13 best women’s knitwear buys, from jumpers and cardigans to tank tops

While we wouldn’t normally reach for a gold metallic jumper to wear everyday, this Boden option is so beautifully made that it’s taken our top spot. We love the simplicity of this style and its small design twists – the boat neckline and metallic thread, especially. It softly elevated everyday outfits, looking incredibly chic, and worked with almost everything in our wardrobe, no matter shape or shade.

For this time of year, it offered just the right amount of warmth as well – a soft and cosy cop rather than a thick, swaddling style. Plus, it’s currently on sale when using code “B2F3” and can be popped in the washing machine for easy care. What more could we ask for?

Coming in at less than £13, this H&M striped style is certainly a bargain buy. Of course, as you’d expect, it isn’t made from a very planet-friendly fabric nor is it the thickest of finds, but for its price point, we were incredibly impressed. With the likes of the Toteme striped jumper (£420, Netaporter.com) becoming incredibly popular, these striped styles are a real fashion fan favourite.

Aside from the low price point, we loved how easy it was to wear, as we threw it on over dresses and skirts, and even tied it around our necks above a trusty T-shirt. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to care for, just pop it on a cool wash and it comes out looking lovely.

Yes, it may have been a long time since you last wore Abercrombie & Fitch (us too) but the brand has had a second revival and there’s quite a number of key pieces to shop, such as this cardi. Cut in a more formal fit with an edged crew neckline and long sleeves, it’s certainly one to add to your workwear wardrobe. Plus, the gold buttons give it a more luxe-looking finish.

We love how well it layered over dresses yet it also looked lovely when worn alone over jeans – it really is a year-round staple. Although, note the washing instructions are a little specific, “machine wash cold separately, remove promptly”, so do take care.

If you’re after an everyday basic black jumper, Amazon has you covered. Crafted from 100 per cent cotton, with a high neck, ribbed hem and sleeves, this jumper works with almost every outfit while still being soft and cosy.

It isn’t the thickest option on this list, so you will want to layer a T-shirt underneath on particularly chilly days, although it certainly isn’t thin either, so there’s no need to worry about it looking a little flimsy.

Coming in a wide range of colours (if black isn’t the shade you’re searching for), it’s available in sizes XS to 6XL, so there should be an option that works for most people.

While it may seem easier to slot black, cream and grey shades into your wardrobe, vibrant colours can really help to brighten up dull days. This Brodie pink option may actually surprise you when it comes to just how versatile this shade can be – we’ve paired it with black and blue jeans as well as trousers in contrasting colours.

The brand has a rather heartwarming story – founded by a mother-daughter duo with a passion for high-quality cashmere garments, a lot of attention is paid to the Mongolian goats who provide the fibre, the people who create each garment and the processes involved.

Although it’s a pricey pick, it’s made from 100 per cent (incredibly cosy) cashmere, and it’s even machine washable.

Half-zip jumpers may be a go-to for the ‘finance bros’ but they’re also incredibly chic. This Mango option proves exactly that, with a simple yet elegant cut that we found worked well with a whole host of oufits – work trousers and jeans included. We also found it actually came in handy when looking to layer up while playing sports, taking us through indoor ski sessions and squash, too, as the handy half zip allowed for the warm air to easily escape our sweaty chests.

The main downfall, however, is the white colourway and high collar, which are incredibly easy to mark with make-up and did end up rather marked after just one use. Of course, this can come out in the wash, although the brand advises you stick to hand washing only, to keep the shape strong.

As many people will agree, it’s nice to support small businesses, and Beaumont Organic is one that really impressed us. Focusing on creating ethically made products using more planet-friendly materials – linen, lyocell and tencel – the small run styles offer both a more sustainable and more unique item (you’re much less likely to run into somebody wearing the same thing).

This bright blue jumper caught our eye immediately. Made from 100 per cent lambswool, it’s lovely and warm, plus brightened up our wardrobe when worn with white jeans and light-coloured skirts. You can also see on the product page exactly where it was woven, knitted and finished, which is a lovely touch. Although, unsurprisingly, it’s a hand wash only find, so best for those not tempted to chuck everything in the washing machine.

If you’re after a long-lasting, incredibly well-made cardigan, Toast is the brand to know. This chic cream cardi features ribbed hems, front pockets and corozo buttons and is incredibly cosy. Made from wool and cashmere, it’s warm and sturdy enough to be worn alone over a top on a warmer spring day.

Yes, it’s on the pricier side, but that is usually the case with well-made items with more planet-friendly materials, so, consider it an investment item. Although, it’s a hand wash find, so be sure to give it a little extra TLC.

As the weather is warming up and the sun is starting to shine a little more, we’re also after lighterweight knits to wear year-round. This M&S find could be the perfect solution, with short sleeves, a low-cut neckline and a gorgeous mint green colour that certainly says spring.

We found it incredibly easy to wear, especially with white jeans and classic blue denim but also imagine it works well with a lighterweight linen trouser during warmer weather. It’s also super soft and machine washable.

Long cardigans are one of the easiest things to throw on and go, offering a cosy layer of comfort without having to think too much about it. This beige River Island plus find does exactly that, slotting over jeans, dresses, and even jogging bottoms.

We found it worked with almost every outfit in our wardrobe, and we loved how easy it is to look after (it’s machine washable, after all) but we would recommend keeping an eye on the golden buttons on the pockets, as we imagine these will be prone to falling off. Although, a couple of stitches will have them back on and secure in no time.

A large amount of knitwear is big and bulky but if you’re after something that accentuates your curves or adds a little bit more shape, a belted cardigan is sure to be the perfect pick.

This cable-knit find from Next wraps around you, with a tie belt that emphasises your waist while keeping the cardigan closed at the front. We found it soft and cosy and loved the longer length (it comes down to the tops of the thighs).

Pink, green, blue and yellow threads are woven into this camel-coloured design, to add some extra dimension – a trait that may leave shoppers divided over whether they love it or loathe it.

A good-quality cream jumper is a winter wardrobe essential, although it may take a little more TLC to keep light-coloured options in tip-top condition. You’ll want to try and keep the shade nice and bright for as long as possible, so take care when washing cream jumpers and steer clear of tomato soup. Trust us, we’ve made this mistake before.

This Aspiga option is well worth the extra effort, though, with a boxy shape, high-quality warm wool and navy hem, we enjoyed pairing this design with jeans but it’s formal enough to wear in office environments, too. Just watch out for the high neck, if you’re a fan of heavy foundation.

Considering this jumper is made from 100 per cent cashmere, it will come as no surprise it felt luxurious and soft to wear. Available in only the chicest colours of navy blue, camel and pale grey, the jumper features a wide neckline and bell sleeves, which we found made for a super flattering and elegant silhouette.

The sizes do come up smaller (for a more fitted look), so keep that in mind when ordering.