Tips for Knits
Everything you need to know to stay warm AND stylish this Winter!
Knits are Winter wardrobe essentials - but do you have the RIGHT knitwear? Sharing my detailed tips for the 3 key styles to own, difference in qualities, and fab shopping tips!
THREE key styles
Here’s your checklist for my three must-have knits to own:
BLACK KNIT » This knit works hardest through Winter! I highly recommend investing in good quality black knit(s) with wool and/or cashmere as it’s so versatile and lasts for years. Take it from jeans and sneakers » to work style with trousers and flats » to evening style with a skirt and heels.
NEUTRAL KNIT » Helps lighten up your wardrobe in the cold months when you’re reaching for dark shades of black, navy, grey etc! It softens all those colours, and also works beautifully with pastels and bold colours too - including red, a huge trend this Winter (TAP to read my blog).
COLOURED KNIT » This is the pop of fun in your wardrobe! That brightens up your Winter style with a soft blue, forest green, bold red or fab stripe! This is the knit I would spend less on, that is a fab find and may be acrylic or blend. You wear it for a season, love it, then add a new colour the following Winter!
SHOPPING Tips
Here’s three helpful tips when considering purchasing a new knit:
Read the care LABEL » Know what your buying! Luxury fibres like wool are more expensive, but worth it for the warmth and softness (scroll down for tips on qualities). Also check the percentage - it may say ‘wool blend’ but only be 8% wool and the rest acrylic… The more wool » the warmer it is » and worth the $ too!
Don’t be afraid of BLENDS » A mix of natural and man-made fibres can be a good thing! It can help balance the right amount of warmth, softness, and durability. It can also reduce the itchiness of wool. Mixing luxury and synthetic fibres » helps make the knit more affordable » while also retaining its shape and quality longer.
Consider the STYLE » Ensure to have a variety! Thicker styles can have cable details, more texture (eg. alpaca), and bigger sleeves - but just be aware these may not always fit comfortably under coats. They’re great for more casual style. Finer knits are ideal to tuck in, wear under blazers and coats, and easier to dress up for work and evening style… so a mix of both thick and finer knits is essential!
QUALITIES to consider
NATURAL
WOOL » Is ideal for the cold! It’s a natural fibre and keeps you warm in winter, as well as cooler in milder months as it’s so breathable. For the warmest quality choose merino, cashmere, or alpaca - they’re more expensive but well worth it for warmth, comfort and longevity.
COTTON » is natural and breathable for lightweight knitwear suitable for milder weather. It’s soft, comfortable, and easy to care for, but not as warm as wool.
SILK » is soft, smooth, and has a natural sheen. It’s used in lighter knitwear that is ideal for layering, but is often more delicate. It’s best in a blend with other fibres.
MAN-MADE
SYNTHETICS » Are man-made fibres. On their own they offer little warmth, aren’t breathable and can pill easily, but blended with other fibres they can be extremely useful! Acrylic is warm like wool, polyester adds strength and durability, and nylon enhances elasticity and stretch. Rayon can mimic the smooth quality and softness of silk and cotton.
MAINTAINING THE QUALITY
HOT TIP » I recommend folding knits on shelves or in drawers, so it doesn’t stretch or loose it’s shape on a hanger. Knitwear also doesn’t need washing regularly - simply air them to freshen them up! If you do wash - ensure it’s on a gentle cold water cycle or hand wash - to avoid shrinking and pilling.
SHOP the look
I’ve done the research for you! TAP to shop:
Black Knits | Neutral Knits | Coloured Knits
I hope you enjoyed my detailed tips on knits - make sure you LIKE this post and if you have any Q’s type them in the comments below. I love reading your feedback and thoughts!
I’l have more fab fashion and style tips for Winter next week… including boots…
Stay warm out there,
P x