Until about five years ago Cashmere jumpers were the preserve of ladies who lunch, golfers and tourists looking to take home something suitably pricey and Scottish (which they had invariably bought on London’s Regent Street !?). But then something very odd happened. Stores like Uniqlo and M&S began to sell Cashmere knitwear at prices that mere mortals could afford and soon pretty much everyone was clamouring to own at least one Cashmere jumper.
The reason why Cashmere wins out is that in knitwear soft wool rules, and it doesn’t come much more luxurious or gentle on the skin that cashmere. And the reason why it used to be so pricey is that it comes from Cashmere goats and it takes two or three goats to produce a jumper’s worth of material. Also processing the fibre into yarn isn’t easy or cheap.
What has happened in the last few years is that the centre of the Cashmere universe has shifted from Mongolia and Turkey to China which has emerged as the world’s top producer – hence prices have fallen. There are still some environmental issues about Cashemere production but you are probably reading this to score a cheapish jumper for Christmas so lets not go too far into them now.
Here’s the list of links of the jumpers we have covered, now hit the gallery to see the pics.
One of our favourite knitwear brands is William Fox, who have been in the business of manufacturing top quality sporting goods and and assorted gentlemen’s attire for over a century now.
The brand’s new range is available at Present and includes some classics and few quirky items too. My pick of the bunch is this Fairisle jumper in cream – but click through for a whole load of others including some odd stripes and neck patterns.
The jumpers are made from high quality lambswool and start at around £160.
Made from Pure Wools, Mohair Wool and Polyester Blends, these have a straight slightly narrower leg 16.5 inch bottoms.
Adams of London
One of the likely big trends in women’s wear for next is year monochrome black and white. Think Bridget Riley, op art, stripes of varying lengths, maybe a bit of dogs tooth too.
Chances are that the mod monochrome look will also have an influence on menswear too, which is good news for the heritage brands who t are always selling 60 influenced clothes. Here are few items that are likely to be (coughs) bang on trend next year.
There is a bit of trend in comedy jumpers this season. You only need to check out River Island’s selection to see how prevalent they are. If you want knitwear that doesn’t have to be teamed up with paper hats and plastic cracker jewelry that you can wear all winter long then check out this lot.
These are our favourites of the season. All classic jumpers. All very stylish and a little more conservative than our last selection.
As a rule Christmas hampers tend to be fairly rubbish affairs stuffed with weird dried fruit and odd combination pickles that chances are will reach their sell by date before you get round to sampling them.
However, ace British knitwear company John Smedley have come up with an alternative hamper this year which might be pricey, but is a must have addition to our Christmas list. For your £259 you get a classic Bobby pull over – which are made from top notch merino wool and come in lots of different colours – a Thymus Merino wool scarf packaged in a very striking branded wooden box. They also throw in a £25 voucher and some special wool wash too.
You’ll have to get moving though if you want one. You need to order by Monday 19th if you want the box to arrive before Christmas.
Bit chilly out, isn’t it? If you’re still running about in flip-flops and short sleeves then a) You’re mental and b) take a look at the calendar, it’s the middle of October!
Global warming may be jumbling up the seasons like a misguided game of drunken Twister, but winter’s definitely kicking in now. If the change in weather has caught you by surprise, have no fear! We’ve put together a round up of our favourite trophy jumpers for the season, meaning you’ll be able to make a statement with your knitwear while saving the pennies keeping the immersion heater switched off.
Another Topman knit, we'll suffer no crying if Bambi's mother, detailed in the weave, shrinks in the wash. You could see it coming a mile away.
£38 from Topshop.
And if you want something classic and stylish try this jumper selection.
As anyone who’s ever stood in a field of 80,000 people listening to banging tunes in the middle of a soggy British summer festival can attest to, staying warm and dry at an outdoor gig is often a proper struggle (we’re not talking about you lucky Californian sods who get to bask in the sunshine of Coachella each year). Staying warm, dry and stylish is nigh-on impossible.
The nautical leanings of the new Musto 1964 Collection however looks set to be a nice marriage of both fashion and function.
Taking in items including wax deck coat waterproofs, parkas, chinos and even a beanie that’d make Steve Zissou himself envious, it’s a classic look with items that could slip easily into most casual wardrobes for the coming Autumn and Winter seasons. The range will be available from September.
Scroll down for a closer look at what’s on offer, and hit up www.musto.com for more info.
