tyhanleigh.com personal fashion stylist – Hey there, are you a knitwear enthusiast? Ready to welcome this season with the best wardrobe collection? You’re in luck because there are British-made knitwear to maximise both your style and comfort!
Over the years, British knitwear has been well-known for its top-notch quality. From classic fits to modern patterns, you can get any designs according to your preference with local British knit items.
The History of British-made Knitwear: Why is it the Best?
Before exploring the brand recommendations, let’s discover the long story behind this item. When we think about British knitwear, we’re not just talking about clothes. We’re talking about a piece of history and tradition wrapped into one.
So, what makes British-made knitwear special? Well, it’s fair to say that knitting is a big part of British history, as it has been a beloved craft in Britain for centuries, passed down from generation to generation.
It is believed that knitting arrived in Britain in the 14th century, around the time the first knitting machine was invented. One of the most well-known knitting machine inventors is William Lee.
His machine, with its needles on an iron bed encased in wood, sped up the knitting process significantly. This paved the way for commercial knitting and mass production in later years.
Furthermore, knitting schools were established to teach this art form to everyone, from orphanages to the upper classes, ensuring that the tradition lives on.
Then, after the war, knitting exploded in popularity, with books, magazines, and publications spreading this technique widely. This helped both beginners and seasoned knitters to explore new designs and styles.
And, contrary to popular belief, knitting wasn’t just for women – it was embraced by men and women alike. With young people choosing it as a hobby or even a profession at that time, even until now.
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7 British-made Knitwear Recommendations for this Sweater Season
Fast forward to today, we have many top knitwear brands here in the UK that are leading in the global fashion landscape. Let’s delve into the recommendations below:
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Brodie Cashmere
The first name on this list is Brodie Cashmere. This brand stands out for its luxurious knitwear made entirely from fine cashmere.
Founded by Anne Marie Holdsworth and Jessica Talpade, this Yorkshire-based brand sources its yarns from nomadic Mongolian goat herders, ensuring both quality and sustainability.
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Sheep Inc.
Sheep Inc. isn’t just a fashion brand – it’s a movement. Founded with a mission to prove that fashion can be part of the solution, Sheep Inc. creates hand-finished ultra-soft knitwear from temperature-regulating, hypoallergenic merino wool.
So, what sets this British-made knitwear brand apart? They’re the world’s first carbon-negative fashion brand, committed to environmentally positive practices from start to finish.
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Alex Gore Browne
Alex Gore Browne brings playful charm to British knitwear with her timeless designs. From buoyant ruffles to sparkly accents, her jumpers are designed to stand out.
Made mostly in the UK, this brand’s creations come in a palette of caramel, oatmeal, navy, and punchy pinks, perfect for inserting a character into any wardrobe staple.
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Herd
The next British-made knitwear for you to check out is Herd. This brand is on a mission to revive the wool production industry in the UK, to be specific, in North West England.
They only use Bluefaced Leicester wool from Lancashire and Yorkshire to make hats, classic-styled cable knit jumpers, and cardigans in vibrant colours. And with a sustainability commitment, Herd proves knitwear can be both stylish and eco-friendly.
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The Knit Edit
Charlie Millar’s Knit Edit combines sustainability with style, offering hand-knitted jumpers crafted from recycled yarns.
With a focus on one-off designs and collaborations, their creations are fast favourites among those in the know. And with patterns available for home-knitters, everyone can join in on the sustainable fashion trend.
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Chinti & Parker
Bold, playful, and undeniably British: that’s Chinti & Parker. Founded in 2009, this brand’s cashmere jumpers are spun with neon stripes, zigzag, and star intarsia designs.
The collections also have been worn by A-listers like Gwyneth Paltrow and Sienna Miller. From slouchy joggers to slinky rib-knit dresses, Chinti & Parker offers knitwear that makes a statement for your everyday style.
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Bella Freud
No list of British knitwear would be complete without Bella Freud. Known for her iconic slogan knits, Freud captures the spirit of the seventies with pop culture references like ’Je T’aime Jane’ and ’Ginsberg is God’.
Worn by famous icons like Alexa Chung and Kate Moss, this brand’s jumpers are timeless classics and still remain bestsellers.
These British-made knitwear brands offer something for every style and occasion in this season. Whether you want a stylish fit or a comfy and warm clothing, there’s no shortage of options to choose from.