How to Choose Knitwear: Jumpers, Cardigans & What to Look For
Good knitwear earns its place in your wardrobe.
The right jumper or cardigan can be worn through autumn, underneath a coat in winter and again when the weather starts warming up in spring.
The wrong one?
It gets worn twice, starts annoying you and spends the next three years folded at the back of a drawer.
So before buying another jumper because the colour looks lovely, think about what you actually need it to do.
Do you want warmth?
Something lightweight for layering?
A cardigan you can easily take on and off?
A jumper that works with jeans?
Something smart enough to wear with trousers?
Or knitwear that fits comfortably underneath your winter coat?
Here's how to choose knitwear you'll actually wear.
Shop Women's Knitwear at Armstrong Country Store
Jumper or Cardigan: Which Should You Choose?
Let's start with the obvious decision.
Both are useful.
But they do slightly different jobs.
Choose a Jumper If...
You want something simple that you can pull on and forget about.
Jumpers are particularly useful when you want:
Consistent warmth
Easy layering underneath a coat
A simple outfit with jeans or trousers
or
A standalone top for colder weather.
Because there's no opening down the front, a jumper provides continuous coverage across your body.
Choose a Cardigan If...
You want more control over your temperature.
A cardigan can be:
Worn open
Buttoned up
Added when you get cold
and
Removed easily when you get warm.
That makes cardigans particularly useful during autumn and spring when temperatures can change considerably throughout the day.
A recent comparison of cardigans and jumpers makes essentially the same distinction: jumpers provide straightforward continuous warmth, while cardigans offer greater flexibility for layering and changing temperatures.
You don't really need to choose one or the other.
A useful wardrobe can easily contain both.
What Should You Look for When Buying Knitwear?
Don't judge knitwear solely from the front photograph.
Look at:
Fabric
Weight
Knit construction
Fit
Neckline
Length
Sleeves
Care instructions
and
What you're going to wear it with.
Those details determine whether the garment becomes something you reach for constantly or something you regret buying.
Choose the Right Weight
Not all knitwear is designed for freezing weather.
And that's a good thing.
Lightweight Knitwear
Lighter knitwear can be useful for:
Early autumn
Spring
Cool summer evenings
Layering underneath jackets
and
Wearing indoors during winter.
Because it adds less bulk, it's also easier to wear underneath a fitted coat.
Medium-Weight Knitwear
This is probably the most versatile option for everyday autumn and winter dressing.
Wear it:
Over a top
Under a coat
With jeans
With trousers
or
With a skirt.
Chunky Knitwear
When temperatures fall, thicker knitwear comes into its own.
But remember:
Chunkier doesn't automatically mean better.
A substantial jumper needs enough room underneath your coat and may be too warm if you spend most of your day indoors.
Choose the weight for how you'll actually wear it.
What Is Your Knitwear Made From?
This matters.
Different fibres change how knitwear feels, hangs, washes and performs.
Common knitwear materials include:
Wool
Merino wool
Cotton
Synthetic fibres
and
Blended fabrics.
There isn't one material that's automatically right for everybody.
Wool Knitwear
Wool is naturally associated with colder-weather clothing for good reason.
It can provide excellent warmth without needing to be enormously bulky.
Merino wool is particularly popular for finer knitwear.
Armstrong Country Store's current knitwear collection, for example, includes the Seasalt Port Kinnis Merino Jumper alongside other Seasalt and Lighthouse styles.
But always check the care instructions.
Some wool knitwear requires more careful washing than an everyday cotton jumper.
Cotton Knitwear
Cotton can be a great choice when you want something lighter.
It can work particularly well for:
Transitional weather
Indoor wear
Layering
and people who don't want particularly heavy knitwear.
A cotton cardigan can also be useful through several seasons rather than being restricted to the coldest part of winter.
What About Blended Fabrics?
Blended knitwear combines different fibres to achieve particular characteristics.
That might affect:
Softness
Warmth
Stretch
Durability
Weight
or
Ease of care.
Don't automatically assume a blend is inferior.
Read the actual fabric composition and care instructions and decide whether they suit how you'll use the garment.
If something requires delicate hand washing and you know perfectly well you're never going to hand wash anything, don't buy it and pretend Future You will suddenly become a different person.
How Can You Tell if Knitwear Is Good Quality?
You don't need to be a textile expert.
Look closely at the garment.
Check:
Does the knit look even?
Are there loose threads?
Do the seams look neat?
Does the neckline hold its shape?
Do the cuffs feel substantial enough?
Does the fabric feel comfortable against your skin?
Quality guidance for knitwear recommends examining the yarn and density of the knit as well as details such as the neckline, hems and ribbing.
The finishing details matter because knitwear is repeatedly stretched every time you put it on, take it off and wear it.
Does Knitwear Bobble?
It can.
Those little balls of fibre are generally called pills or bobbles.
