Stylish knitwear a haute winter trend

Chanel

Banana Republic

Any time is the right time for a knit, from the sweaters that keep you warm in mild first days of spring to lighter weaves that skim the body and help you stay cool in the summer heat.

Fall and winter, however, are when designers churn out an abundance of knitwear. They went all out this season, throwing in some crochet and macramé for good measure. Retailers have stocked up on it all, from roomy caps and super-long scarves to big sweaters and dramatic dusters.

For women, the sweater dress has returned, along with knit ponchos, capes and even knit hosiery. Guys can find handsome knit toggle coats and full-bodied sweaters in various styles: vests, cardigans, crewnecks, V-necks, sweater coats.

Here are 10 tips for buying and caring for knitwear:

• Before buying a piece, examine it thoroughly for snags, pulls and holes.
• If you have allergies or sensitive skin, find out what if any, chemical treatments or artificial dyes were used.
• Make sure any irregularity in the weave is barely noticeable and due to handcraftsmanship rather than machine error.
• Always try the piece on. It should be warm and lightweight rather than hot and heavy.
• Remember that knit apparel is a layering piece for warmth as well as style.
• Obey instructions on the care label. It’s usually best to have knitwear professionally cleaned before storage. Some pieces can be cleaned effectively by handwashing them in cold or tepid water with a mild detergent formulated for knits.

Diesel Black Gold



Gucci

• Allow knits to flat-dry in a well ventilated area on a surface that allows air to circulate above and below the garment. They should be dried fairly rapidly to avoid mildew or a musty odor. To hasten drying, roll pieces gently in a lint-free towel, press gently to remove extra water, unroll and reshape the garment, and then smooth it out to dry.
• Handle wet knits delicately, especially looser weaves. Heat and rubbing can cause wools and other natural fibers to felt.
• Lavender and red cedar have become a more preferred deterrent of moths-and carpet beetle larvae than mothballs and is just as effective, if not more so.
• Hanging a knit is likely to warp its shape. Store each piece folded.

Missoni

St. John Yellow Label