Are you searching for the best hand knit pullover brands in 2025? Check out these top picks: Artknit Studios, Guest in Residence, Alpha Studio, Iris von Arnim, Alanui, Ulla Johnson, Loewe, Wynn Hamlyn, John Smedley, and &Daughter. Each hand knit pullover from these brands stands out for its high quality, stylish design, and commitment to sustainability. As more people seek eco-friendly fashion and comfort, the demand for hand knit pullover options continues to grow, expanding the knitwear market.
Metric | 2024 Value | 2025 Projection | CAGR (2025-2033) |
|---|---|---|---|
Global Knitwear Market Size | $907.60 B | – | 12.10% |
Choosing the right hand knit pullover ensures you get a sweater that reflects your values, feels comfortable, and looks fantastic.
Key Takeaways
Pick hand knit pullovers made with natural fibers like merino wool. These are soft, warm, and last a long time. – Find brands that care about the earth. They use eco-friendly materials and treat workers fairly. – Choose styles and fits that show your personality. Make sure they feel good so you will wear them for years. – Good, sustainable sweaters cost more money. But they last longer and help people who make them. – Buy from brands that many people trust. Look for certifications to get sweaters that feel nice and help the planet.
Selection Criteria
When you want a hand knit pullover, you should know what makes brands special. Here are the main things to check in 2025.
Quality
You want a sweater that feels soft and lasts long. The best brands check their sweaters at every step. They use rules like ISO 9001 and Oeko-Tex to keep sweaters safe and well-made. The Knitting Guild Association gives a Master Hand Knitting certification for great skills. Some brands use Woolmark Certification, which means their wool is soft and strong. These steps help you get a pullover that looks nice and can be worn often.
Sustainability
Sustainable knitwear is not just a trend. It is a big change. Brands use wool, organic cotton, and TENCEL™ Lyocell. These materials come from nature and break down over time. Certifications like Responsible Wool Standard and GOTS show brands care about the earth. Some sweaters use recycled polyester and upcycled yarns to cut down on waste. When you pick sustainable knitwear, you help the planet and support good brands.
Style
Style is important, and there are many choices in 2025. Chunky and oversized sweaters are still cool. You will see patterns like cables and bobbles, bright colors, and old-school looks. Many brands have styles and sizes for everyone. Sustainable knitwear often has creative designs and hand-dyed yarns. Some even use upcycled materials. Slow fashion is popular, so you can find special sweaters that last.
Price
Prices are different, but quality costs more. Sustainable sweaters may be pricier because of better materials and fair pay. Good brands pay skilled workers and use eco-friendly ways to make sweaters. You might spend more, but your sweater will last and feel great. Some brands have lower prices, so you can find something for your budget.
Reputation
A brand’s reputation is important. The best brands care about quality, the planet, and happy customers. They use skilled hand knitters and check each sweater for mistakes. They also fix loose threads for a neat finish. Good brands listen to buyers and follow slow fashion. When you buy from a trusted brand, you get great sweaters and help the earth.
Tip: Pick brands with good reviews and clear info about their sustainable knitwear and ethical ways. This helps you choose a sweater you can feel proud of.
Top Hand Knit Pullover Brands
Artknit Studios
Artknit Studios makes sweaters in Italy. The sweaters feel soft and look nice. They use merino wool, cashmere, and organic cotton. The brand cares about slow fashion. Each hand knit pullover is made with care. Artknit Studios has clean lines and classic styles. You can find both old and new looks. The price is mid to high, but you get good quality. These sweaters last long and fit well. This brand is a good pick for new zealand knitwear brands.
Guest in Residence
Guest in Residence was started by Gigi Hadid. The sweaters feel special, like family treasures. They use wool and cashmere from trusted mills in Inner Mongolia. You can see the skill in every sweater. Jacquard knitting makes pretty patterns. Guest in Residence cares about animals and the earth. The sweaters are made to last a long time. You can even pass them down. The price is high, but you get great materials. This brand is loved by people who want new zealand knitwear brands that stand out.