Pilling can occur when fibres rub together during wear.
Common friction areas include:
Under the arms
Sides of the body
Where a handbag rubs
and
Where a coat moves against the jumper.
Pilling doesn't automatically mean a garment is ruined.
A fabric comb or appropriate garment shaver can often tidy knitwear considerably. Knitwear experts also note that pilling can occur because shorter fibres work their way out of the yarn through wear and friction.
How Should a Jumper Fit?
There isn't one correct jumper fit.
Some are deliberately:
Relaxed
Oversized
Fitted
Cropped
or
Longline.
The important thing is knowing which one you're buying.
Check the shoulders.
Look at where the hem finishes.
Make sure there's enough room through the chest.
Check the sleeves.
And consider what you'll wear underneath.
If you want to layer a long-sleeved top underneath, you'll need enough room to do so comfortably.
Don't Automatically Size Up
Knitwear has stretch.
That doesn't mean you should automatically buy it oversized.
Going up a size unnecessarily can alter:
Shoulder position
Sleeve length
Neckline
and
Overall shape.
Likewise, going too small can stretch the knit across the body and change how the garment hangs.
Knitwear fit guidance recommends allowing the garment to settle naturally on the body before judging whether the size is right.
Look at the intended fit of the particular style rather than blindly changing size.
Which Jumper Neckline Should You Choose?
The neckline changes the whole appearance of a jumper.
Common options include:
Crew neck
V-neck
Roll neck
Boat neck
and
Higher neck styles.
Crew Neck
A classic, easy everyday option.
Works well on its own or over a shirt.
V-Neck
Useful if you want to show a shirt, blouse or top underneath.
The open neckline can also make layering look less heavy.
Roll Neck
Adds extra coverage around the neck and can be useful in colder weather.
But if you dislike having fabric close to your neck, you're unlikely to suddenly fall in love with one because it's fashionable.
Boat or Wider Necklines
These can give knitwear a different shape and work particularly well when you want the jumper itself to be the main feature of the outfit.
Again:
Choose what you'll actually wear.
Cardigans Are Brilliant for Changeable Weather
Cardigans deserve more credit.
British autumn weather can give you:
Cold morning
Warm lunchtime
Cold office
Sunny afternoon
Freezing evening
all in the same day.
A cardigan deals with that beautifully.
Wear it buttoned when you're cold.
Open it when you're warmer.
Take it off when you don't need it.
ACS's current knitwear collection includes several Seasalt cardigan styles, including Tern Tide, Pinwell and Cove Cottage, alongside jumpers and Lighthouse jerseys.
What Should You Wear Under a Jumper?
Keep it simple.
Depending on the weather, try:
T-shirt
Long-sleeved top
Breton top
Shirt
or
Blouse.
A lightweight layer underneath gives you additional warmth without creating too much bulk.
A shirt under a jumper can also create a slightly smarter look, particularly when the collar is visible.
What Should You Wear Over Knitwear?
This depends on the weather.
In early autumn, you may not need anything.
As temperatures fall:
Knitwear → Lightweight jacket
Then:
Knitwear → Waterproof coat
And eventually:
Knitwear → Winter coat
The important thing is making sure the thickness of the jumper works with the cut of the coat.
A huge chunky jumper underneath a fitted jacket is rarely going to be comfortable.
Our How to Layer Clothes for Autumn & Winter guide covers this in much more detail.
Can You Wear Knitwear With Jeans?
Of course.
It's probably one of the easiest autumn and winter combinations there is.
Try:
Jumper + Jeans
Cardigan + Long-Sleeved Top + Jeans
or
Shirt + Jumper + Jeans.
The footwear and outerwear can then change depending on where you're going and what the weather is doing.
Can You Wear Knitwear With Dresses?
Absolutely.
This is one of the easiest ways to keep wearing dresses as summer disappears.
A cardigan over a dress gives you removable warmth without completely changing the outfit.
A jumper can also work over some dresses, effectively making the dress look more like a skirt.
That means pieces you already own can stay useful for longer.
Your wardrobe doesn't need to restart every September.
What Knitwear Is Best for Autumn?
Early autumn usually calls for lighter pieces.
Think:
Cotton knitwear
Lightweight cardigans
Fine jumpers
and
Easy layering pieces.
As temperatures fall, introduce heavier knitwear.
The advantage of doing it gradually is that you're not roasting in an enormous winter jumper because there happened to be one cold morning in September.
What Knitwear Is Best for Winter?
Winter is when warmer materials and heavier knits become more useful.
But what you need still depends on your day.
If you're outside for long periods, warmth matters more.
If you're moving between:
Car
Office
Shops
Home
and other heated spaces, an extremely heavy jumper can become uncomfortable.
That's why medium-weight knitwear combined with a good winter coat is such a useful system.
Your jumper doesn't need to do the coat's job.
