‘Understated, unexpected, cool’: the best men’s knitwear brands

Knitwear is a lifelong investment. Choose well, and you’ll be wearing it for years. But how do you make sure you’re buying something that’s built for longevity and won’t fall apart after just a few wears?

As a menswear writer and stylist with years of experience, I’m clued up on the brands that know what they’re doing when it comes to knitwear (from high-street hitters and independents to family-run Scottish mills and luxury labels) – and I’m well versed in how to make it look good, too.

Here’s my guide to the best brands available right now, and how to choose the best piece for you, as well as a few insider styling hacks and tips on how to keep your chosen piece in your rotation for as long as possible.

The best men’s knitwear brands

Responsible knitwear

Asket

Best for: transparency

Asket is all about transparency. In fact, you can see an “impact receipt” with a detailed cost and environmental breakdown for every design; Asket also either repairs or recycles any pieces that are damaged. And that’s before you get to the certified responsible textiles and the fact that the brand designs with longevity in mind, with classic silhouettes that don’t date, to encourage a “buy less, buy better” approach.

There’s loads of knitwear on offer. My personal favourite is the merino wool polo (£120), but there’s also a jumper (£110) or roll neck (£120) using the same fabric. If you want to treat yourself, though, the cashmere (£190) is a softer choice, or there’s a cotton sweater (£100), all of which come in a selection of neutrals and jewel tones.

Rise & Fall

Best for: luxurious pieces without the mark up

Rise & Fall has a few core values: limit waste by matching supply and demand; use responsible fabrics; and offer everything at a reasonable price. Its manufacturers are some of the best in the game, so ethical working practices and environmental responsibility are a given. Each product has a transparent breakdown of its materials, too.

Responsibility aside, the London-based label’s knitwear is some of the softest, comfiest, chicest around. Every time I wear my Rise & Fall, it’s a compliment magnet. My favourite is the cashmere sweatshirt with a loose hem (£225), but you can get everything from a zip hoodie (£240) to a quarter zip (£190) to a classic merino cardigan (£135), as well as gloves (£55), a snood (£95) and a cashmere cap (£90) – all of which would make great Christmas presents.

Sheep Inc

Best for: carbon-negative knitwear

There are barely any knitwear brands that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere – but Sheep Inc does – and it’s B Corp certified.

Its wool is from regenerative farms (such as those that use rotational grazing). The energy used in the manufacturing process is renewable, and the brand invests in biodiversity initiatives such as the Meru and Nanyuki community regeneration project based in the foothills of Mount Kenya and a reforestation project in the Acre Amazonian rainforest in Brazil, and uses 3D knitting machines to guarantee zero-waste. Use your phone to scan signature NFC tags on each garment, and you can trace the product’s entire journey, all the way down to the sheep that produced the wool.

And it’s not just good from an environmental perspective – the knitwear is some of the best on the market. The best pieces are those with the brand’s signature playful twist, such as the contrast hem jumpers, which come in at £250. Then, I love the more casual knits, such as the zip-through sweaters (£270) and pullover hoodies (£250), which come in some bold, punchy colours, as well as the classics, such as the original crew neck (£220).

High street knitwear

Uniqlo

Best for: affordable cashmere

Uniqlo has a great selection of reasonably priced knitwear. The best value for money is the lightweight merino wool sweatshirt for £34.90, and a chunkier lamb’s wool for £29.90. But the jumper I always recommend from Uniqlo is the cashmere crew neck. It’s not often you find a pure cashmere jumper for under £100, let alone £89.90. It comes in a great selection of colours, but a word of warning: the good shades tend to sell out fairly early in the season, so if there’s any that catch your eye, jump.

Simswear

Best for: UK-made knitwear

For founder Billy Sims-Hilditch, the motivation to start Simswear was to make great knitwear that lasts – and as soon as you feel any of the jumpers in person, the quality is obvious from the weight and the softness. Beyond the slow-fashion approach, every garment is made in the UK using natural fibres, including the carding to the spinning, knitting, weaving, cutting and sewing.

One of my favourite things about the brand’s collection, though, is the strong range of colour options, such as petrol blue, forest green and poppy red. The petrol green merino lamb’s wool jumper (£225) takes my top spot, but some of my other highlights from the current collection are the merino roll neck (£245) and the knitted rugby (£255). And, if you’re happy to wait until early February next year, you can pre-order for a significantly reduced RRP.

Kiltane

Best for: Scottish knits

If you’re looking for Scottish knitwear, Kiltane’s your best bet. If you’ve ever visited Edinburgh, chances are you’ve passed the flagship store on the Royal Mile, which has been there since 1997.

If not, let me bring you up to speed. It’s a luxury knitwear label specialising in cashmere, designed in Edinburgh and crafted in the Scottish Borders at a family-run mill. My standout pieces are those that feel a little more contemporary –the striped long-sleeve polo (£229) and the tomato-red half zip (£219), for instance. As with all the best knitwear brands, though, Kiltane’s a pro at the classics too, including a simple crew neck (£209), a cosy roll neck (£239) and a preppy-coded V neck (£139).