Uses certified cashmere and merino wool
Focuses on sustainability and animal welfare
Features intricate jacquard knitting
Offers heirloom-quality sweaters
Alpha Studio
Alpha Studio makes Italian sweaters with a modern style. They use merino wool, cotton, and cashmere. The sweaters are soft and comfy. You can pick bold or simple styles. There is something for everyone. Alpha Studio pays attention to small details. The sweaters look sharp and fit well. Prices are mid to high, but you get good value. This brand is a strong choice for new zealand knitwear brands.
Iris von Arnim
Iris von Arnim is known for luxury sweaters. The sweaters feel soft and look fancy. They use cashmere, silk, and merino wool. You will see modern styles and great skill in each piece. The 2025 collection has special designs. Some examples are the Cashmere & Silk Hand-Knit Jean Mock Turtleneck and the Giglia Stonewashed Cashmere Sweater.
Design Name | Material | Collection / Notes |
|---|---|---|
Cashmere & Silk Hand-Knit Jean Mock Turtleneck | Cashmere & Silk | Hand-knit, 2025 Collection |
Cashmere & Silk Hand-Knit Hedi Sweater | Cashmere & Silk | Hand-knit, 2025 Collection |
Cashmere Hope Hand-Knit Sweater | Cashmere | Hand-knit, 2025 Collection |
Giglia Stonewashed Cashmere Sweater | Stonewashed Cashmere | Resort 2025, modern feminine look |
Girona Stonewashed Cashmere Sweater | Stonewashed Cashmere | Resort 2025, feminine aesthetics |
Cashmere-Silk Sweater Vidalia | Cashmere & Silk | Resort 2025, luxurious materials |
These sweaters cost more, but you get comfort and style. Iris von Arnim is a top pick for fans of new zealand knitwear brands who want something special.
Alanui
Alanui makes sweaters with bright patterns and a warm feel. They use merino wool and cashmere. The sweaters have hand-knit details and lots of color. Alanui is famous for big cardigans and pullovers. These sweaters stand out in a crowd. The price is high, but you get unique styles. If you like new zealand knitwear brands with bold looks, try Alanui.
Ulla Johnson
Ulla Johnson makes sweaters that are pretty, comfy, and eco-friendly. They use merino wool, organic cotton, and recycled fabrics. Each hand knit pullover is made by skilled workers. The style is bohemian and feminine. Ulla Johnson helps women-run groups and uses green ways to make sweaters. The sweaters feel soft and fit easily. You will see special designs in every piece. Prices are mid to high, but you help the planet and support workers.
Uses natural fibers and merino wool
Focuses on eco-friendly production
Supports women-run collectives
Offers bohemian, feminine styles
Loewe
Loewe is a top brand for luxury sweaters. They are known for bold textures and creative looks. The Anagram Sweater is very popular in 2025. You will find chunky knits and fuzzy weaves. They use merino wool, brushed cashmere, alpaca, and mohair. Loewe likes big textures, cable knits, and fringe. The sweaters have big collars too. Prices are high, but you get sweaters that stand out. Loewe is a favorite for new zealand knitwear brands fans who want something different.
Features maximal texture and bold designs
Uses merino wool, cashmere, and alpaca
Offers statement sweaters with a cozy feel
Wynn Hamlyn
Wynn Hamlyn is special among new zealand knitwear brands. They use hand-made techniques, like macramé sweaters. The brand picks good materials and checks every detail. They use merino wool and other natural fibers. The sweaters feel soft and look modern. The designs mix old and new styles. You get classic looks with a twist. Prices are mid to high, but you get great skill and quality.
Uses traditional hand-knotting and merino wool
Focuses on careful material sourcing
Offers modern and classic styles
John Smedley
John Smedley is a famous British sweater brand. They have made knitwear since 1874. The designs are classic and the quality is high. The sweaters are made in the UK with merino wool and other fine materials. Skilled workers use old methods to make each hand knit pullover. John Smedley has a royal warrant and works with top designers. The sweaters feel soft, fit well, and last a long time. Prices are mid to high, but you get tradition and quality. This brand is a great pick for new zealand knitwear brands fans who like classic style.