Seasalt Knitwear
Seasalt currently makes up a substantial part of Armstrong Country Store's women's knitwear collection, with jumpers and cardigans across different weights, colours and designs.
That gives you options for both standalone knitwear and layering.
Look at the fabric composition and fit of each style rather than assuming all Seasalt knitwear feels or fits the same way.
Shop Seasalt at Armstrong Country Store
Lighthouse Knitwear
Lighthouse isn't only about waterproof coats.
Armstrong Country Store's current knitwear collection also includes Lighthouse jerseys such as the Coral Jersey and Haven II Jersey.
That makes Lighthouse another useful option when you're building practical autumn and winter layers.
Shop Lighthouse at Armstrong Country Store
How Should You Wash Knitwear?
Read the label.
Seriously.
Don't assume every jumper can be thrown into a normal 40°C wash because another jumper survived it.
Different fibres and constructions require different care.
Depending on the garment, instructions may include:
Machine washing
Gentle washing
Hand washing
Low temperatures
or
Drying flat.
Some knitwear can stretch out of shape when hung while wet, which is why flat drying is commonly recommended for more delicate knits.
Follow the instructions on your actual garment.
Should You Hang or Fold Jumpers?
For many knitted garments, folding is the safer option.
Why?
Gravity.
A heavier jumper hanging from its shoulders for months can potentially stretch or distort.
Fold knitwear neatly and avoid cramming it into an overflowing drawer.
If you're storing winter knitwear for several months, make sure it's clean and completely dry first.
How Many Jumpers Do You Actually Need?
Probably fewer than social media would have you believe.
A useful knitwear wardrobe might include:
- One lightweight jumper
- One warmer jumper
- One versatile cardigan
- One smarter knit
- One particularly warm option for colder weather
That isn't a rule.
The point is to avoid buying six jumpers that all do exactly the same job.
Variety of function is more useful than quantity.
Knitwear Buying Checklist
Before buying, ask yourself:
- When will I wear it?
- Do I need lightweight or warmer knitwear?
- What is it made from?
- How does the fabric feel?
- Is the fit intended to be relaxed or fitted?
- Where does the hem finish?
- Does the neckline suit how I'll wear it?
- Will it fit underneath my coat?
- Can I layer a top underneath?
- What are the washing instructions?
- Will I realistically follow those instructions?
- Does it work with trousers, jeans or skirts I already own?
- Do I already own something almost identical?
That final question could save you quite a lot of money.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knitwear
What's the difference between a jumper and a cardigan?
A jumper is generally pulled over the head, while a cardigan opens at the front and usually fastens with buttons or a zip. Cardigans therefore tend to be easier to adjust as temperatures change.
Is a cardigan or jumper warmer?
It depends on the material, thickness and construction. A jumper provides continuous coverage across the front, but a substantial cardigan can also provide plenty of warmth.
What is the best material for a jumper?
There isn't one best material for everybody. Wool and merino can provide warmth, cotton can be useful for lighter knitwear, and blends can offer different combinations of softness, durability, stretch and ease of care.
What knitwear is best for layering?
Fine or medium-weight knitwear is generally easier to fit underneath jackets and coats than very chunky pieces.
Can I wear a cardigan under a coat?
Yes. A lightweight or medium-weight cardigan can make a very practical mid-layer underneath appropriate outerwear.
How do I stop knitwear looking bulky?
Keep the layers underneath relatively lightweight and make sure your outer coat has enough room for the jumper or cardigan you're wearing.
Why does knitwear bobble?
Pilling happens when fibres work loose and rub together through wear. Friction around the arms, sides and areas that rub against bags or outerwear can make it more noticeable.
How should I store knitwear?
Many jumpers are better folded rather than hung, particularly heavier knits that could stretch under their own weight.
Can you wear knitwear all year?
Some lightweight knitwear can work across several seasons. Heavier wool and chunky pieces are naturally more useful during colder weather.
Shop Women's Knitwear at Armstrong Country Store
Whether you're looking for a lightweight cardigan for changing autumn temperatures or a warmer jumper to wear underneath your winter coat, choose knitwear according to how you're actually going to wear it.
Armstrong Country Store currently has a dedicated women's knitwear collection featuring Seasalt and Lighthouse, with jumpers, cardigans and jerseys across a range of styles.
Shop Women's Knitwear at Armstrong Country Store
Shop Women's Clothing at Armstrong Country Store
Buy Knitwear You'll Actually Wear
Don't buy a jumper simply because it's cold outside.
Think about:
Material → Weight → Fit → Layering → Care → What you already own
A beautiful jumper that doesn't fit underneath any of your coats isn't particularly useful.
Neither is a cardigan with care instructions you know you're going to ignore.
Choose knitwear that works with the rest of your wardrobe and you'll get far more use from it — through autumn, winter and often well into spring.
The best knitwear isn't the piece that looks best folded on a shelf.
It's the one you keep reaching for.