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

Our fashion editor tested a huge range of knitwear, from high street to high end, to bring you the best

Lauren Cunningham
Thursday 22 February 2024 10:40 GMT
<p>From bright and bold shades to neutrals, we’ve found knits to suit every style and budget </p>

From bright and bold shades to neutrals, we’ve found knits to suit every style and budget

Our Top Picks

Although we’re edging towards spring, the weather is still not quite warm enough to retire our cosy coats, thick tights and warm knits.

Luckily, at this time of year, finding a fabulous jumper, knitted vest or colourful cardigan is no difficult task, as all of our favourite shops are bursting with options to suit a whole range of styles, sizes and budgets.

As many a fashion fan will know, when it comes to knitwear, quality over quantity really is key to finding long-lasting options that will see you through the colder season this year and beyond. So, we set out to try a whole host of styles, assessing the quality, fit and feel of key finds from popular high-street stores, smaller labels and high-end retailers.

Pulling a range of warm 100 per cent wool options, cosy cashmere and budget-friendly buys in a variety of colours, we’re confident we’ve found something to suit almost everyone, and will continually add to this list as we spot new standout styles.

Keep reading to see our favourite finds, from long cardigans courtesy of River Island to a nice and neutral boat-neck buy from Boden.

How we tested the best women’s knitwear

We’ve probably all experienced the disappointment of ordering an item online, only for it to arrive looking and feeling completely different to what we were hoping for, and knitwear is often one such culprit. So, not only have we curated an edit of the best jumpers, knitted vests and cardigans to buy for all budgets and styles, we’ve worn each and every item featured, to make sure they really impress beyond looks alone. Material, fit and feel were all key considerations when compiling this list, so keep scrolling to see which knitwear finds impressed us the most.

The best women’s knitwear for 2024 is:

  • Best women’s jumper overall – Boden cotton rib boat-neck jumper: £48, Boden.com
  • Best budget women’s jumper – H&M jumper: £12.99, hm.com
  • Best cardigan coat – Abercrombie & Fitch luxeloft crew sweater jacket: £65, Abercrombie.com
  • Best black jumper – Amazon Essentials women’s cotton funnel-neck sweater: £32.80, Amazon.co.uk
  • Best colourful cashmere – Brodie contrast roll-neck jumper: £100, Brodiecashmere.com

Boden cotton rib boat-neck jumper

Boden cotton rib boat neck jumper
  • Best: Overall
  • Material: Cotton, polyester, polyamide, metallised fibre, elastane
  • Size range: XS - XL
  • Colourways: Gold metallic, navy, pink
  • Why we love it
    • Simple yet chic

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?

  1. £48 from Boden.com
Prices may vary
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H&M jumper

H&M jumper.png
  • Best: Budget women's jumper
  • Material: Acrylic
  • Size range: XXS - XL
  • Colourways: Black/white, grey/white, greige/white, black
  • Why we love it
    • Easy to style and wash
  • Take note
    • Not the thickest

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.

  1. £12 from Hm.com
Prices may vary
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Abercrombie & Fitch luxeloft crew sweater jacket

striped cardigan
  • Best: Cardigan coat
  • Material: Viscose, polyester, nylon
  • Size range: XXS - XL
  • Colourways: Striped, black, white, grey
  • Why we love it
    • Formal yet cosy
  • Take note
    • Be cautious when washing

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.

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Amazon Essentials women's cotton funnel-neck sweater

Amazon Essentials women's cotton funnel-neck sweater, £35.20.png
  • Best: Black jumper
  • Material: 100 per cent cotton
  • Size range: XS - 6XL
  • Colourways: Black, brown, white, green, lime, navy, purple, tan
  • Why we love it
    • Machine washable
  • Take note
    • Not the thickest

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.

  1. £32 from Amazon.co.uk
Prices may vary
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Brodie contrast roll-neck jumper

pink jumper
  • Best: Colourful cashmere
  • Material: 100 per cent grade-A Mongolian cashmere
  • Size range: XS - XL
  • Colourways: Neon pink, navy, Derby grey
  • Why we love it
    • Machine washable
  • Take note
    • Pricey

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.

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Mango zip-neck jumper

white jumper
  • Best: Half-zip jumper
  • Material: Viscose, ployester, polyamide
  • Size range: XXS - XXL
  • Colourways: Ecru, black
  • Why we love it
    • Good for sports
  • Take note
    • Marks easily with make-up
    • Hand wash only

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.

  1. £35 from Mango.com
Prices may vary
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Beaumont Organic marney lambswool jumper in cobalt

blue jumper
  • Best: Sustainable jumper
  • Material: 100 per cent lambswool
  • Size range: XS - L
  • Colourways: Cobalt
  • Why we love it
    • Very warm
  • Take note
    • Hand wash only

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.

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Toast wool cashmere boxy cardigan

cream cardigan
  • Best: Cream cardigan
  • Material: Wool, cashmere
  • Size range: XXS - XL
  • Colourways: Putty, darkest navy
  • Why we love it
    • Warm and cosy
  • Take note
    • Hand wash only

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.

  1. £215 from Toa.st.com
Prices may vary
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M&S soft touch V-neck knitted top

mint green jumper
  • Best: Lightweight jumper
  • Material: Viscose, polyester and polyamide
  • Size range: XS - XL
  • Colourways: Light green, black, beige, grey blue
  • Why we love it
    • Machine washable
    • Super soft
  • Take note
    • Fibres aren’t particularly planet-friendly

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.

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River Island plus beige knit cardigan

River Island plus beige knit cardigan.png
  • Best: Long cardigan
  • Material: Acrylic, nylon, polyester, wool
  • Size range: UK 20 - 26
  • Colourways: Beige, black
  • Why we love it
    • Easy to wear
  • Take note
    • Buttons may fall of

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.

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Next cable belt cardigan

Next cable belt cardigan, £42.png
  • Best: Belted cardigan
  • Material: Acrylic, recycled polyester, wool
  • Size range: XS - XXL (petite sizing available, too)
  • Colourways: Camel, black and white, navy, pink
  • Why we love it
    • Machine washable
    • Petite sizing available

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.

  1. £42 from Next.co.uk
Prices may vary
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Aspiga cream roll-neck

Aspiga cream roll-neck, £160.png
  • Best: Cream jumper
  • Material: 100 per cent merino wool
  • Size range: XS - XL
  • Colourways: Cream, navy
  • Why we love it
    • Machine washable
  • Take note
    • Marks easily

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.

  1. £160 from Aspiga.com
Prices may vary
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& Other Stories bell-sleeve cashmere jumper

navy jumper
  • Best: Cashmere jumper
  • Material: 100 per cent cashmere
  • Size range: XS - L
  • Colourways: Navy, camel and pale grey
  • Why we love it
    • Flattering silhouette
  • Take note
    • Runs small

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.

  1. £165 from Stories.com
Prices may vary
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The verdict: Women’s knitwear

If you’re after an everyday essential that’s a little bit elevated, look no further than Boden’s boat-neck jumper. For a spring-ready style, M&S’ knitted top is sure to work wonders, and, if you’re after cosy cashmere, the & Other Stories chic navy cop offers a flattering silhouette. Plus, for a basic black jumper, Amazon Essentials has a huge range of sizes.

Looking for more wardrobe essentials? We’ve rounded up the best women’s coats

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