If you’re looking for the best British knitwear brands, here are 15 top names to consider: Johnstons of Elgin, John Smedley, Brora, Baukjen, Purdey & Sons, House of Bruar, HADES, Bee&Sons, Marks and Spencer, Asket, The Cotton London, Paul James Knitwear, Waring Brooke, Mars Knitwear, and Glenbrae. These best British knitwear brands offer more than just stylish designs—they’re known for their rich heritage, expert craftsmanship, and commitment to responsible production. Some of the best British knitwear brands, such as Stella McCartney, focus on eco-friendly materials and ethical labor practices. Here’s how these best British knitwear brands are working toward sustainability:
Description | Status |
|---|---|
Uses sustainable materials | Yes |
Open about supply chain | Yes |
Helps you reuse and repair clothes | Yes |
With so many best British knitwear brands to choose from, you can find classic or contemporary styles that fit your personal taste and values.
Key Takeaways
Check out 15 great British knitwear brands with good quality, cool style, and care for the planet. – Pick brands that use earth-friendly materials and treat workers fairly. – Find special designs from small brands to show your own style. – Think about what the knitwear is made of so it feels good and lasts long. – Help local makers and choose better fashion by buying British knitwear.
Best British Knitwear Brands
Johnstons of Elgin
Johnstons of Elgin is a top knitwear brand. They have made luxury knitwear since 1797. Every piece shows careful work and detail. Their cashmere sweaters and scarves feel soft and classic. These products last a long time and never go out of style.
Award Name | Type | Date Received |
|---|---|---|
King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade | Industry Award | May 8th, 2024 |
The King’s Award proves they are known worldwide. Try their cashmere crew neck sweater for comfort and style.
John Smedley
John Smedley is great for people who like classic looks. They have made fine knitwear for over 230 years. Their sweaters are soft and light. You can wear them alone or layer them.
John Smedley uses skilled craftspeople for knitting and sewing. This makes their products special. They care about the planet and use British wool from local farms. Their supply chain is short and clear.
Their Sea Island cotton polo is popular. It feels modern but also traditional.
Brora
Brora is a good pick for stylish and eco-friendly knitwear. This brand uses natural fibers like Scottish cashmere, wool, mohair, organic cotton, and linen. They work with suppliers to make sure every item is made the right way. Brora is carbon neutral, which helps the earth.
Try their Scottish cashmere cardigan for softness and warmth. Each piece has a story and great quality.
Baukjen
Baukjen is perfect for shoppers who care about the environment. This British brand makes modern designs with sustainable materials. Their recycled wool cardigan is famous for its color and green features.
The recycled wool cardigan stands out for being eco-friendly and having a special color.
Baukjen’s knitwear is both stylish and good for the planet.
Purdey & Sons
Purdey & Sons brings history and luxury to knitwear. Their designs show British countryside traditions. They use yarn from Donegal Mill in Ireland, which is known for textiles. The Kirkstone Fair Isle Crew Neck Jumper honors old patterns from the Shetland Isles.
Their symbols connect old times to today and show care for nature.
Every item is made with care to keep Purdey’s legacy alive and fresh.
The Men’s Donegal Aran Jumper feels handmade and special.
It has a big, cozy knit style, like a warm hug.
Fashion experts say it is a top choice from Purdey & Sons.
If you want a sweater that feels cozy and special, choose this brand.
House of Bruar
House of Bruar is called the “Harrods of the North.” They use wool from Scottish farms and fine cashmere for a soft feel. Their classic country style makes them stand out.
House of Bruar gets wool from Scottish farms.
The sheep live in natural places, so the wool is soft and strong.
They also use fine cashmere, spun into smooth yarn for luxury.
Feature | House of Bruar | Other Brands |
|---|---|---|
Style | Classic country look | Rugged or fun styles |
Quality | Premium natural fibers (wool, cashmere) | Varies, may not focus on heritage |
Customer Service | Friendly, fast delivery, attention to detail | Varies |
Reputation | Less prestigious reputation |
Their lambswool v-neck sweater is loved by many customers.
HADES
HADES is great for people who like bold and creative styles. This brand is independent and breaks fashion rules.
