Why Knitwear Is a Wardrobe Staple

Knitwear has a strong presence in our wardrobes and can be worn in a range of different ways. It’s an easy fabric to style and looks great with other materials.

The top three extra-EU knitwear exporters are China, Bangladesh and Turkey, with each country making up over 18.5% of the total value of EU knitwear imports.

Comfortable

When knitwear is made from natural fibres, it tends to be very comfortable and soft. This is especially true of cashmere and merino wool. These fibres are naturally insulating, which helps keep you warm during cold weather. They also tend to be very stretchy, which makes it easy to move around in them. This makes them perfect for travel, since you don’t have to worry about being uncomfortable when you’re on the go.

Knitwear is also very versatile, as it can be worn with a wide range of outfits. It can be worn with jeans or a skirt for a casual look, or with a suit for a more formal outfit. It is also often available in a variety of colors, which means that you can find a knitwear style that will match your wardrobe.

A knit top can be very comfortable to wear during summer. It can keep you cool and provide the same level of breathability as linen. It can be worn with a short or long skirt, jeans, or even a floaty floral dress. In addition, it can be made from a range of fabrics, including cotton and organic cotton. It can also be made from recycled fabric or plant-dyed wool, which causes less harm to garment workers and animals. This makes it a good choice for eco-conscious travellers.

Versatile

The great thing about knitwear is that it’s a staple that can be styled up or down. A chunky cable-knit jumper can be dressed up by wearing it over a dress with heels or down with your favourite jeans and trainers. Similarly, a cosy cardigan can be worn over a vintage lace blouse and full skirt Knitwear or tucked into trousers for a smart casual look. This season, Breton stripes make a comeback as do polo sweaters with a nostalgic, preppy twist. Meanwhile, Fair Isle sweaters are back with a retro ’80s and ’90s feel that can be worn with a denim jacket and vintage boots for a laid-back weekend in the countryside.

Knitwear is also incredibly easy to care for. Most woollen fabrics (including cashmere) require far less washing than they appear – simply airing out your sweater between wears is usually enough to keep it fresh and clean. Washing your knitwear correctly is important, though – be sure to use detergents that are specially formulated for wool and avoid harsh chemicals like bleach and stain removers.

To extend the life of your knitwear, always store it folded neatly in a drawer or shelf. Never hang it as this can cause it to stretch out. For long-term storage, a linen box is a good option as it allows air to circulate and can be stuffed with cedar sachets to ward off moths.

Easy to care for

If properly cared for, your knitwear will last a long time. And, of course, this will be thanks to the high quality fibres that are used. Most often, our knitwear is made of natural fibres – wool, silk, cashmere – which are sustainable and eco-friendly. They’re also hardwearing and durable, keeping their shape even after a lot of wear. But, like any other fabric, knitwear needs special attention.

For instance, the higher the quality of the fibre, the less frequently it will need to be washed. Fibres like lambswool and merino, for example, are self-cleaning and naturally repel odors, so they only need to be washed once or twice a season.

When it does need to be washed, always follow the Knitwear washing instructions on the label – they’ll usually recommend either hand wash or gentle machine wash with a wool detergent. You should avoid using fabric softener as it damages the fibers. And, make sure to turn the garment inside out before you wash it.

It’s important to store your knitwear carefully too – leave some space between the items in your wardrobe so they don’t get too cramped. Also, try to use moth balls or lavender bags in your drawers to keep those pesky pests away from your precious knitwear.

A wardrobe staple

Knitwear is a true wardrobe staple that will last you a long time if it is taken good care of. It can be made of a variety of different fibres, including animal hair (lambswool, angora, cashmere), plant-based yarns, and even petroleum-based fibres like acrylic. If you want to ensure that your knitwear stays pristine, it is best to hand wash it in cold water with eco-friendly wool laundry detergent.

Aside from its versatility, it is also extremely comfortable to wear. The soft fabric allows the skin to breathe during hot weather, and in cold weather it will keep you warm. In addition, knit fabrics can stretch in all directions, which helps to form garments that fit the body without restricting movement.

Because of its comfort and versatility, knitwear has become a popular choice for lingerie and outerwear. Women are drawn to the feminine look of these pieces, and the latest designs feature intricate floral and geometric patterns. This year, manufacturers are also introducing ethnic patterns like leopard prints and African-Xhosa motifs.

Unlike woven fabric, which has a smooth surface and is perfect for shirts and dresses, knits are a series of loops that create a more three-dimensional shape. This makes them ideal for shaped garments like undergarments and trousers, as well as dresses, tunics, t-shirts and dressing gowns.