When it comes to a reliable category in women’s fashion, women’s knitwear is your winner. It is versatile, seasonally adaptive, and timeless. No matter the time of year and the occasion, there’s a knit garment to suit, and knit dresses, jumpers and cardigans are particular favourites.
In our Ultimate Guide To Women’s Knitwear, we look at why knitwear is ceaselessly appealing. We also look at how to style classic knitwear styles, plus how to care for your knits. Read on!
A Mini History of Knitwear
Humans have been wearing knitwear for centuries. Originally hand-knitted at home, knitwear evolved into an industrially-manufactured fashion staple. Coco Chanel, in the 1920s, popularised women’s knitwear as chic attire, and moved it into a ready-to-wear style. Over subsequent decades, store-bought knitwear evolved to include a wide range of knit garments, such as stretchy knit dresses and handsome knit cardigans for the office, tidy knit cardigans for weekend outfits, and slouchy knit jumpers for casual ensembles. Knit fabrics also developed over the years.
Whilst wool was the main fibre chosen for knitwear, over time technology has developed so that a range of other fibres can be used. These include plant-derived fibres like cotton, linen and viscose, but also synthetic fibres like acrylic, nylon, polyester and elastane. Synthetic knit fabrics offered an affordable and easy-to-care for alternative to animal and plant-based fibres.
Knitwear - The Crucial Component of Any Wardrobe
Knitwear is such a dependable wardrobe piece. Knit dresses, jumpers and cardigans offer us:
- Warmth: The first thing we think of with knits is warmth! The interlocking loops of yarn in a knit create mini pockets of air, which trap body heat close to the skin. Make a knit out of a dense or thick yarn, and it traps in even more heat. (Loose weave knits will be cooler, as they let the air escape.)
- Comfort: Knits offer inherent stretch. This is because, unlike woven fabrics that involve yarn being criss-crossed, knits involve interlocking loops of yarn, which are able to expand and contract as you move, making for a natural stretch in the fabric. Add to that, many knits these days include synthetic fibres, like elastane, that add even more stretch. This means knit garments can be very flexible, and you can easily move in them.
- Style versatility: From a structured knit cardigan worn over a dress, to a loose, oversized knit jumper worn over jeans, knitwear can be adapted to suit whatever look you’re going for.
- Layering potential: Women’s knitwear is ideal for keeping you covered when the weather is changeable. Keep a cardigan or jumper in your bag for when the day starts out warm but ends up cold. Or rug up with lots of knit layers in the morning, and remove them as needed. Whatever the case with the weather, with knitwear, you can always be prepared.
- Season-spanning: Knitwear is available in thick and dense knits that trap in a lot of heat and are great to wear during autumn and winter. It’s also available in lightweight or loose weave knits that are comfortable and breathable during spring and summer.
At Femme Connection, you’ll find knitwear for women in a wide range of styles and fabrics—from chunky cable knits to light viscose blends—tailored for Australian seasons and settings.
Let’s have a look at some go-to knit garments in Femme Connection’s women’s knitwear range that could play a key role in your wardrobe.
Women’s Knit Jumpers (Sweaters/Pullovers): Offering Comfort, Warmth and Style
Knit Jumper Styling Ideas:
- For a casual outing, pair a slouchy knit jumper for women with jeans and ankle boots.
- For the office, consider a fitted, fine-gauge, waist-length knit jumper worn over a button up shirt and paired with wide-leg pants.
- For an evening out, pair a dark toned knit jumper with a leather look or animal print midi skirt, heels and a structured clutch.
- If you want to define your waist, try adding a statement belt over an oversized jumper.
Femme Connection Styles: Our knit jumper collection includes everything from solid neutral knit jumpers for everyday wear to statement pullovers with textured designs and colour-block patterns.
Choose from high necks, crew necks, and V-neck jumpers, and cropped, and tunic-length sweaters to suit your personal style. We also stock women’s knit jumpers with balloon sleeves, as well as pullovers with embroidered and embellished designs.
Fabric Focus:
- Wool and acrylic blends keep you warm in winter.
- Viscose and cotton blends are ideal for layering in warmer seasons.
Women’s Cardigans: The Layering Hero
Knit cardigans for women are ultra versatile, and can be worn in pretty much every setting. Keep a cardigan at your workdesk at all times! Carry one in your bag, or just wear your cardi! You will always find a use for it.
Cardigan Styling Ideas:
- Drape a longline cardigan over a midi dress for a chic, effortless look. (If it’s cold, drape it over a knit dress for added warmth and comfort.)