Here at Brandish, we are always on the look out for new up and coming designers. One that recently caught our attention was Common Sons. Their inaugural AW/11 collection, carried by both selfridges and ASOS, and is best described as British made knitwear for the modern gent. They draw inspiration from traditional sherman knits, while bringing giving it a contemporary twist and a little humor.
All the knitwear is made in the UK, in family run factories and printed with organic dyes. Knits range from £65-95 and are available here
Get set for the autumnal weather with these Knitted Fair Isle Gloves from Moncler.
Made from 100% Lambswool, the mitten-style gloves comes in beige with a traditional Fair Isle knitted pattern and tricolor detailing branding along the rubbed wrist cuff.
Summer seems to have escaped this year with a chilling 14 degrees this morning when I left the house. But as much as I love sun and park life, I can’t help but to love the colder months when you get to wrap up warm in wonderful clothes – my growing up in the Arctic could also be a reason for this… and my love for ‘look-at-me’ knitwear.
If you’re looking to invest in your winter wardrobe but want to do it in a green way, Edun is the place to look. The brand of Ali Hewson and Bono – yes that Bono – has an amazing collection out for this autumn/winter that will make you look dashing.
Using layers and dimension to create a well-travelled feel that is juxtaposed with modern silhouettes, Edun offers unique styles with added pockets, stitching and darting details, and the sweaters and knits span the spectrum, from lightweight layering to a fresh twist on vintage Fair Isles patterns.
Trousers range from clean, slim and straight tailored to tapered leg and drop crotch. Something for everyone! The denim is work wear influenced and most of it is made from recycled fabrics in Africa, with an organic wash to finish.
The seasons’ colour choices are inspired by natural elements such as stone and ash accented with petrol and ice, whereas red brick and cranberry wine play off sediment black and dark neutrals, like storm and tar, are accented with raisin, mulberry and peacock.
The past few weeks have seen snow shut down half the country, and unfortunately it is only the beginning of the cold weather. As you know, if you are going to keep warm at this time of year, its all about the layers. From thermals to snoods, they keep you staying warm and staying fashionable. A big trend so far this winter has undeniably been chunky knitwear. Whether it is a jumper or cardigan, some thick knitwear is a great addition to any winter wardrobe. However, there is one style in particular that has lead the trend with both high street stores and premium designers – The Fair Isle knit.
The Fair Isle knitting is technique named after the tiny island of Fair Isle, north of Scotland, between the Shetland and Orkney islands. Traditional Fair Isle refers to any colour work knitting using 2 alternating colours and utilises the traditional patterns of the Shetlands. The technique in recent years has been adapted by designers mixing traditional items and techniques with current trends and themes. However, they still remain true to the vintage and country inspired styles.
Fair Isle knits are a simple and classic way to bring colour and warmth to your winter wardrobe. Whats more, it is a trend that is sure to be around for at least another season, fitting well with the Urban Bohemian trend.
Rock the Fair Isle knits with dark washed jeans, military boots, a chunky scarf and camel trench coat to be right on trend. As things warm up in the spring, pair your sweater with rolled up chinos and boat shoes.
With winter upon us, we have been checking out the best of this years knitwear. From textured cable to Scandinavian inspired patterns, it is without a doubt the must have staple for every guys wardrobe.
To help you navigate your way through the best of this season we have compiled a list of our top 10 jumpers, cardigans and other knitwear sure to raise your sartorial status.
In the past couple of winters Fairisle knits have become a staple item to keep you warm in our cold winters. The trend also seems to be holding it’s ground with yet more garish patterns lined up for you to wear in the coming months. Alongside all of the styles below, I suggest you check out charity shops as you can get some real finds, but the problem is, first of all, you never quite get rid of the smell no matter how much you wash it, and secondly, the vintage styles tend to have very baggy arms which looks cute on women, but less desirable on men. The selections below are all available at Hip.
This classic aran patterned cardigan comes a ‘flame’ colour. It’s loose fitting and features leather elbow patches. This is the second wave of the Folk SS collection, and all of it is avialable either on the Folk website or at oki-ni. At the beginning of In January, Folk released a video of their SS collection and it’s available to view below.
Until about five years ago Cashmere jumpers were the preserve of ladies who lunch, golfers and tourists looking to take home something suitably pricey and Scottish (which they had invariably bought on London’s Regent Street !?). But then something very odd happened. Stores like Uniqlo and M&S began to sell Cashmere knitwear at prices that mere mortals could afford and soon pretty much everyone was clamouring to own at least one Cashmere jumper.
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