Uses sustainable merino wool
Employs skilled craftspeople
Offers timeless designs and classic British style
&Daughter
&Daughter is a family brand from Ireland and the UK. They use merino wool, lambswool, and cashmere. The brand cares about slow fashion and classic styles. Each hand knit pullover is made by skilled makers. &Daughter has both simple and bold styles. You can find something for any taste. Prices are mid to high, but the sweaters last and feel special. This brand is loved by fans of new zealand knitwear brands for its history and care.
Uses merino wool and cashmere
Focuses on slow fashion and quality
Offers a mix of classic and modern styles
Tip: When you shop for sweaters from these new zealand knitwear brands, look for merino wool and timeless designs. You will get comfort, style, and quality that lasts.
Best Sweaters of 2025
Statement Sweaters
Do you want to stand out this year? Statement sweaters are very popular in 2025. You will see big patterns, thick textures, and bright colors. Wool sweaters are the top trend, especially in fall and winter. Dale of Norway, L.L.Bean, and Pendleton make classic sweaters with new styles. Cashmere sweaters are also popular and feel fancy. UNIQLO and Polo Ralph Lauren have soft, high-quality cashmere. Sweater vests are getting more popular. Missoni and Buck Mason use eco-friendly materials and fun designs for vests.
Sweater Type | Trend in 2025 | Leading Brands / Examples |
|---|---|---|
Wool Sweaters | High demand, especially in autumn/winter | Dale of Norway, L.L.Bean, Pendleton |
Cashmere Sweaters | Luxury appeal, peak in holiday season | UNIQLO, Polo Ralph Lauren |
Sweater Vests | Eco-conscious, festive, and fun | Missoni, Buck Mason |
You will notice earthy colors like sage green and clay. Sweaters with Aran and Fair Isle knits look special. If you want to stand out, pick sweaters with bright colors or cool stitches.
Tip: Try a merino wool sweater vest for a new, earth-friendly style.
Minimalist Knits
If you like simple looks, minimalist knits are great for you. These sweaters use fine merino wool and have clean shapes. You get classic necklines, like crew or V-necks, and soft yarns. John Smedley is known for timeless designs and light, warm merino wool. Wayside Flower and Last of England also make nice sweaters with simple textures and old-style needlework.
Fine merino wool gives a smooth look
Simple shapes and classic necklines
Soft colors and gentle feel
Minimalist sweaters are good for layering. You can wear them with jeans or dress pants. They always look stylish.
Collector’s Cashmere
Collector’s cashmere sweaters are all about feeling fancy and lasting a long time. Brands like NAADAM, Everlane, and Gentle Herd use cashmere that is good for the planet. These sweaters feel very soft and keep you warm but not too hot. Patagonia and Reformation use recycled cashmere and fair trade ways. Cuyana and White & Warren use single-origin cashmere and earth-friendly packaging.
Brand | Features & Sustainability | Price Range | Notable Aspects |
|---|---|---|---|
NAADAM | Ethically sourced, recycled materials | From $98 | Soft, size-inclusive |
Everlane | Recycled cashmere, Italian yarn | N/A | Warm, durable |
Gentle Herd | Fair trade, Mongolian sourced | From $259 | Eco-friendly, soft |
Patagonia | 95% recycled cashmere, fair trade | From $199 | Long-lasting, durable |
Reformation | Climate neutral, recycled materials | From $128 | Modern, inclusive sizes |
Cuyana | Single-origin, sewn in Italy | From $248 | Lightweight, versatile |
White & Warren | Recycled yarns, compostable packaging | From $298 | Chic, oversized fits |
These sweaters last for years and feel great every time you wear them. Collector’s cashmere is a smart pick if you want something fancy and care about the earth.
Sustainable Sweaters: What to Look For
When you buy sustainable sweaters, you help yourself and the earth. It is important to know what makes a sweater good for the planet. Here are some things to check so you can find the best sustainable knitwear.
