Best luxury knitwear for men

We catch up with Tom Wharton, founder of award-winning Shirtmaker and Tailor Barrington Ayre who gives us his insights on the best luxury knitwear for men this winter.

There are many things to consider when buying the perfect knit in the colder months, it’s not just the shape but also the material and colour to make sure that everything is the perfect match and feels warm without being stifling.

A beautiful piece of knitwear, be it a hat, scarf, jumper or socks is always appreciated for its craftsmanship plus its classic tailoring and durability make it a fantastic investment piece. We also must bear in mind that the good old British weather can be somewhat unpredictable so it’s great to have a variety of knitwear that can be warm or cool depending on what Mother Nature decides to throw at us.

Having a great piece of tailored knitwear will ensure that the fit is perfect, that the style complements your existing wardrobe and that you have the correct colour to match both your personality and skin tone.
 

Beautiful Headwear

Let’s start at the top. Always good to listen to our grandmothers and never leave home without a hat as 45 per cent of our body heat escapes through the head. For something sturdy, with a country gent feel, look for a well-stitchedcap, something made from sheep's wool is always a good bet. There are a huge variety of weights and weaves of tweeds with a lot of different colours leaving you to be as muted or wild as you fancy.

If you like the idea of headwear but feel it’s just an extra thing to remember, then invest in something you can always keep in your pocket such as an iconic Bob hat. This simple headwear has a rich history dating back to the 1900s when it was originally favoured by hardworking fishermen and farmers who could battle through every rough element thrown at them, whilst looking dashing of course. 

The perfect hat will be made of a material that’s both durable and so soft that you don’t even realise you’re wearing it. Something like a handwoven alpaca is ideal as it offers warmth but also natural water resistance.

Softest Sweaters

Another knit with a nod to nautical is the timeless submariner jumper inspired by what seamen wore over 100 years ago, the merino wool means it is warm and snug without being itchy and looks great under a jacket or coat.

If you’re opting for formal or casual there are timelessly elegant styles of jumpers and cardigans to suit all tastes. Whether you are the type who can’t resist a bracing country walk or instead prefer to slump into an armchair to read the Sunday papers, then a soft cashmere cardigan is for you.  I created the cashmere shawled collared cardigans following a specific request from a client who loved the Merino wool version but was looking for something even softer. We ventured further to the Isles of Hawick on the Scottish borders to seek out the finest cashmere maker but the furthest our material comes from is the Gobi Desert where you’ll find natural and undyed soft hair from the Two Humped Bactrian Camel.

Fabulous Jackets

For those who feel underdressed without a jacket, a knitted Merino wool blazer is just the ticket. This magical piece of clothing is sturdy, sleek, comfortable, and somewhat surprisingly can be thrown in the washing machine after a day against the elements. Also, as it’s unlined it can be layered with other items of clothing without feeling or looking bulky. It can be dressed up or down with a polo or more formal shirt for a classic and uncomplicated look from a versatile, timeless piece.

As far as sustainability is concerned, luxury knitwear made in the UK reflects a commitment to responsible garment making as there are stringent ethical and environmental standards and heritage standards. Artisan tailors also use processes that consistently mean great quality because techniques have often not changed for generations so the attention to detail is outstanding and modern twists can be incorporated such as a different coloured stitch or unique buttons.

Material advice

If you’re not sure what kind of material to choose, don’t hesitate to speak to your tailor who will be able to recommend something that fits your lifestyle.  There is a diverse range of luxurious knitwear fabrics including cashmere, which is the ultimate in softness and lightness. Its fibres are finer than sheep’s wool which leads to its delicate texture. It’s durable and is a great retainer of heat while remaining a breathable fabric (meaning no overheating when standing by the fire).

Alpaca wool is wonderfully water resistant with remarkable insulation providing warmth without bulk. It’s also hypoallergenic which means no itching if you have sensitive skin and it allows extended wear without frequent cleaning. Then there’s merino wool, as with cashmere, offering breathability and incredible insulation and finally, lambswool which is a classic choice for its strength and versatility.

So, when finding your perfect piece of knitwear, the message is clear: it’s not just about staying warm but about making a statement of style and individuality. From classic hats to the finest cashmere cardigans, each piece reflects a commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability and timeless elegance making winter warm and stylish.