Article: The Anatomy of a Winter Knit
The Anatomy of a Winter Knit
As the temperature drops, the role of texture becomes more than aesthetic, it shapes how a piece feels, performs, and lives with you day to day. Not all knits are created equal, and understanding the qualities of different fibres allows for a more functional winter wardrobe, one that balances warmth, breathability, and longevity.
Here’s a closer look at four essential winter textures and what each brings to the season.
Mohair ~ Lightness with Warmth
Mohair is known for its distinctive halo, a soft, airy fuzz that gives garments a gentle luminosity. Sourced from the Angora goat, it offers an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for layering without bulk.
What sets mohair apart is its ability to insulate while remaining breathable. It traps warmth close to the body, yet doesn’t feel heavy or stifling indoors. The fibre also holds dye beautifully, resulting in rich, dimensional colour.
Best for: Transitional layering, elevated everyday knits, and pieces that add softness without weight.
Founder Picks:
Cashmere ~ Softness Refined
Cashmere sits at the more luxurious end of winter textures, prized for its exceptional softness and insulating properties. Derived from the undercoat of cashmere goats, the fibres are finer and smoother than traditional wool, creating that signature buttery feel against the skin.
Despite its delicate hand, cashmere is remarkably warm. It provides insulation without excess thickness, making it a natural choice for pieces worn close to the body. With proper care, it also ages gracefully, often becoming softer over time.
Best for: Base layers, elevated essentials, and garments where comfort is key.
Founder Picks:
Wool ~ Enduring and Functional
Wool is the cornerstone of winter dressing, valued for its durability and natural performance qualities. It’s highly insulating, moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating, keeping you warm in the cold while remaining breathable.
Different types of wool offer varying textures, from coarse and structured to soft and fine. What they share is resilience. Wool fibres naturally resist wrinkles and odours, making them well-suited to frequent wear.
Best for: Outer layers, everyday knitwear, and pieces designed for longevity.
Founder Picks:
Cotton ~ A Balanced Layer
Often overlooked in colder months, cotton plays an important role in winter dressing, particularly in more temperate regions. While not as insulating as wool or cashmere, it offers breathability and softness, making it well-suited to milder days and indoor living.
Cotton knits feel lighter and more structured, with a clean finish that lends itself to transeasonal wear. Layered with heavier fibres or worn on their own, they offer a sense of comfort without excess warmth.
Best for: Lightweight knits, layering pieces, and relaxed silhouettes.
Founder Picks:
Building a Considered Winter Wardrobe
Each fibre brings something different, mohair’s softness and airiness, cashmere’s refined warmth, wool’s reliability, and cotton’s versatility. Rather than relying on a single texture, the most functional winter wardrobes draw on a combination, allowing for ease across changing temperatures and settings.
By understanding how these materials behave, you can choose pieces that not only look considered, but feel right, whether at home, out in the elements, or somewhere in between.
