wardrobe staples that stand the test of time – and have little impact on the environment. And their knitwear collection is no different. Striking a happy balance of pared-back options for the minimalist and neon mohair knits for the lovers of colour, COS is our go-to for oversized chunky jumpers and roll necks, cashmere crew necks and hoodies, sweater vests and WFH-appropriate cardigans. Made from 86% sustainably-sourced materials to boot.
Save when you shop for the best knitwear, including wool jumpers/wool sweaters and woven polo shirts with these COS discount codes at checkout.
6. Sezane
Favourited by: Sophie Donovan, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer.
Cosy and of the greatest quality, Sezane's knitwear offering is made up of a handful of staple cuts – the Gaspard and Mia are two of our favourites – each in a plethora of colours to suit your mood. Expect pockets, collars, ruffles chunky buttons from this Paris-born label.
7. Arket
There's a chic selection of elevated knitwear staples on the Arket website which are aloft from H&M and & Other Stories' offerings. Silhouettes are minimalistic, and fabrics are largely recycled, organic and crafted from a blend of recycled cashmere and RWS certified wool, giving a luxuriously soft feel against the skin. No itchy fabrics allowed! They're great for layering, too.
Save when you shop for the best knitwear with these Arket discount codes at checkout.
8. Mint Velvet
- romina introini/@romilux
- luca wetherby-matthews/@lucawetherbym
Favourited by: Sophie Donovan, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer.
If you're looking for knitwear with a fashion edge, Mint Velvet is hitting every mark RN. Take the zebra print cardigan Sophie is wearing above, for example, as well as the trend-led bow-adorned offering in a supremely soft Alpaca weave. Divine.
Far beyond a homeware brand, The White Company (or TWC, as we like to call it) has an exquisite line-up of luxury knitwear and all of its cashmere styles come certified by The GCS – so you can rest assured that these designs come from a sustainable environment. Each piece is the perfect gift for her, but we won't judge you if you decide to keep it for yourself instead.
10. Reiss
Favourited by: Georgia Trodd, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer.
“Reiss is not a brand to skip over when you're looking for your next favourite knitted piece. Some brands add a smidge of cashmere or wool to the composition of their styles and whack a £200+ price tag on top, whereas with Reiss you really get what you pay for. The Elena jumper I'm wearing here, for example, is 95% wool and 5% cashmere. It's out of stock now but there are a few similar shapes on site at the moment.”
11. Uniqlo
From the TikTok-adored bum bag to their iconic activewear Airism line, there's no shortage of practical-yet-stylish staples on Uniqlo's site. You can't go wrong with their knitwear, which is pleasingly affordable and available in a plethora of autumn-appropriate hues. Find cashmere sweaters, extra-fine merino and lambswool crew necks on site.
12. HUSH
Founded by Australian Mandy Watkins who set the business up after her first experience of a winter in the Northern Hemisphere, HUSH's knitwear is designed to adorn you in colour and print as you shelter from the not-soo-great British winter. Designed by women, for women, their colourful or animal print sweaters are fun and high-quality in equal parts.
Save when you shop for the best knit sweaters with these HUSH promo codes.
13. Asket
I'll forgive you for not having heard of this brand before, I hadn't either until very recently when I asked a friend where her expensive looking knit was from. The merino turtleneck would go perfectly with a pair of the best leather trousers this season, no?
14. Simply Be
Favourited by: Felicity Hayward, freelancer and plus size model.
Simply Be isn't just a knitwear brand, but according to Felicity it's one of the best to browse for exactly that. Find everything from fun and colourful designs to pared-back knits that are smart enough to wear to work. Sizes start from a UK 10 and go up to a UK 32.
15. Everlane
Everlane's admirable sustainability credentials have earned them top marks among influencers and fashion industry heads alike, and their knitwear is expectedly simple, ethical and timeless. Their ReCashmere line is the perfect example – high luxury but with a lower impact; consciously crafted by hand in a small Italian town outside of Florence.
16. GANNI
Danish mega-brand GANNI – as founded by husband and wife duo Nicolaj and Ditte Reffstrup and run from their Copenhagen atelier – is best known for playful slogan tees, balloon sleeves, overstated denim silhouettes and fun collaborations with the likes of Levis. But their bright and vibrant knitwear collection – comprised of those influencer-adored intarsia sweater vests plus a multitude of leopard print – is a force to be reckoned with. Lovers of colour should make a beeline (not least because plenty of the cuts are crafted from the brand's latest recycled wool blend).
17. Ralph Lauren
Preppy, playful and colourful, Ralph Lauren's knitwear features stripes, checkerboard prints and teddy bear embroidery galore. With ribbed trims and a cable-knit texture, their American flag cotton crewneck gets our vote this winter, the craftsmanship is second to none.
Save when you shop for the best knitwear with these Ralph Lauren promo codes.
For more from Glamour UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
Where to buy quality knitwear in the UK? Glamour's tips on finding the best knitwear
If you're looking to make a bit more of an investment this year and want your knits to last for longer than a couple cold seasons, then fabrics such as mohair, cashmere, wool and alpaca are where to look. Look out for brands such as The White Company, who are certified by The Good Cashmere Standard®, and others who are transparent about their materials, and always read up on the composition of what you're about to buy before hitting checkout.