HADES uses ‘bad taste‘ to let people express themselves and challenge fashion rules.
They focus on creativity and skill, often using unusual ideas.
Their design process is free, so they can make unique items.
The Eccentric’s Collection looks at beauty and ugliness, changing what ‘bad taste’ means.
The Iconoclast collection has been in big fashion magazines like ID and Vogue online.
It has bright jumpers with bold slogans.
If you want a sweater that stands out, look at their Iconoclast jumper.
Bee&Sons
Bee&Sons is a small brand that cares about ethics. They make knitwear in small batches, use local fibers, and run on renewable energy. Workers get fair pay, and packaging is plastic-free.
Local fiber sourcing
Renewable energy use
Fair pay for workers
Plastic-free packaging
Their chunky wool sweater feels special and supports good fashion choices.
Marks and Spencer
Marks and Spencer is a well-known knitwear brand. You can trust their quality and prices. They use strong systems to check every product.
Quality assurance means checking every step to keep products good.
They test ideas, make samples, and check materials before making items.
Quality control means looking at finished products to find any problems.
Their Pure Merino Wool Crew Neck Jumper is a classic for any occasion.
Asket
Asket is loved by people who care about the planet. This brand uses eco-friendly materials and shares every part of their supply chain.
Material Type | Source Description |
|---|---|
Cotton | From GOTS certified organic farms in the United States, Egypt, Turkey, and India. |
Linen | Grown in Belgium and France. |
Wool | 50% recycled wool; 50% new merino wool from certified farms in Argentina. |
Synthetic Fibers | Only 1% of materials, half are recycled nylon or PET. |
The Merino Roll Neck Sweater is popular for its fit and quality. You can feel good about buying it.
The Cotton London
The Cotton London is great for simple and elegant knitwear. This British brand uses high-quality cotton and focuses on comfort. Their cotton crew neck sweater is soft and easy to wear. You can layer it and wash it easily.
Paul James Knitwear
Paul James Knitwear is a strong independent brand. They use new methods and care about finishing. Their sweaters, like the grey lambswool crewneck and navy cashmere crewneck, are comfy and well-made.
Paul James Knitwear uses modern ways to make their products.
Their finishing is known for being high quality.
Their sweaters are strong and comfortable.
Product Name | Price | Customer Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
$166.00/£120.00 | 4.7 stars out of 5 | 85 |
The Fitted Submariner Sweater is a top pick for buyers.
Waring Brooke
Waring Brooke is great for modern and elegant knitwear. This brand uses natural wool and pays close attention to every detail.
Waring Brooke uses natural wool for strong and lasting clothes.
Their designs look modern but keep a classic British style.
Every item is made with care and skill.
Description | Reason for Recommendation |
|---|---|
The Sailor Pencil Skirt has a long, slim shape that flatters your body. | You can wear it for many events and always look neat. |
It mixes classic style with modern looks. | The creaseless fabric makes it easy to wear, perfect for trips. |
Buy the Sailor Longline Pencil Skirt for easy holiday outfits. | It is practical and stylish, so fashion editors love it. |
The Sailor Pencil Skirt is a favorite for fashion editors.
Mars Knitwear
Mars Knitwear is a good choice for strong and comfy sweaters. This British maker uses 200 GSM fabric for a medium-heavy feel. Their knit is soft and flexible, so it feels nice and looks modern. The 100% polyester is tough, light, and does not wrinkle, so your sweater lasts.
Factor | Description |
|---|---|
Fabric Weight | 200 GSM gives a medium-heavy feel for strong clothes. |
Knit Structure | Soft and flexible knit makes it comfy and modern. |
Material Composition | 100% Polyester is tough, light, and does not wrinkle. |
Try their classic crew neck for a sweater you can wear every day.
Glenbrae
Glenbrae is perfect for golfers and people who love being outside. This British brand uses special spinning to make sweaters that keep their shape. Their merino wool v-neck is warm and fits well. Glenbrae’s knitwear is great for sports and relaxing.
If you want to try the best British knitwear brands, these 15 names have something for everyone. You can find luxury, artisan, and independent brands. Whether you like classic or bold styles, these brands have what you need.