Cos

Best for: premium knitwear on the high street

Cos is a London-based label with a Scandi aesthetic that sits at the high end of the high street. That means it’s a little pricier than most, but the quality and craftsmanship are also at a higher level. Take the men’s knitwear: it’s all designed with a fashion-forward silhouette (relaxed but not baggy) and uses premium textiles such as brushed wool (£95), merino (£65), cashmere (£169), mohair (£109) and alpaca (£95). Expect elevated design touches such as a dropped shoulder, a chest pocket, a stand collar or a henley neckline.

Marks & Spencer

Best for: value for money

M&S is putting a lot of effort into its menswear, from the higher end Autograph and Jaeger lines to its main collection, and even a new menswear-specific Instagram account with involvement from fashion influencers Oliver Proudlock and Sam Salter. I’m loving the wool blend argyle (£38) and the festive cable knit (£35). If you do want to go premium, though, I’d suggest trying the pure cashmere crew neck (£99) or this classic cardi (£135).

Arket

Best for: classic knitwear

You can always count on Arket for a quality jumper. Well, you can actually count on the Scandi label for all of the menswear staples: jeans, T-shirts, Oxford shirts and more. It’s the kind of brand you can wear head to toe and always look polished.

For knitwear, this is the place to go for quality classics. The range is full of wearable pieces any guy could pull off – most of which are cut to an ever-so-slightly relaxed fit but still tailored enough to look smart. Since this is the place for the basics, the extra-fine merino wool jumper (£55), which comes in 16 colours, is a top contender, as well as a simple quarter zip (£85), which you could make fashion-y with a shirt and tie à la Jonathan Bailey or even dress it down with a T-shirt. Or, you could try my favourite of the lot, the long-sleeve merino polo neck (£65).

Gap

Best for: contemporary basics

When it comes to quality basics, you can’t go wrong with Gap – and its knitwear is no exception. The CashSoft range is designed to feel like cashmere, with some made with a cotton-nylon-acrylic blend and others pure cotton (the latter’s my recommendation; the former feels a little static). But you can’t beat the merino wool collection – especially the navy long-sleeve polo (£55) and the grey cable knit (£60). On the more affordable side of things, though, I’d suggest going for the ever-so-slightly cropped cotton jumper, which comes in at £35 – a great price for a jumper made using a natural textile that’s cut to a nice, contemporary silhouette.

Mid-range and luxury knitwear

A Day’s March

Best for: luxurious Scandi knitwear

If you’re after Scandi minimalism at its finest, let me introduce you to A Day’s March. You can just tell it’s from the Nordics. The colour palette. The contemporary classic silhouette. The premium fabrics and the understated (more or less nonexistent) branding. It’s basically the upmarket version of what Cos and Arket are doing on the high street.

And the knitwear follows suit. The fuzzy, light blue mohair sweater (£230) takes first place for me, while the indigo cardigan (£250) comes in a close second, with the white cable knit (£180) in third. If you prefer the basics, though, a classic crew neck in lamb’s wool (£120) or merino (£130) is a safe choice.

Toast

Best for: a slow-fashion approach

Toast makes clothes to last. The brand prioritises natural fibres across its knitwear collection – whether it’s an apple-green marled wool jumper (£165), a chunkier design (£205) made using a flecky wool yarn spun in Donegal or a grungy striped alpaca sweater (£245) that wouldn’t look out of place in Kurt Cobain’s wardrobe. Under each product listing online, there’s even a little guide on how to make your knitwear last, with tips on washing, storage and maintenance – simply scroll past the customer reviews to see it.

Les Deux

Best for: cool-guy knitwear

Les Deux is the home of fashion-forward knits. Based in Copenhagen, it all started in 2011 when Andreas von der Heide and Virgil Nicholas were inspired by a T-shirt embellished with military patches – they wanted to create a label to design pieces just like that: understated, unexpected and, dare I say, cool.

Knitwear is one of its best categories. My favourite of the bunch is the Brad round-neck knit (£125), which has the brand name subtly embroidered above the hem. There are some bolder options, too, such as the gradient knit (£129) and the globe crew neck (£149), which is constructed with a patchwork jacquard of logos and graphics.

Thames MMXX

Best for: underground knits

For knits you can’t find anywhere else, head to Thames MMXX. The London-based brand was started by Blondey McCoy, a skateboarder and artist, so the collections all have an offbeat counter-culture feel. This is the place you go if you’re after something that feels a bit different. My highlights are the punky argyle polo neck (£90) and the black crew neck with grungy graphics (£102) inspired by The Catcher in the Rye.

