Knitwear

Designer Jumpers and Cardigans for Women

We are fussy about knitwear. A good jumper should feel lovely against the skin, hold its shape after a season of wear and look as right with jeans on a Saturday as it does under a coat on a Monday. That is the brief we buy to, which is why our knitwear edit mixes quiet everyday crew necks with brighter, more playful pieces you will reach for when you want an outfit to do the talking.

You will find long-standing Kiti favourites such as Essentiel Antwerp, American Vintage, Bellerose and American Dreams, alongside knitwear from TWNS, Ottod'Ame, Rails, BA&SH and Never Fully Dressed.

Women's Jumpers: Crew Necks, Roll Necks and V-Necks

The crew neck is the workhorse of any knitwear drawer. Our American Vintage and Bellerose crews are relaxed and easy to layer, while striped and brushed crews bring a little more personality. If you like a close, polished fit, a fine-gauge knit sits neatly under a blazer; if you prefer slouch, size up for a softer drape.

Roll necks and turtlenecks are the cold-weather answer to a smart top. The ribbed roll necks from Essentiel Antwerp come in a spread of colours each season, and the cropped alpaca-blend roll necks from American Dreams pair beautifully with high-waisted trousers. For something more relaxed, an oversized V-neck from Ottod'Ame layers over a shirt or a simple T-shirt.

Cardigans for Women

Cardigans have quietly become the most versatile layer in the wardrobe. A cropped cardigan buttoned up works as a top in its own right, especially with high-rise jeans or a midi skirt. Look to American Dreams for neat cropped shapes, Essentiel Antwerp for ruffles and pattern, and Bellerose for soft, brushed angora blends.

For a more decorative cardigan, Never Fully Dressed does embroidery and print brilliantly, while Rixo, BA&SH, MSCH Copenhagen, Lollys Laundry and TWNS bring everything from classic button-throughs to bold, colourful knits.

Knitted Vests and Sleeveless Jumpers

The knitted vest is the easiest way to change the look of something you already own. Throw one over a crisp shirt from our shirts and blouses edit, or wear it alone with a long-sleeve top underneath. We love the cropped mohair vests from Øst London, the fuzzy textures of Emin and Paul and the cleaner sleeveless knits from Bellerose and American Vintage.

Knitwear Yarns: Cashmere, Merino, Alpaca and Mohair

Fibre makes the biggest difference to how a jumper feels and lasts. Cashmere is incredibly soft and warm for its weight, and tends to get softer with every gentle wash. Merino wool is fine, breathable and less itchy than standard wool, which makes it a good choice if you run warm; the double-sleeve merino jumper from Damson Madder is a good example. Alpaca is warmer still and has a lovely halo, while mohair brings that fluffy, airy texture that looks so good in bright colours.

Blends are not a compromise. A little nylon or polyamide in a mohair or angora knit helps it keep its shape, and cotton-rich knits are ideal for spring and autumn when wool would be too much. Each product page lists the composition, and we are always happy to talk you through the differences in store.

Statement Knitwear for Christmas and Beyond

If you want something festive that you will still wear in February, skip the novelty Christmas jumper and look for colour, pattern and texture instead. Argyle, Fair Isle, embroidery and bright stripes all feel celebratory without being seasonal. Never Fully Dressed, TWNS and Essentiel Antwerp are our go-to labels for knitwear with a bit of fun in it, and our Christmas party outfits edit has plenty to wear with it.

How to Style Women's Knitwear

For an easy weekend look, a chunky crew neck with straight-leg denim from Citizens of Humanity or AGOLDE is hard to beat. A fine roll neck under a slip dress turns a summer piece from our dresses edit into something you can wear all winter. Cropped cardigans work best with high waists, and longer jumpers look great half-tucked into wide-leg trousers. Finish with a wool coat from our coats and jackets edit and a soft scarf.

Caring for Your Knitwear

Most knitwear needs far less washing than you think. Air jumpers between wears, wash on a cool wool or hand-wash cycle with a gentle wool detergent, and always dry flat rather than on a radiator or hanger. Fold knits rather than hanging them so the shoulders do not stretch, and use a cashmere comb or fabric shaver to lift any bobbles. Treated this way, a good jumper will last for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a jumper and a cardigan?

A jumper is pulled on over the head, while a cardigan opens at the front, usually with buttons. Cardigans are easier to layer and take off as the temperature changes, and a cropped cardigan buttoned up can also be worn as a top.

How do I wash a wool jumper without shrinking it?

Use a cool wool or hand-wash cycle with a wool-specific detergent, avoid wringing, then reshape the jumper and dry it flat away from direct heat. Shrinking is usually caused by heat and agitation, so keep both to a minimum.

Are cashmere jumpers worth it?

A well-made cashmere jumper is warm without bulk, very soft and, cared for properly, will last for many years. It tends to soften further with gentle washing, which is why many people find it better value over time than cheaper knits that pill or lose their shape.

How should a women's jumper fit?

It depends on the look you want. A fitted knit should sit close without pulling across the bust or shoulders, while relaxed styles are designed to drop at the shoulder. Many of our jumpers are cut generously, so check the product notes or ask us in our Cardiff boutique if you are between sizes.

What should I wear with a cropped cardigan?

Cropped cardigans look best with high-waisted pieces. Try one buttoned up with high-rise jeans, wide-leg trousers or a midi skirt, or wear it open over a slip dress or a simple T-shirt.

Can I try knitwear on in your Cardiff shop?

Yes. Our knitwear is available to try on in our boutique on Pontcanna Street, Cardiff, where we are happy to help with sizing and styling. Stock is bought in small batches and never restocked, so what you see in store may differ from online.