Materials
Always look at the label for natural and green materials. The best sweaters use organic cotton, alpaca wool, merino wool, and recycled fibers. These materials feel soft and last a long time. They also break down in nature. Some brands, like Colorful Standard and Organic Basics, use GOTS-certified organic cotton and recycled merino wool. Alpaca wool from AYA and Tradlands comes from animals that roam free and use gentle dyes. You can also find sweaters made with cashmere and lambswool that are sourced the right way. These materials help cut down on pollution and waste.
Material | Why It’s Sustainable | Brand Example |
|---|---|---|
Organic Cotton | Chemical-free, biodegradable | Kotn, Colorful Standard |
Alpaca Wool | Renewable, low-impact | AYA, Tradlands |
Merino Wool | Biodegradable, ethical farms | Organic Basics, Alex Crane |
Recycled Fibers | Reduces waste, saves energy | Reformation, Organic Basics |
Ethical Practices
It is good to pick brands that treat workers well and care about the planet. Look for brands that pay fair wages and keep workers safe. They should not use child labor. Ulla Johnson and Reformation are good examples. They work with groups run by women and show where their sweaters come from. Many brands use Fair Trade rules and make sure their sweaters are made with care. When you buy from these brands, you help people and the earth.
Pick brands that share info about their workers.
Look for Fair Trade or B Corporation badges.
Support brands that use slow fashion and make sweaters that last.
Tip: Slow fashion brands often make sweaters that stay nice for years.
Eco-Friendly Production
Eco-friendly production means making sweaters in ways that do not hurt the earth. These sweaters use less water and energy. Brands like Reformation and Colorful Standard use factories that do not add to climate change and use recycled boxes. Some brands, like Organic Basics, make almost no waste and use green energy. Some even plant trees or reuse old sweaters. These brands help lower CO2 and make less trash.
Choose brands that use green energy.
See if the brand recycles or reuses old sweaters.
Pick brands that use safe dyes and green packaging.
When you buy sweaters made with natural and green materials, you help the earth and support good brands. You also get sweaters that look nice and last a long time.
Comparison Table
When you shop for sweaters, you want to know what makes each brand special. This table helps you compare the top 10 hand knit pullover brands. You can see their main features, price, and how they help the planet. This makes it easier to pick sweaters that fit your style and values.
Brand | Key Features | Price Range | Sustainability Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
Artknit Studios | Italian-made, classic styles, soft merino wool | $–$$ | Uses organic cotton, merino wool, slow fashion |
Guest in Residence | Heirloom quality, intricate patterns, cashmere | $$ | Certified cashmere, animal welfare focus |
Alpha Studio | Modern Italian, bold or simple, merino wool | $–$$ | Premium fibers, careful sourcing |
Iris von Arnim | Luxury, hand-knit, cashmere & silk blends | $$ | Small-batch, ethical production |
Alanui | Colorful, bold patterns, merino wool, cashmere | $$ | Hand-knit, supports artisans |
Ulla Johnson | Bohemian, feminine, natural fibers | $–$$ | Eco-friendly, supports women-run groups |
Loewe | Statement textures, chunky knits, merino wool | $$ | Uses natural fibers, creative design |
Wynn Hamlyn | Modern classics, hand-knotting, merino wool | $–$$ | Careful sourcing, supports local makers |
John Smedley | Timeless British, fine merino wool | $–$$ | Sustainable, skilled craftspeople |
&Daughter | Family brand, classic & bold, merino wool | $–$$ | Slow fashion, local production |
Tip: Most new zealand knitwear brands use merino wool. This makes sweaters soft and warm. These sweaters last a long time and feel nice.
You may see that brands like Wynn Hamlyn and &Daughter use merino wool and make sweaters locally. These brands care about animals and pay workers fairly. They use natural fibers, so sweaters feel soft and cozy. Sustainable sweaters might cost more at first, but they last longer and are worth it.
Here are some things to remember when you look at new zealand knitwear brands:
Merino wool is soft, warm, and strong. It keeps you comfy in any weather.
Good brands tell you where their merino wool comes from and pay workers well.
Local production keeps old skills alive and helps communities.
Sustainable sweaters use less water and energy, so you help the earth.
If you want sweaters that look good and help the planet, choose new zealand knitwear brands with merino wool. You will enjoy wearing these sweaters for many years.
