Knitwear is something we reach for year after year, which makes finding a piece with a little something different all the more exciting.
Vintage knits stand out through their materials, construction and patterns. From unexpected colour combinations to distinctive stitching and logo details, they have a character you don't often find in today's more understated knitwear.
This time, we're taking a closer look at vintage knits worth wearing now, exploring the details that make each one special, from texture to design.
CHRISTIAN DIOR
When the Logo Becomes Part of the Knit.
A camel-orange knit featuring a tonal
“CD SPORTS” logo.
Look a little closer and you'll notice it's not a print. The lettering has a subtle three-dimensional texture, with the surrounding motifs knitted directly into the design as well.
A vintage sportswear feel, ready for today's wardrobe.
Salvatore Ferragamo
A Grown-Up Take on the Poncho.
A brown knit poncho defined
by its bold cable-knit pattern.
Cable knitting creates a raised, dimensional pattern by crossing strands of yarn over one another. With a knit this substantial, the texture itself becomes the focal point of an outfit.
The leather buckle at the neckline adds another detail. Even in a single colour, the mix of different knit patterns creates subtle depth, while the leather accent brings a slightly more modern edge.
More than just a simple knit, this is a piece to appreciate for its texture alone.
MIU MIU
Even Black Knitwear Deserves a Little Playfulness.
A simple cardigan, composed entirely in black.
But look closer and you'll notice the soft, fluffy halo of mohair and the subtle texture of the knit. Without any added colour, the material itself becomes the design.
The wool-and-mohair blend creates
delicate variations in texture and light,
giving the piece depth without making it feel busy.
In all black,
the beauty of the knit really comes through.
Yves Saint Laurent
Stripes, with a Vintage Twist.
Black-and-white stripes
with a pop of blue at the neckline.
It's a familiar pattern, but a slight change
in the width of the stripes or the way colour is
placed can completely change the look.
Vintage knitwear often features bolder colour combinations and more graphic patterns than what we typically see today.
A little retro,
yet somehow even fresher when worn now.
MIUMIU
Let White Balance Out a Bold Pattern.
A knit vest in a striking
red-and-navy houndstooth pattern.
With such a bold pattern, layering it over a white top creates just the right amount of breathing room.
When wearing a statement piece like this, it's best not to introduce too many colours. Let the red and navy of the knit take centre stage.
Bold patterns and unexpected colour combinations like these are part of what makes vintage knitwear so interesting.
The trick to wearing it today?
Keep the rest of the look a little relaxed.
FAQ
Q1. Can I wash vintage knitwear at home?
Some knits can be washed at home,
but shrinkage is always a concern.
Cashmere and mohair, in particular,
are delicate when exposed to water.
Always check the care label, and when in doubt,
leave it to a professional cleaner.
Q2. What should I do if it starts to pill?
First rule: don't pull the pills off.
Gently lift them away from the fabric and snip them off with small scissors. Giving your knit a light brush after wearing it can also help prevent loose fibres from building up.
Q3. Is it okay to hang knitwear on a hanger?
As a general rule, knitwear is best stored folded.
Hanging it can cause the shoulders to stretch and the original shape to become difficult to restore.
During the season,
it's also a good idea to let a knit rest for a day after wearing it before putting it back on.
Why Vintage Knitwear Is So Interesting
It's amazing that a knit made decades ago can still feel just right today.
It's not only about the quality of the materials. The stitching,
texture and construction are just as fascinating.
Some materials, like wool, are known for holding their shape, while cashmere is all about softness. With mohair, even the fluffy texture becomes part of the design.
Then there are the details you don't always find in today's knitwear: logos, patches, dimensional patterns and unexpected colour combinations.
These slightly unconventional pieces are exactly what make vintage knitwear feel fresh again.
And discovering a piece like that is part of the fun of vintage shopping.
▶ What Is Archive Fashion, and Why Is It So Popular Now?
▶ 5 Ways to Bring Vintage Pieces into Your Modern Wardrobe
▶ Explore the Knitwear Collection
