Timeless Textures: Your Guide to Year-Round Knitwear

1) Jenni Kayne Alpaca Cocoon Crewneck($295.00)

Pictured here in gray, this is the first expensive sweater I have invested in, and it was 100% worth it. I love the oversized shape and the cozy feel. I love wearing it with baggy jeans or with shorts to the beach. Fabric content: 70% baby alpaca, 23% polyamide, 7% merino wool.

2) Quince Mongolian Cashmere Strait Leg Pants ($109.00)

Next on my list of knitwear investments is a pair of cashmere joggers. They are so cozy for traveling and chic for lounging at home. I love this pair by Quince, and the price point is even better for the quality they deliver! Fabric Content: 100% Grade A Mongolian Cashmere.

3) Reformation Hannah Regenerative Wool Cardigan ($168.00)

A cardigan is a classic wardrobe staple that can be worn year-round. I love wearing a cardigan over my active wear while I work from home and take video meetings. I have tried different styles of cardigans in the past that ended up being too thin or too tight to the body which I did not like. Finally, I have found the perfect cardigan at one of my favorite brands, Reformation. You can wear this style with jeans as shown, or with a dress or shorts when the weather is warmer.  Fabric Content: 100% traceable NATIVA™️ wool.

4)The Frankie Shop Moaen Turtleneck Sweater ($199.00)

Timeless and sophisticated, a good turtleneck adds warmth and elegance to any outfit. I love pairing a turtle neck sweater with slacks or a silk skirt and boots for a chic look that works for fall and winter seasons. Fabric Content: A wool blend of 34% Polyamide, 21% Mohair, 21% Wool, 11% Acrylic, 7% Goat Wool, 6% Elastane

5) Lilysilk Short Zip Up Wool Cashmere Hoodie ($185.00)

A year-round essential, A knit zip-up elevates your everyday lounge look. I love this piece because it can also be dressed with denim or slacks for a night out or even a day in the office. It's also great for breezy summer nights. All around, a knit zip-up is an excellent investment in your wardrobe. Fabric content: 70% merino wool, 30% cashmere.

6) Pomander Place Noir Vivianne Maxi Dress ($148.00)

I love a sweater dress you can wear day to night, like this style by Pomander Place. It is incredibly chic, will never go out of style, and is easy to wear. I would even wear this while traveling since it is comfortable and cozy. I am missing this piece in my knitwear collection, and so after much research, I decided on the Noir Vivianna Maxi Dress. Fabric content: 42% Rayon, 40% Polyester, 18% Nylon.

7) Dissh Clemence Marle Knit Pant ($149.99)

Wide-leg knit pants are such a vibe. I love them for lounging, working from home, and traveling, and they are a nice layer for cooler spring and summer days. What's great about this style is you can literally wear them on the plane but also out to a nice dinner and not look out of place in either setting. I love this pair by Dissh and plan to invest in them along with the matching top. Fabric content:  50% Nylon, 35% Wool, 15% Acrylic

8) Capezio 18" Legwarmer ($27.00)

Ballet core has been super popular for the past few years, especially styling with key ballerina pieces like leg warmers. I love using them for styling an athletic look, often adding this ballerina touch when I go to a pilates or yoga class. They are even cute to wear at home over your leggings with a sweatshirt. Aside from cuteness, they provide some extra warmth, so they are also a great accessory to throw in your suitcase for any cold weather travels. I wear the Capezio 18" style, which is actually for kids, as I like my leg warmers a bit shorter. Fabric content: 50% Rayon, 28% Nylon, 22% Polyester.

9) Dissh Roy Longline Knit Jumper ($199.99)

There's something about the color navy that I find to be so elegant and cool. My knitwear collection is missing something in this shade, so I want to add this longline jumper by Dissh to my mix. I love the oversized fit and how great it looks with medium-wash jeans. I will also pair this with black slacks and gold jewelry for a chic office look. Fabric content: 70% Cotton, 30% Merino Wool.

10) ARAKII Cloud Skirt ($240.00)

The last piece I am looking to add to my knitwear collection is a long knit skirt. The cloud skirt by Arakii quite literally looks as soft as a cloud. I will style it with a white tee and a long chain necklace during warmer temperatures and an oversized sweater during colder weather. It will also look great with a leather jacket. This piece can be dressed up or down and is a chic and comfortable alternative to lounging in pants. Fabric content: 70% Cotton, 30% Merino Wool.

I am being more conscious of what I put into and onto my body these days. Regarding clothing, fabrications like Polyester have been shown to disrupt hormones and cause skin rashes, among other health ailments. When it comes to knitwear, you will pay more for natural fabrications like wool or mohair; ultimately, natural or blended knit fabrications are a better choice than synthetic knits. Here is some information of natural knitwear fabrications and why natural fibers are better than polyester for knitwear.

What to Look for in Knitwear Fabric Content

• Wool (Merino, Cashmere, Alpaca, etc.) – Warm, breathable, soft, and long-lasting.
• Cotton – Soft and breathable but not as insulating. Great for lighter knits.
• Silk Blends – Adds softness, sheen, and a lightweight feel to wool blends.
• Alpaca & Mohair – Ultra-soft, warm, and hypoallergenic alternatives to wool.
• Cashmere – Luxuriously soft, warm, and lightweight; higher quality means better longevity.
• Linen – Great for breathable, warm-weather knitwear but wrinkles easily.
• Blends – Some wool or cashmere blends with a bit of nylon or elastane can help with durability and stretch.

Why Wool and Natural Fibers Are Better Than Polyester Knitwear

• Breathability: Wool and natural fibers allow air circulation, preventing overheating and sweat buildup. Polyester traps heat and moisture, making it feel clammy.
• Warmth Without Bulk: Wool is naturally insulating due to its structure, keeping you warm without excessive thickness. Polyester lacks the same thermoregulating properties.
• Moisture-Wicking & Odor Resistance: Wool absorbs moisture and dries quickly, making it great for layering in cold weather. Polyester tends to hold onto odors and sweat.
• Durability & Longevity: High-quality wool knits (especially cashmere or merino) maintain their shape and softness for years, whereas polyester pills easily and can lose its shape after multiple washes.
• Sustainability: Wool and natural fibers are biodegradable and renewable, making them more eco-friendly than petroleum-based polyester, which contributes to microplastic pollution.
• Luxurious Feel: Wool, cashmere, and alpaca have a naturally soft and plush feel, whereas polyester can feel plasticky or stiff over time.

That said, some blended knits that include a small percentage of synthetic fibers (like nylon or elastane) can enhance durability and reduce stretching out over time. But ideally, aim for 80%+ natural fiber content for the best quality knitwear.

Now that we explored some of my favorite knitwear pieces, and learned about knitwear fabrications, it is time to shop for some knits! Use the buttons below to shop my curated selection of knits, one shop for her and one shop for him. Enjoy!