Sweaters So Good You’ll Want That Thermostat to Drop

Being forced to wear an itchy sweater every year during the holiday season as a child is enough to put anyone off knitwear for life. But there's so much out there to explore that you're doing yourself a disservice by not cuddling up in the coziest of knits for the coldest of seasons.While hoodies and other typical cotton-blend sweaters are a classic go-to choice, knitted sweaters are the undisputed king during fall and the colder months. The knitting process itself stretches back thousands of years, with origins across Egypt and the Middle East, making it a tried and tested way to keep warm. Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Instagram post.There’s no better time than now to begin stepping up your winter wardrobe with stand-out pieces from the best knitwear brands available. We’ve gathered some of our favorite knits from trustworthy staples to standout investment items from new collections so good you'll be wishing for the thermostat to drop.Patagonia's Responsible Cable-Knit CrewneckPatagonia is a pioneering company is many ways, but most of them are to do with ethics or technical outdoors gear. This cable-knit crewneck goes the opposite way. No modern breathable engineering or hidden pockets, just a good ol' fashioned chunky sweater woven from recycled wool. The thing is, all that modern tech stems from designs like this, so you can expect natural insulation and breathability baked in.Burberry 's Stealthy Cashmere SweaterBurberry's very British origins mean that it is, of course, producing high-quality knits all year round. With that said, the latest shipment might be the best yet. This ultra-soft cashmere sweater is trend-proof and the epitome of an investment piece. The soft green Willow colorway is super versatile too, making it a dream for layering.Wythe 's Ribbed Wool SweaterWythe hails from New York City but you'd be forgiven for thinking it began in the Wild West. Americana is having a big moment right now and Wythe is set to ride the wave with pieces like this heavyweight ribbed wool sweater woven from pure wool. This is the kind of sweater you wear day in, day out, and it only gets better with age.Stone Island GHOST's Ribbed Cashmere-Blend Stone Island knitwear often takes a bold stance thanks to the brand's fabric experimentation. For those in search of something more minimal, the Stone Island Ghost line is ideal. This wool and cashmere-blend piece delivers signature Stone Island quality but in a super pared-back monochrome finish. Even the badge is tonal.UNIQLO F.RISSO 's 3D Knit V-Neck It's a common misconception that good knits have to cost a lot. Good knits do, often, cost a lot, but it's not a prerequisite. Take this 3D Knit V-Neck from UNIQLO, made in collaboration with ex-Marni designer Francesco Risso. A subtle stripe motif modernizes the piece with a bold yellow hue which pops against the black backdrop.Dunst's Off-White Chunky Roll Neck South Korea's Dunst is bringing a new era of prep to the world at surprisingly great value. This rollneck perfectly exemplifies the kind of clean pieces that populate the collection, nodding to a cultural heritage with clear references. It's effortless but, styled right, also formal.AURALEE 's Brushed Mohair- & Wool-Blend SweaterA new guard of Japanese brands have moved in over the last five years and they're not going anywhere soon. AURALEE is at the forefront of the movement, supplying the world with beautifully crafted knits in stunning hues. This one is a textural masterpiece with hypnotic brushed mohair in a deep blue finish.Merz b. Schwanen's Ribbed Crew PulloverYou've likely heard of Merz b. Schwanen as the maker of Jeremy Allen White's T-shirts in 'The Bear', but this label goes way deeper than that. Since 1911, the brand has been perfecting everyday pieces like the white tee and knits. This chunky ribbed sweater lands in a soft yet substantial merino-cashmere blend that easily sees you through the coldest days in winter. INIS MEÁIN's Tonnta Merino Wool- & Cashmere-Blend SweaterFor the knitwear purists and experts, INIS MEÁIN often ranks at the top of the knitwear tables. Crafted by artisans 30 miles off the coast of Ireland, there are few better propositions when you take into account the quality of the yarn, the beauty in the craft, and the price. This is truly a buy-once-wear-forever situation.Sunspel's Lambswool Crewneck JumperOne of Britain's best-loved brands, Sunspel has been doing its trusty thing for more than 150 years. Lots has happened since then, and yet Sunspel remains true to its core tenets, producing high-quality knitwear from the best materials. This soft-blue crewneck was made using yarn from one of Scotland's oldest spinners. History in every stitch. How We Test and Choose ProductsStyle means different things to different people, but knowing what's worth your money shouldn't be a guessing game. At Highsnobiety, we’ve spent more than two decades covering fashion, keeping tabs on the brands worth knowing, and figuring out which products deserve your time. We test products firsthand when possible, digging into everything from quality and construction to comfort and wearability. With more brands competing for your attention than ever, we also consider what sets a product apart. For the rest, we lean on our product knowledge, editorial research, and the taste that’s made us a trusted voice in fashion.Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase. Want to shop the products our editors actually love? 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