Knitwear is a versatile and timeless addition to any wardrobe, particularly in the cooler months of the year, when it adds warmth, texture, comfort and style to your outfits. However, it is also very trendy in hot seasons, when knitwear tops, light dresses and thin cardigans are must-haves for a chic look. It offers a wide range of options to suit every style and occasion. 

In this comprehensive guide to knitwear, we will explore various types of this fabric. Such as the different materials used, care instructions, and the top knitwear items for men and women. From timeless fine-gauge roll necks to snug chunky-knit sweaters, we’ll help you choose the right fabric and design, along with valuable tips on caring for these items.

Difference Between Woven and Knitted Fabric

Before diving into detail with this knitwear guide, it is essential to understand what woven and knitted fabric are and the difference between the both of them.

In the first place, knit fabric is a textile that results from interlocking yarn together with long needles. This fabric falls into two categories: weft knitting (loops run back and forth) and warp knitting (loops run up and down). It is used to make items such as t-shirts, sportswear, swimwear, leggings, socks, sweaters, sweatshirts, and cardigans. And it can be produced by both modern knitting machines or by hand knitting the material through knitting needles. 

On the other hand, woven fabric is a textile that results from weaving two sets of yarn together. It is produced by using looms to weave vertical warp threads and horizontal weft threats. When looking at it closely, it resembles a checkerboard of straight interlacing threads going under and over each other in right angles. It is a textile commonly used for clothing items such as blazers and coats.

Types of Material Used in Knitwear

Knitwear is available in a wide array of materials, each offering unique characteristics, qualities and style. Here are some commonly used materials in knitted clothing: 

Sheep Wool

Sheep wool is a classic choice for knitwear, and is known for its warmth and insulation. This material is naturally breathable and can provide excellent temperature regulation. It also offers durability and versatility, it can be woven into heavy, coarse fabrics or lightweight, soft fabrics. 

Cashmere

Cashmere yarn is one of the most luxurious, lightweight and soft forms of wool. It is characterized by the fineness of the fibers and the expensive production process, which offers a silky texture.  

Merino Wool

This natural fiber is grown by Merino sheep, it’s thinner and softer than regular wool, which makes it easy to wear right next to skin. It is known for its warmth relating to weight, as the fabric has a natural loft that traps heat and regulates body temperature.

Angora Wool

This fluffy fiber comes from the soft, thick coats of Angora rabbits. Considered a luxury fiber, it is known for its softness, thin fibers and halo fluffiness. 

Mohair

Made from Angora goat, mohair is soft and silk-like textile. It has a lustrous sheen and provides excellent insulation. 

Cotton

This staple fiber is made from natural fibers of cotton plants. Composed of cellulose, this is a soft and fluffy material, and known to be the most popular material in fashion.

When it comes to knitwear, the fabric used is crucial to determine the look & feel, style and performance of each clothing item. These are some common types of knitwear fabrics: 

• Jersey Knit

This is a lightweight and versatile fabric with smooth and flat surface. Its excellent draping qualities are well known and is commonly used in t-shirts, dresses, and casual tops. 

• Double Knit

This fabric is created by interlocking two sets of needles, which results in a thicker and more structured fabric. It is reversible and offers a smooth finish on both sides, and it is commonly used in sweaters, cardigans, and tailored garments. 

• Sweater Knit

Offering a textured surface that resembles traditional hand-knitted sweaters, this fabric is medium to heavy-weight. Thanks to its warmth and durability, it is ideal for cozy sweaters, cardigans and winter accessories. 

• Rib-knit

Rib-knit fabric provides stretch and flexibility. It is commonly used for cuffs, collars, and hemming details in knitwear.

Knitwear comes with various patterns, which adds texture and style to the fabric. Here are some of the most common types of knit patterns: 

• Jersey Knit

This basic knit pattern is characterized by smooth, flat stitches on the front and purl stitches on the back. It is commonly used for t-shirts and tops, but overall, lightweight items. 

• Double Jersey Knit

This is similar to jersey knit, but it offers two layers of fabric instead, which creates a thicker and more structured material overall.

• Ribbed Knit

Textured with alternating rows of knit and purl stitches, rib knits provide excellent stretch and are perfect for crafting warm and snug tops and cardigans, offering just the right amount of elasticity.

• Cable Knit

Resembling intertwined braided ropes, cable knit sweaters provide cozy comfort during winter’s chill. This was inspired by the rich knitting traditions of Ireland, which makes it a wardrobe essential. 

• Fine Gauge Knit

This pattern offers a tighter stitch for streamlined and flattering fit. Easy to layer, making it versatile for day to night styling. Effortlessly stylish, it adds elegance to any outfit. 

• Chunky Knit

Characterized by thick, bulky yarn and large stitches, Chunky knits result in a cozy and warm fabric. This pattern is known for creating shape and adding a touch of elegance, which makes it the perfect choice for winter sweaters and other accessories. 

• Diamond Stitch

This pattern forms a diamond-shaped motif by using a combination of knit and purl stitches. 

• Trellis Stitch

Creating a grid-like pattern with diagonal lines, Trellis Stitch resembles a trellis. It adds a modern and geometric touch to clothing items. 

