Tom Daley may suppose he invented knitwear – nay, knitting – however newsflash: he didn’t.
Defined as clothes that’s created by knitting looped yarns of wool, cotton or artificial blends, you’ll discover knitwear throughout classes, from jumpers and cardigans to scarves and extra. It’s not simply for winter, both. Depending on the textile, it may be simply pretty much as good for summer time, too – a light-weight however luxurious knitted polo for a backyard occasion, for instance.
Soft and stretchy, chunky knitwear crafted from wool is especially suited to winter wardrobes, whether or not in a rollneck or pullover, each of which lean into layering – a trench excessive for the previous and a shirt beneath for the latter – in addition to a superb pair of chunky boots. Take type notes from stars like David Beckham, Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, who’ve rocked all the things from cardigans to polos and cable knits, dressing them up or down with slouchy denim or tailor-made trousers.
“Warm, stylish and versatile, knitwear is one of the most enduring staples in any wardrobe,” explains Andrew Hogley, CEO of British Wool, the organisation that promotes nice British fleece wool. “It can be made from a range of fibres, but wool remains the gold standard. As a renewable and biodegradable natural material produced here in the UK, wool brings exceptional warmth, breathability and durability – a world away from the synthetic fibres used in fast fashion.”
He provides: “For shoppers, the appeal of wool lies in its versatility and resilience. The fibre’s natural crimp creates tiny air pockets that help regulate body temperature, making wool comfortable to wear year-round. It’s also odour-resistant, flame-retardant and crease-resistant, meaning it looks good and performs brilliantly without the need for constant washing or ironing. When buying knitwear, quality and provenance matter.
Look for woollen products carrying the British Wool Shepherds’ Crook mark, which guarantees that the fibre has been responsibly sourced from UK farms where animal welfare and sustainability are paramount. The label also supports rural livelihoods and centuries of craftsmanship.”
How to care for wool knitwear
Hogley finishes with upkeep suggestions: “You have to be cautious when cleansing wool, nevertheless it’s easier than many count on. Always comply with the care label, however usually, a cool hand wash or wool cycle with a mild detergent work best. Avoid wringing; as an alternative, reshape and dry flat.
Wool refreshes simply, so usually a superb airing between wears will do the trick. By selecting and caring for wool correctly, you’ll be able to take pleasure in clothes that final for a long time, combining consolation, efficiency and timeless type whereas supporting British farmers and sustainable manufacturing.”
As a long-serving lifestyle journalist who writes for The Times, The Telegraph and, of course, The Standard, I’m an expert on men’s style. Indeed, every spare minute is spent trawling social media and thumbing glossy magazines for the latest trends in the world of fashion. My biggest vice? T-shirts – I’ve got hundreds of them.
Below, I spherical up the high road’s best knitwear for men under £300, together with items crafted from British wool.