Why Choose the Best Knitwear Brands
Heritage & Craftsmanship
When you pick British knitwear, you get more than just a sweater. You get a piece of history. Many brands have made knitwear for hundreds of years. They use skills passed down from one generation to the next. You can see the care in every stitch. Some brands work with artisan makers who use old machines and hand-finishing. This gives you quality knitwear that lasts for years. If you want something special, look for independent brands that focus on small-batch production. These makers often use local wool and support their communities.
Tip: Ask about the story behind your knitwear. You might find out it was made by a local artisan in a small village!
Sustainability & Ethics
You care about the planet. The best British knitwear brands do, too. Many use natural fibers like wool and cotton. Some even use recycled materials. They choose local suppliers to cut down on travel and waste. When you buy from these brands, you support fair pay and safe working conditions. Independent labels often lead the way in ethical fashion. They use plastic-free packaging and renewable energy. You help the earth and people when you pick quality knitwear from these brands.
Benefit | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
Natural fibers | Softer, safer for skin |
Local sourcing | Lower carbon footprint |
Fair labor | Workers treated well |
Style & Innovation
British knitwear is not just about tradition. You can find bold colors, fun patterns, and new shapes. Some brands mix classic looks with modern twists. Others let you customize your sweater or choose limited-edition designs. You get to show your style and stand out. Many independent and artisan brands love to experiment. They bring fresh ideas to every collection. When you invest in quality knitwear, you get pieces that look good year after year.
Note: Quality knitwear keeps its shape and color, so you can wear your favorite sweater again and again!
How to Pick Your Knitwear Brand
Choosing the right knitwear brand can feel tricky, but you can make it simple. Here are some easy steps to help you find the best fit for your style and values.
Define Your Style
First, think about what you like to wear. Do you love classic sweaters, or do you want something bold and different? Some brands focus on timeless looks, while others offer bright colors and fun patterns. If you want something unique, try an independent brand. These brands often create special designs you will not find anywhere else.
Tip: Look at your closet. What colors and shapes do you wear most? Pick knitwear that matches your favorite outfits.
Check Materials
Next, pay attention to what your knitwear is made from. Wool, cashmere, and cotton all feel different. Wool keeps you warm, while cotton feels light and soft. Some brands use recycled or organic materials, which are better for the planet. You can check the label or the brand’s website to see what they use.
Material | Best For | Feel |
|---|---|---|
Wool | Warmth | Soft, cozy |
Cotton | Everyday comfort | Light, smooth |
Cashmere | Luxury | Very soft |
If you want something that lasts, choose high-quality materials. Many independent brands use local wool or eco-friendly fibers.
Consider Ethics
You might care about how your clothes are made. Many knitwear brands now focus on fair pay, safe working spaces, and green practices. Some use plastic-free packaging or renewable energy. When you pick an independent brand, you often support small teams who care about every step. You help people and the planet with your choice.
Remember: When you buy from ethical brands, you make a difference.
Take your time, ask questions, and choose knitwear that feels right for you. You will enjoy your sweater even more when you know its story.
When you pick British knitwear, you get more than a sweater. You get great quality and classic style. These brands care about the earth and treat workers well. If you want something unique, try one of these brands.
When you buy British knitwear, you help local makers. You also support fashion that is better for the planet. Want to make your closet better? Check out these brands and enjoy comfy clothes with a story.
You can trust the quality
There are styles for everyone
You can feel good about your choice
FAQ
What makes British knitwear special?
You get quality and tradition with British knitwear. Many brands use local wool and skilled makers. The designs often mix classic and modern styles. You can find something for every taste.
How do I care for my knitwear?
Always check the label first. Most wool and cashmere pieces need gentle hand washing or dry cleaning. Lay your sweater flat to dry. This helps keep its shape and softness.
Are these brands good for the environment?
Many British knitwear brands use natural fibers and eco-friendly methods. Some use recycled materials or renewable energy. You help the planet when you choose these brands.
Can I find affordable options?
Yes! You can find knitwear for every budget. Some brands offer luxury pieces, while others have more affordable styles. Look for sales or shop during off-seasons for the best deals.
