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Knitwear never goes out of fashion whether it’s on the runways of New York, London, Milan or knitwear NZ style (home of Ecowool’s luxurious knits). Each year we see slight variations in detail such as styling, length, sleeve width as well as some unexpected twists. This year’s big surprise was the crossover between women’s and men’s knitwear, with the fashion catwalks teaming delicate evening gowns with a chunky men’s knit cardigan and a fair isle knitted jumper. Want to update your knitwear collection? Please take a look at the top 5 knitwear trends we’ve seen this year…

STATEMENT HEADWEAR

If you thought statement headwear meant flamboyant fascinators and millinery we forgive you. In fact, the runways of Dior, Gucci, Preen and Calvin Klein proved statement knitted headwear was big news for 2018, and fortunately, it’s a trend that looks set to continue for 2019. Where Calvin Klein sent models down the runway in knitted balaclavas, other designers showed peaked beanies. With a little nod to this ‘statement headwear’ trend, our Possumsilk Hat is both stylish and warm. Available with matching scarf and gloves, the hat is made from a luxurious blend of New Zealand natural fibres and comes in two colours.

CHECKS

There were times when this year’s knitwear trends were making us square-eyed. A revival of checks, plaids and tartans was evident on the catwalk and in stores. In particular, Calvin Klein, Erdem and Versace steered towards a 90s check revival. Ecowool’s Possumsilk Cape with Hood is designed in tartan (or plain) and is ideal for a wardrobe update that will last for years to come – not to mention for keeping you warm. Made from Merino Possumsilk, it makes a great alternative to wearing a jacket or coat. Note, that hoods were also big news this year, appearing on the runways of Margiela, Balenciaga and Valentino, making our Cape one piece of women’s knitwear that ticks two boxes at once, yes, knitwear style is ‘on trend’!

KNITWEAR MEETS EVENING WEAR

The big surprise this year? 2018’s knitwear twist, is to team over-sized men’s knits with women’s evening wear. For trendsetters, it’s now ‘de rigueur’ to pair a silk gown with a man-sized knit cardigan wrapped around the shoulders or a fair isle knitted jumper tied around the neckline (like a snood). Cable knit jumpers, the chunkier the better, were also teamed with delicate flapper-inspired evening dresses. Our Possum Merino Rib Zip Cardigan is one of our great design classics and has always been a perfect choice for keeping the guys warm. However, it’s now a great design classic that will keep women warm too!

MAXI KNITS

Longline cardigans and waistcoats are big news for 2018 fitting in with the year’s modest dressing trend. Longline knits look great thrown over casual daytime wear such as jeans or worn as an elegant accessory over smart evening pants. Our women’s knitwear range of cardigans includes a Merino Possum Longline Cardigan with rib detailing on the sleeves and front pockets.

VOLUMINOUS SLEEVES

Billowing, full sleeves are a key trend for 2018. Wide and flowing, this style is set to be a lasting trend in knitwear for some time to come. Our Possum Merino Moss Stitch Shrug is one of our bestsellers. Why? Not only is it on trend with its full sleeves, you can wear it in two ways – either short or longer length, merely turn it one way or the other, depending on your needs. Made in New Zealand from superfine merino, possum fur and silk mix it is warm and luxurious and comes in a variety of colours.

How will you update your knitwear? Please take a look at our range of New Zealand made designs, all of them designed with luxury, warmth and fashion in mind.