Here’s the Knitwear.co.uk official guide to online knitwear retailers. All these companies have been quality checked by us. All of these reputable online shops serve the UK and many will deliver overseas too.
- Austin Reed – Stylish men’s clothes, now available to buy online. Austin Reed have a classic knitwear range comprising V-necks, cricket jumpers, cable crew sweaters, 1/2 zip sweaters and more. The Austin Reed knitwear collection is a mix of cashmere, cotton and wool garments
- Boden – High quality, stylish knitwear for all the family. Boden have always had great reputation for the quality of their women’s clothing and now have a full menswear, children’s collection (mini Boden) and separate collection for teens called Johnnie b. The website is excellent and boden also offer free returns.
- Brook Taverner – Tailors of distinction since 1912 with a focus on quintessential English style. On their website you will find a small but classic range of mens knitwear in cotton or merino wool and available in a wide choice of colours and sizes. Brook Taverner offers a no quibble, free returns policy that even includes postage.
- Burton – Good Value knitwear range for men. There’s always a decent range of jumpers and cardigans on offer at reasonable prices. Burton offer a student discount and often have multi-buy discounts such as 3 for the price of 2.
- Laura Ashley – One of Britain’s most loved fashion and design brands. Laura Ashley produces an excellent women’s knitwear collection comprising some highly original and romantic pieces.
- Lyle & Scott – Despite their 135 year heritage, Lyle & Scott is very popular with “trendy young things”. At the Lyle & Scott online shop you can buy from all their collections and enjoy fast delivery and hassle free returns.
- T.M.Lewin – Established in 1898, T.M.Lewin has a small collection of knitwear for men and women. Made from beautifully soft Merino wool that feels like cashmere and fits perfectly over your shirt. Choose from a V-neck pullover or a sleeveless V-neck, both with a ribbed neck and contemporary fit. The women’s collection includes cardigans in the seasons complimentary colours.
- Woolovers – A very established family run firm that is very much a one stop shop for knitwear. There is a total of approximately 100 styles in over 60 shades on offer across the Woolovers mens and womens collections. Great reputation for customer service and fair prices.
- Yours Clothing – Plus Size Women’s Clothing specialists. You won’t believe the prices they have when they are running one of their famous sales. You’ll normally find over 100 styles of knitwear / shrugs in their online shop with many jumpers and cardigans available in sizes 16-32.
Types of Knitwear
Knitwear has elastic properties that rival modern day fabrics, with elasticity that can reach 500%. This elasticity means more care is needed when washing. Knitted clothing offers something for every body shape, making it a timeless classic. Not only is knitted clothing comfortable, it will remain warm even when wet and continue to hold its shape after continual use. These properties are difficult to find in any other fabric. Fabrics include angora, cashmere, wool, mohair and heavy cotton yarns.
V-Neck Knitwear
A garment that covers the torso and arms. The V-shape at the neck line is the overriding fetcher of the style. As more skin is exposed it is normal to wear the V-neck over another top, for example: Shirt, blouse or T-shirt.
Round Neck Knitwear
A classic “normal” style of a jumper/sweater. With a simple round neck.
Turtleneck
Can also be referred to as a polo neck (UK) or roll neck (universal) and skivvy (Australia) It is a close fitting, round and high collar that folds over and covers the neck.
Ponchos and Capes:
Ponchos:
Can be used as an outdoor and indoor garment. Essentially a single large sheet of fabric with an opening in the centre for the head. They fall flat to form a v-shape at the hem front and back. Openings at the side provide holes for the arms to fit through. They are a breathable and comfortable, usually knitted or crocheted. Key fetchers: fringing and a hood.
Capes:
Again can be used as an outdoor and indoor garment. Capes are a similar style and cut to a poncho, however they tend to be more formal and smarter. Are available with sleeves or slits for the arms. Capes also normally have a lining, and can be made with a trim of fur or other material to the collar. They normally open down the centre and fasten with buttons, toggles or snaps. Available with or without a hood. Made from acrylic, polyester, wool and polyamide.
Cardigans:
A cardigans distinctive feature that makes it different to other knitted items is that it can be opened or closed down the front. This can be achieved in many ways, for example: a tie/belt, buttons or zip. Generally worn over a T-shirt, dress or shirt, reasons for wear can be warmth or skin coverage.