How to Choose a Hand Knit Pullover
Picking the right hand knit pullover can feel tricky, but you can make it simple by focusing on what matters most to you. Let’s break it down so you find a sweater you’ll love for years.
Style Preferences
Your pullover should match your personality and taste. Here’s how you can make sure it does:
Pick colors and patterns that you like. Maybe you love bold stripes or soft earth tones.
Look for knitting styles that catch your eye, like Fair Isle, cable, or diamond patterns.
Adjust the fit by checking the length, width, and sleeve style. You want it to look and feel just right.
Add fun details, such as buttons or ribbons, if you want something unique.
Choose yarns that fit your lifestyle. Merino wool works well for both warmth and softness, while organic cotton feels light and cool.
Make sure the pullover is easy to care for, especially if you want to wear it often.
Don’t be afraid to try something new. Sometimes a different pattern or color becomes your favorite!
Tip: A pullover made from merino wool can give you both comfort and style, no matter your taste.
Budget
Sweaters come in all price ranges. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get quality. Think about how much you want to spend before you shop. Sometimes, a higher price means better materials like merino wool or more sustainable production. If you’re on a budget, look for brands that offer sales or use blends of merino wool and other fibers. Remember, a well-made pullover lasts longer, so it can save you money over time.
Fit and Comfort
You want your pullover to feel great every time you wear it. Start by measuring your chest, hips, and arms. Write these numbers down so you can check them when you shop. Compare your measurements to the brand’s size chart. Merino wool sweaters often stretch a bit, so think about whether you want a snug or loose fit. Try on different styles to see what feels best. If you like roomy sleeves or a longer body, look for those features. Always check how the fabric feels against your skin. Merino wool is soft and rarely itchy, making it a top choice for comfort.
Sustainability
If you care about the planet, you’ll want a sustainable pullover. Look for sweaters made from natural fibers like merino wool, organic cotton, or bamboo. These materials break down naturally and don’t harm the earth. Avoid synthetic fibers, which can cause pollution. Support brands that pay workers fairly and use ethical farming for their merino wool. Sustainable knitwear often comes from small batches, so you get better quality and less waste. Hand knit pullovers made with sustainable practices last longer and can be repaired easily.
Note: Choosing a sustainable pullover means you help the environment and support good working conditions.
Here’s a quick checklist for your next sweater:
Does it use merino wool or other natural fibers?
Is it made by a brand with sustainable values?
Does it fit your style and comfort needs?
Is it within your budget?
When you focus on these points, you’ll find a hand knit pullover that feels good, looks great, and supports a sustainable future.
You have so many great choices for hand knit sweaters. Each brand brings something special, but they all use merino wool in creative ways. Merino wool feels soft, keeps you warm, and lasts for years. When you pick sweaters made from merino wool, you get comfort and style. Merino wool also helps the planet because it is natural. Try sweaters with merino wool if you want something cozy. Merino wool works for every season. You can find merino wool in classic and bold sweaters. Merino wool is easy to care for and always looks good. Merino wool sweaters make great gifts. Merino wool lets you show your style. Merino wool is a smart choice for anyone who loves sweaters.
Tip: Explore these brands and see how merino wool sweaters can fit your life and values!
FAQ
What makes a pullover “hand knit”?
A hand knit pullover is made by a person using knitting needles, not a machine. You get a sweater with unique details and a special touch. Each one feels a bit different and often lasts longer.
How do I care for my hand knit sweater?
You should wash your sweater by hand in cold water. Lay it flat to dry. Never hang it up when wet. This keeps the shape and softness. Always check the care label for special tips.
Are hand knit pullovers worth the higher price?
Yes! You pay more for better materials, skilled work, and longer-lasting sweaters. Hand knit pullovers often use natural fibers and support fair wages. You get comfort, style, and a sweater that can last for years.
Can I wear hand knit sweaters all year?
Absolutely! Many brands use lightweight merino wool or cotton. These keep you cool in spring and warm in winter. You can layer them or wear them alone. There’s a hand knit sweater for every season.
