What Is Knitwear?
Knitwear is a type of clothing that uses looped yarns to produce a fabric. This differs from woven fabrics, which use warp and weft threads to form the material.
In 2019, the top European knitwear exporters included Germany, Italy, France, Spain, and the Netherlands. This demonstrates the global demand for quality knitwear.
Versatility
The beauty of knitwear is that it is at once transformative and comforting, offering unequalled respite from the coldest winter days. It’s cosy and insulating, breathable and easy to care for, so long as you wash it at a low temperature and don’t tumble dry it.
It’s also easy to dress up and down, from casual to sophisticated and back again. For example, a Fair Isle sweater is a classic, and puffed shoulders can add a little polish to your outfit, while oversized cardigans are perfect for layering over a blouse or dress.
Knitwear comes in a huge range of styles, colours and fabrics. You can find plain and patterned designs, as well as wool and cotton blends and even cashmere.
While many of the general fashion brands that sell knitwear have Knitwear a global production base, there are also small boutiques, e-commerce shops and innovative start-ups who focus on producing high-quality, locally-sourced and ethically-made products. Some companies, like Counting Cloud, also use NFC and QR technology so that you can follow the knitwear’s journey from its source to your wardrobe.
In terms of colour, the versatility of knitwear is unmatched. However, if you’re shopping for knitwear online it’s important to read the description carefully to understand what you’re purchasing. Woven patterns rely on darts and fitted seams to fit the curves of the body, but knit fabrics forgo those extra measures, instead relying on their natural stretch to allow you to pull them on.
Warmth
Knitwear is an essential component of a cold-weather wardrobe. In addition to keeping you cozy, it also looks great. When you want to add a little extra flair to your sweater, try adding a point-like ornament, such as a bobble or sequin. You can even use embroidery, if it’s done in a style that resembles knitting, to create more texture to the fabric.
The defining feature of knit fabrics is that threads are interlaced, forming symmetrical loops (also called bights) either above or below the mean path of the yarn. These loops give knitted fabrics a greater degree of stretch than woven fabrics, which is why they’re ideal for garments that need to be elastic and adapt to body movement. These fabrics also don’t fray like wovens do, making them easier to work with for makers.
A good quality wool sweater is a lifetime investment that’s worth caring for properly to extend its life. It’s best to wash your knitwear with cool water and a mild detergent. When it’s dry, avoid wringing or hanging it up to air-dry, since wool can shrink easily. It’s also important not to over-dry your knits, which can damage the fibres and cause them to lose their shape.
A growing number of knitwear brands are putting sustainability at the forefront of their business, ensuring that their wool comes from ethical and responsible sources. Look for brands that offer a full line of sustainable products and have a clear process to track the sourcing and production of their raw materials.
Softness
The loop structure of knit fabrics provides much more elasticity than is possible with yarns or fibers alone, which makes them very comfortable against the skin. This stretchiness also adapts to body movement, making them very flexible in motion and less susceptible to snagging than woven fabrics.
The softness of knitwear also makes it a versatile fashion statement, combining comfort and style in garments like V-neck sweaters and ribbed cuffs and hems. Knitwear Knitwear can also be made into more formal garments such as dresses and skirts, as seen in the designs of British model Twiggy.
To maintain the softness of your knitwear, make sure to use cold water and a mild detergent when washing. Also, try to avoid rubbing and scrubbing as this can cause surface wear on the knitted fabric. Instead, gently squeeze the excess moisture from your knitwear and pat it dry with a towel.
Another great way to keep your knitwear soft is by using a zig-zag stitch rather than a straight seam, as this will allow the fabric to stretch and stay soft. It’s also recommended to use a lingerie bag when washing delicate wool, and to add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help return the lustre of the fabric.
Alternatively, you can hand wash your knitwear and place it on a drying rack or chair overnight, to ensure that the fibers remain soft. Keeping your knitwear in an airy space, away from moths and other insects is key, so try to store it neatly in a drawer or closet with plenty of space. Placing a bundle of dried cedar or lavender in your closet is another excellent deterrent to moths.
Style
The beauty of knitwear is that it’s versatile and combines well with most other woven fabrics. It’s easy to pair it with tailored trousers, a sharp skirt or a suit jacket, for example. It’s a great way to add an element of personality to your look, too. Choose a bold pattern or an oversized silhouette that reflects your personal style.
The yarn used in knitwear can have a dramatic impact on how the final garment looks. Different fibres (such as wool), ply and gauge (how tightly the yarn is knitted) allow for a wide range of textures, from simple stockinette stitch to moss or seed stitch, to more complex textures like ribbed and twisted ribbing. Then there are the varying colours, which can change how the fabric looks and feel.
Knitwear comes in a wide variety of styles, from classic sweaters to statement accessories. For instance, a chunky grey knit with a buttoned collar can be worn as a polo shirt, flattering the neckline and making it ideal for smarter occasions.
Many knitwear brands use sustainable methods to produce their products, such as The Knotty Ones which uses only merino wool from small local workshops. Some of them have even used innovative technologies to track the production journey and carbon footprint of each sweater. When it comes to cleaning knitwear, always wash it by hand in cold water using an eco-friendly wool detergent. Never wring or hang it up as this can damage the delicate fibres.