- Layer a cropped cardigan over a camisole and high-waisted pants for a structured, feminine look.
- Wear a wrap-style cardigan to define your silhouette.
Femme Connection Styles: We offer relaxed, waterfall collar cardigans, button-ups, hooded designs, and more. Choose from dense knit cardigans with hoods and high necklines for winter, and lightweight viscose blends for the warm seasons. Longline designs are perfect for extra coverage, while cropped styles add polish to casual or office-ready outfits.
Fabric Focus:
- Wool, acrylic and polyester blends for warmth.
- Viscose, linen and cotton blends for breathability.
- Polyester-elastane blends for flexibility and shape retention.
Women’s Knit Dresses: One-Piece Wonders
The knit dress is where comfort meets elegance. It can be dressed up or down and styled through all seasons.
Styling Tips:
- For a polished look for work, wear a knit dress beneath a blazer and add low heels.
- For a cute, weekend-ready outfit, pair your knit dress with white sneakers, a denim jacket and a crossbody bag.
- For an edgy look, wear your knit dress with a statement belt, boots, and faux leather biker jacket.
Femme Connection Styles: From bodycon silhouettes to relaxed midi knits, our knit dresses offer something for every taste. Look for button-down details, ribbed textures, and flattering stretch fabrics. Neutral tones work well for layering, bold colours and colourblock patterns make a statement, and cable knits make for a rustic knit vibe.
Fabric Focus:
- Viscose and elastane blends for a soft feel and good drape.
- Wool and acrylic blends for warmth and form.
- Polyester knits that are easy to care for and maintain.
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Different Knit Looks in Women’s Knitwear
Knitwear isn’t just about staying warm—it’s also about texture, pattern, and personality. The knit style you choose can completely change the look of your outfit. Here are some of the most popular knit looks in women’s fashion today:
Cable Knits: Classic and chunky, cable knits feature twisted rope-like patterns that give jumpers and cardigans a cosy, heritage-inspired feel. They’re perfect for autumn and winter, and pair well with jeans or layered over smooth dresses for a textured contrast.
Jacquard Knits: Jacquard knits feature intricate woven patterns, including florals, geometric designs and other bold motifs. These pieces make a statement on their own and are ideal when you want a fashion-forward knitwear item.
Ribbed Knits: Ribbed knitwear has vertical lines of raised and recessed stitching, offering stretch and a flattering, fitted look. Ribbed jumpers, cardigans and dresses fit closely to the body and can easily be dressed up or down.
Check Patterns: Checks and plaids in knitwear bring a playful, retro edge. Often seen in oversized cardigans or cropped jumpers, checked knits are eye-catching and bring variety to an otherwise solid winter wardrobe.
Solid Knits: Solid knitwear—where the fabric is all one colour with minimal texture—offers endless styling options. These pieces are wardrobe staples and are great for layering or dressing up with accessories. Whether it’s a black longline cardigan or a bright-coloured jumper, solid knits bring versatility to your wardrobe.
Caring for Your Knitwear
To keep your knitwear looking its best:
- Wash gently: If your knit garment is made of wool, wash by hand or on a wool setting in the machine. Use cold water and a dedicated wool detergent.
- For synthetics like polyester, wash in warm or cold water (hot water can degrade synthetic fibres).
- Use mild detergent: Harsh detergents can break down fibres in a range of fabrics, so it’s best to use gentle laundry detergents.
- Dry flat: Knitwear can stretch when hung on a clothesline, so it’s best to lay your knitwear flat to air dry.
- Avoid the tumble dryer: Like a hot wash, the heat of a dryer can degrade synthetic knit fibres, and shrink wool.
- Store folded: Hanging knitwear can cause it to stretch out, so fold it and store in a drawer.
The above instructions are general. Always make sure you follow the specific instructions on your knit garment.
Note that many Femme Connection knits can be washed in a machine, making them super easy to care for!
Shop Women’s Knitwear Australia at Femme Connection
Whether you prefer the laid-back comfort of a cardigan, the cosy appeal of a winter jumper, or the effortless elegance of a knit dress, there’s a knitwear piece for every mood and moment. Femme Connection offers a curated selection of styles, fabrics and fits to make sure your wardrobe is season-ready.
See our other collections for essential Tops, Skirts, Dresses, Pants and Outerwear to go with your gorgeous women’s knitwear! We offer a wide range of sizes and a huge selection of styles.