A wide variety of cable knits can be found this season, in all manner of complex patterns and plush fabrics. Pure wool and alpaca-cashmere blends are a real indulgence and will never date; if cared for properly, a good cable knit will see you through many a winter to come.

Some great go-to labels for cable knits include Urban Outfitters, Chauncey, A.P.C. and New Look.

Lookbook Inspiration

Key Pieces

• American Apparel Mens Cable Knit Sweater
• River Island Cable Jumper
• Suit Philip Cable Knit Sweater In Green
• Topman Grey Marl Cable Jumper
• He By Mango Cable-knit Cashmere Sweater
• Edwin Oiler Flecked Cable-knit Sweater
• River Island Blue Twist Chunky Cable Knit Jumper
• Reiss Chesterfield Heavyweight Cable Crew Knit Russian Blue
• New Look Burnt Orange Cable Knit Jumper
• Hartford Cable Knit Shetland Wool Sweater
• Burton Red Nep Cable Crew Neck Jumper
• A.p.c. Wool-blend Shawl Collar Sweater

The Fair Isle Knit

The Fair Isle knit is perfect for gents who want to pep up their winter style regimen with a punch of pattern and colour. Originating from the remote Shetland Island of Fair Isle, this intricate weaving technique is characterised by its ornate and complex patterns, composed of multiple-coloured strands of wool.

Developed by the island’s womenfolk, the technique was woven by hand using double-pointed needles and featured motifs inspired by everyday life on the island.

It’s widely thought to have been brought to the island by Nordic sea traders, whilst other apparel historians believe that the Fair Isle pattern arrived in the Shetland Islands via Spanish Armada sailors wrecked off the island’s coast, owing to its resemblance to traditional Moorish motifs.

Whatever its origins, Fair Isle knits provide exceptional warmth due to a closely-formed weave and also enrich the decorative element of drab, cold-weather closets. You’ll find some great Fair Isle jumpers at John Smedley, Hackett, H&M and River Island this season.