The neckline of a knitwear item influences its style and overall look. Some common types of knitwear necklines are the following:

• Round Neck

This classic and timeless neckline forms a circular shape around the base of the neck. It is versatile and suits a wide range of knitwear styles, from sweaters to shirts. 

• Crew Neck

This type of neck is similar to the round neck but offers a higher and tighter fit. It is placed at the base of the neck and is commonly used in casual and sporty knitwear. 

• V-Neck

This features a downward-pointing V-shaped neckline that elongates the neck and adds a touch of elegance to the overall outfit. It is often found in sweaters, cardigans and dresses. 

• Roll or Polo Neck

The Roll or Polo Neck extends upward, covering a portion of the neck. It offers warmth and is often used in turtleneck sweaters and tops. 

• Zip Neck

Offering a partial or full-length zipper, the Zip Neck allows ventilation and a stylish and casual look. It is commonly seen in sweatshirts and laid-back jackets. 

• Funnel Neck

This is a high and folded neckline, which provides extra warmth and coverage. It creates a sophisticated and chic look and is commonly found in sweaters and coats.

• Boat Neck

The boat neck, also known as a bateau neckline, is characterized by a wide and shallow curve that extends horizontally across the collarbone area, exposing the shoulders. It adds a touch of femininity and is often used in lightweight knit tops and dresses.

Now that you have a better understanding of the versatility and charm of knitwear, it is time for you to discover your perfect knit matches. 

At BEIGE I BROWN we offer a wide variety of timeless and high-quality knitwear pieces for women. Meticulously crafted with the finest materials and resources, our knitwear selection is designed to bring style, comfort and durability to all your looks. 

From chic summer tops and lightweight dresses to cozy and warm jumpsuits for the winter months, our versatile knitwear collection offers individuality to your wardrobe year-round. Find your perfect knitwear garment and elevate your personal style today! 

When it comes to knitwear, men’s fashion plays a big role too. At BEIGE I BROWN we have a large collection of knitwear for men, offering from shirts, cardigans and sweatshirts to sweaters and sweatpants. All coming from a wide range of luxury brands and crafted through conscious production processes, high-quality materials and timeless designs. 

Take a deep look at our finest collection and discover the best men’s knitwear garments both for your summer and winter wardrobe.

Last but certainly not least, no knitwear guide would be complete without mentioning knitwear accessories! 

Accessories play a crucial role in creating individual and unique outfits. They have the power to transform a simple look into a statement of personal style, allowing you to truly make it your own. From cozy gloves and trendy hats to fashionable hoodies and more. Discover your perfect knitwear accessories to complement your looks now at BEIGE I BROWN!

Properly storing and maintaining your knitwear is essential to ensure its longevity. By following these guidelines, your knitwear can last a lifetime:

Storing Knitwear:

• Keep your knitwear in a cool and dry environment. To maintain its shape, it is recommended to fold your knitwear rather than hanging it up. However, if you need to hang up jumpers and cardigans, opt for smooth cedar wood hangers that are free from any nicks. Cedar wood naturally repels moths, providing added benefit. 
• To prevent moth infestations in your drawers or wardrobe shelves, utilize cedar wood mothballs or nuggets, as well as lavender-scented sachets and drawer fresheners. Place them in pockets or folds and replace them every three to six months. 
• During summer, it is recommended to store your knitwear in clean conditions, preferably in boxes with secure lids or in zip-lock clothes bags. 

Washing Knitwear:

• It is crucial to pay attention to the fabric type. Some can be dry-cleaned, while others can be washed by hand in warm water. 
• Always refer to the care label for each piece to ensure the appropriate cleaning method. 
• Avoid using strong detergents and refrain from soaking knitwear for extended periods. 
• Tumble drying should be avoided. 
• Instead of wringing your knitwear, gently press it to remove excess water. To maintain its shape, it is recommended to dry the knitwear flatly. 
• If the knitwear labels indicate machine washing is acceptable, use the wool or hand wash cycle. Place the knitwear in a mesh bag to protect it during the washing process. 
• Avoid washing it with items that could snag the knitwear, such as jeans or tops with zips.
• Try to keep the temperature and spin cycle speed low in your washing machine. 

What is considered knitwear?

The essence of the knitwear style lies in creating clothing using a continuous strand of thread or yarn, usually made of wool, which is looped and intertwined to form stitches across each row. This meticulous process results in a warm, comfortable, and visually appealing fabric due to the unique texture and patterns that can be achieved through knitting.

How to style knitwear? 

There are so many ways to style knitwear depending on the occasion, climate, and taste that we’ve created a comprehensive knitwear guide to explore this topic more thoroughly.

Which knitwear is best? 

Here’s our list of premium brands known for their high-quality, authentic knitwear:

• Lisa Yang
• FTC Cashmere
• House of Dagmar
• Tiger of Sweden
• Erika Cavallini

How to wear knitted tops? 

To create a fashionable knitwear outfit, start with a knitted top as your base. Layer it by wearing it under a jacket, cardigan, or an open button-down shirt. You could also wear it over a tee, whether long-sleeved or short-sleeved. Pair this with jeans, a skirt, wide-leg pants, or even shorts to complete the look.