Not all knitwear is created equal. If you’ve ever bought a jumper that looked beautiful in the shop and pilled into something unwearable after a month, you already know this.
Here’s what to actually look for.
Read the fabric composition label. Natural fibres — wool, cashmere, cotton, alpaca — breathe, soften with wear, and last. Synthetic fibres — acrylic, polyester — are cheaper to produce and tend to pill faster. A blend isn’t always bad, but the higher the natural fibre content, the better the longevity.
Check the weight. Fine knits are lighter, layer better, and tend to look more refined. Chunky knits are cosy but less versatile. Neither is wrong — just know what you’re buying.
Think about fit before you buy. “Relaxed fit” means intentionally oversized — that’s a design choice, not a sizing error. If you want something to sit neatly on the shoulder, size down. If you want it to drape, take your usual size or go up.
Examine the finishing. Turn it inside out. Look at the seams. Well-made knitwear is finished cleanly, with no loose threads or uneven stitching. It’s not glamorous advice, but it’s the fastest way to tell quality from its imitation.
Buy less. Choose well. Wear it for years.
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