NN07

Best for: statement knitwear

NN07 stands for “no nationality”, meaning it’s designed for anyone who wants to wear it, and the company offers knitwear with personality. The pieces are timeless, but with various standout details. Take the alpaca sweater (£235), for instance, with its unusual light camel ombre finish, or the cardigan (£200) that’s embroided with painterly flowers. Another of my favourites is brand’s twist on a festive fair isle jumper (£260) – instead of being the entire knit, which can sometimes feel a little much, it’s an asymmetric take that is limited to the hemline and the arms. NN07 also has a merino wool crew-neck cardi (£250), which is a hot ticket on the knitwear scene right now (thanks to the internet’s incumbent boyfriend Paul Mescal, who’s regularly spotted in the silhouette). In short, if you’re after chic knitwear that makes a statement, this is the one for you.

Gant

Best for: preppy knits

The fashion world is still obsessed with all things preppy, and you can lean into the vibe with menswear staples – and Gant is the best place to go.

When it comes to knitwear, that means V necks (£140), embroidered logos (£140) and half zips (£150), which the brand styles with collegiate finesse – over a ringer T-shirt or a shirt and tie, for instance. Whether you wrap it around your shoulders or simply wear it with straight-leg jeans, you’ll be a preppy king before you know it.

What you need to know

What type of knitwear should I buy?

There are three main things to consider: design, fabric and craftsmanship. Since you want it to last, you want classic silhouettes that transcend trends (V neck, crew neck, polo) made using natural fibres (cotton or the countless types of wool, from cashmere to lamb’s wool and merino) by brands that are known for their knitwear.

When you’re choosing which to go for, think about how you wear your knits. Do you use it as a layering tool? If yes, a versatile, lightweight jumper would do: a block-colour cashmere or merino wool, for example. Or, if you want your jumper to be the star of the show, go for something that’s a little more designed, be it a cable knit, a stripe or an argyle.

What type of knitwear is on trend right now?

If you want something that’s on trend, follow the lead of the menswear pros. Pedro Pascal is leading the charge for a slightly cropped silhouette, while Paul Mescal has levelled up crew-neck cardigans. Just try to err on the side of classic so that whatever you choose doesn’t date.

Should I wear a crew neck or a V neck?

Up to you. Both are strong choices – if you prefer to dress understated, a crew neck feels a little easier to wear, while a V neck feels more fashion-y because it’s trending right now (just look at menswear influencers @imdanielsimmons, @christianptty and @jimy_09). It leans into the hype for preppy menswear, which is growing every year. If you’re looking for styling inspiration, collegiate brands such as Gant or Ralph Lauren are a good starting point.

How to style knitwear

There are a few easy styling hacks that can take knitwear from good to great. The easiest of all is wearing a white T-shirt underneath. Having a little white collar on show at the neckline will make your fit look considered – just look at Jacob Elordi to see how it’s done. If your tee drops down too much, try wearing it back to front – as long as there’s no label at the neck (Gap make some great label-less designs).

Then, lean into the versatility: you can wear a knit in pretty much any way you want. Around your neck as a scarf. Diagonally across your body. Or, my personal favourite (and the easiest to get right), draped over your shoulders, whether it’s over a shirt, T-shirt or coat.

If you’re still after inspiration, check out @noahaltink on TikTok, a menswear pro who often posts knitwear styling tips.

How to take care of knitwear

Knitwear can experience a little wear and tear over time. Actually, some of my worn-in jumpers end up being the ones I reach for most because they’re the comfiest of all – which makes total sense because good knitwear shapes to your body over time. But there’s a fine line between “worn-in” and raggedy, so as soon as you spot holes or bobbles, it’s time for some TLC.

Luckily, it’s easy to take care of. First of all, consider buying yourself a debobbler – an electric fabric shaver that removes pills and fuzz when you pass it over your jumper in circular motions. Steamery’s Pilo 2 (£55) is a great option, while the Russell Hobbs lint remover (£19.99) is effective and a little cheaper. Though they’re both designed to work on all fabrics, a manual pilling comb (£8) is a great alternative if you’d like to be gentler on your delicates.

When it comes to holes, it’s a bit trickier. If you want to pick up a new hobby à la Tom Daley, you could follow the YouTube tutorials for a little DIY. Or, for an easier fix, you could find a local seamstress or knitting professional who can help – if you’re London-based, take a look at the Seam, an online directory where you can find clothing maintenance experts in your area.

How you wash your knits matters, too. First of all, wash them as little as possible. Get yourself a fabric freshener such as the Lab Co’s cashmere and wool laundry mist (£9), a gentle formula that eliminates bad odours and leaves a just-washed fragrance. When you do wash them, always hand wash, then roll them in a towel to remove excess water before air-drying flat to prevent stretching or shrinking.

For more menswear fashion inspiration from the Filter:
50 men’s autumn wardrobe updates for under £150 (some are even free)
Ties are cool again – just ask TikTok. Here’s how to wear one
The best men’s suits under £400

Peter Bevan is a stylist and fashion journalist covering menswear, womenswear and beauty