Cable knit jumpers have been growing in popularity year on year, to the point that they’re close to a staple in any women’s knitwear collection. You might have a range of jumpers in your wardrobe, but if you don’t have a cable knit jumper in the mix, many might say your closet is not quite complete.
Australian fashion lovers seem to love cable knit jumpers, which is why a number of high-end brands include them in their collections. But you don’t have to pay top-end prices for cable knit jumpers, as Femme Connection offers a range of cute and desirable cable knit jumpers at an accessible price point.
Let’s find out more about cable knit jumpers, and look at which cable knits are set to trend in 2025.
Why we love cable knits in Australia
We’re a down-to-earth bunch in Australia, and though a cable knit jumper is considered a high-end women’s jumper, it’s also one of the most no-nonsense jumper styles you can get. Cable jumpers have a hardy and homespun edge, and that vibe fits in well with our hardworking-yet-casual ethos. At once, a cable knit jumper can be masculine and feminine, modern, and rustic. It’s a bit of everything, and we just love them!
What is a Cable Knit?
The cable knit pattern is a little different from a straight knit. A cable knit is a raised, textured pattern on a jumper, with stitches that cross over one another. The result is a jumper design that looks a little like a group of plaits, diamonds, braids, or even ropes.
Cable knits are commonly featured in jumpers or sweaters, but you’ll also find cable knit dresses, cardigans, blankets and scarves.
Where the Cable Knit Originated
The cable knit is thought to have originated in Scottish and Irish fishing communities, with the knit itself dating back to the 19th Century or beyond. Aran sweaters are probably the best known versions of the cable knit, originating from the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland, however a number of other regions have similar cable knits, including nordic and scandinavian knit jumpers.
Cable knit jumpers were originally hand-knitted by women using unscoured wool, which retained its original colour and the lanolin that ensured it was resistant to water. This is one reason why the jumpers were popularly worn by fishermen, as not only were they thick and warm, but they repelled water when they were out at sea.
The detailed patterns in a cable knit were thought to represent fishing ropes, success and safety at sea, and in some cases, family crests. These thick cable patterns also ensured that the knit jumpers were exceptionally warm.
Cable Knit Jumpers and Their Popularity In The 20th Century
Celebrities who wore cable knit jumpers onscreen in the 1950s and 1960s helped to boost the popularity of this knit. Elvis Presley, Jean Seberg, John Lennon, Steve McQueen and Grace Kelly all wore cable knit jumpers in iconic photographs and on film. Fashion designers caught on and incorporated cable knits into their sportswear and luxury-wear collections, creating a fashion staple.
Trends in Cable Knit Sweaters
Mixed Pattern Knits
A mixed pattern knit jumper may combine a cable knit, which creates a textured surface, with a straight knit, that offers a flatter surface. Mixing two or more knits in one jumper creates visual interest, and takes a jumper from standard to exceptional.
The advantage of a mixed pattern knit? The cable knit is quite thick and textured, and in its original form, could even be said to be bulky. Whilst this bulk would have been perfect for expeditions on the windy seas, it’s not necessarily required for everyday wear. Hence, a mixed pattern jumper that mixes cable knits with smoother knits, gives you the cable knit look, with the softer and lighter feel of a straight knit. It might be the front jumper panel that is a cable knit, and the rest is a straight knit, or you might have cable knit sleeves, with a flat knit on the front and back panels. Whichever the combination, a mixed pattern sweater deserves a place in your wardrobe, and is definitely on trend.
Bright Colour Cable Knits
Traditional cable knits were often the natural colour of the wool they were spun from. Otherwise, they were dyed in fairly neutral colours. These days it’s possible to find bright colour cable knits, in vibrant colours like fuchsia and cobalt blue.
A bold-coloured cable knit offers all the advantages of the cable knit jumper in terms of extra warmth and texture, but adds an extra dose of fun via the striking colour. Also, bright colours can really help to emphasise the knit pattern, so rather than it blending into the background, the knit stands out.
Neutral Colour Cable Knits
Whilst bold coloured cable knits should be welcomed into your wardrobe, you can’t undervalue the neutral-coloured cable knit. Think cream, beige, white, black, navy, brown, taupe and olive. These colours work really well with a range of skin tones, and are easy to mix and match with other garments and accessories, making for a versatile wardrobe item.
Cropped Cable Knit Jumpers
Full length cable knit jumpers will always be a classic choice for winterwear, but who says you have to only go the traditional route? Cable knit jumpers that are cropped, or have an asymmetrical hem, are a unique option that brings an edge to your outfit. You get the classic cable knit sweater look at the top, yet can show off the waist of that great pair of pants, or gorgeous top. So look out for cable knit jumpers that do things a little differently this coming cold season.
Styling a Cable Knit Jumper
Cable knits are super easy to style. You barely even need to think about it, but if you want some easy tips, here goes:
Cosy Cable Look – Look ultra relaxed by wearing an oversized cable knit jumper over straight-leg jeans or leggings. Add chunky boots.
Casual Vibes – Pair your cable knit jumper with jeans and sneakers for a chilled, cosy outfit. Add a beanie for extra warmth, and a coat or puffer jacket if it’s extra cold.
Feminine and Stylish - Wear your slim-fit cable knit sweater tucked into a midi skirt or over a flowy dress. Add ankle boots.
Preppy and Polished – Wear your cable knit jumper over a collared shirt, with the collar peeking out. Add a pleated skirt or tailored trousers.
Edgy Twist – Add your rustic cable knit jumper over an edgy vegan leather pants or skirt and heeled boots.
Investing in a Cable Knit Jumper
We’re advocates of the cable knit, which means we would totally recommend investing in at least one pure wool cable knit in a traditional style. It’ll last you forever, keep you warm, and look great with the right styling. But, let’s face it, those jumpers are pricey, you usually need to order them from overseas, and being wool, they’re too easy to shrink in the wash! So, while you take out a mortgage for one of those, why not get yourself a vegan-friendly cable knit jumper today, at an affordable price, and in a fun colour or design? Femme Connection sells acrylic and polyester cable knit jumpers, which are stylish, easy to wash, and hard to shrink.
Check out our cable knit jumpers today.