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17 of the best knitted vests you need to shop for the season ahead
A winter favourite AND surprisingly versatile 😎 🙌
We know it’s hard to imagine, but knitted vests were once uncool. Now, in 2023, they’ve gone from a grandad staple to a high-fashion fave – a true transformation from geek to chic.
If you don’t believe us, just look to Harry Styles, Dua Lipa and Kendall Jenner for confirmation that this is the trend worth investing in. And it’s not just a flash in the pan, either: this wardrobe underdog is so versatile it’s already become an everyday essential we can’t live without.
And the best bit? Knitted vests make for a super transitional investment piece that you can wear year-round in the UK's mild weather. In fact, the whole point is that they're made for layering: an oversized style can spice up your staple white shirts and tees, while a cropped design will give mini skirts and jeans a directional edge. And make sure you bring one along to any pub trips and picnics come spring for throwing over pretty summer dresses – we all know the British weather can’t be trusted. On warmer days, wear it bare-armed with nothing but jeans.
Argyle is the quintessential tank top choice, but if diamond intarsia is a little too preppy for your liking, cable-knit is another OG option. For the holiday season, we're loving traditional fair-isle knits paired with our knee-high boots. But if you want to bring these classics into 2023, simply add a modern twist by underpinning with a Pilgrim collar blouse. Speaking of the latest trends: the style set is loving neutral tanks atm, but here at Cosmo we’re partial to playful rainbow stripes and swirls, too,
Scroll through to our pick of the 17 best women’s knitted vests to shop now. From minimalist and sports-luxe looks to retro boho gems, there’s something for every occasion.
& Other Stories Black knitted vest
Talk about a power shoulder... We're in love with this slick monochrome black look from & Other Stories. Monday meeting, we're ready for you.
Ganni Pink logo wool mix vest
Everyone's favourite Scandi brand, Ganni, comes out with some of the best colour-pop vests on the market every year. Our pick is this cherry red and pink pullover. We'll still be wearing it come summertime, just with nothing underneath.
New Look Mink ribbed knit split hem vest
New Look's split hem vest is flying off the shelves; probably in part because the luxurious minky colour makes it look so expensive. This is an ideal workwear wardrobe addition for winter, and under £20, too. Win.
Urban Revivo Striped v-neck knitted vest in green and grey
We love the relaxed fit and unisex feel of this striped vest from ASOS. Pair it with baggy jeans, cargos, or a denim maxi skirt for maximum style points.
M&S Merino wool with cashmere knitted vest
Sometimes a pop of pink is all you need to liven up a smart office outfit. This M&S vest is proving popular with shoppers, who say it is "nice quality" and a "good shape."
Reformation Arco cashmere sleeveless turtleneck sweater
Reformation's buy of knitted vests this season is flawless. They're pricier than the high street, sure, but you can expect the most flattering cuts out there, in luxurious fabrics like cashmere – and the colour choices are perfect, too. If you're channeling Rachel Green's put-together 90s aesthetic, look no further.
This classic vest from Arket might just be our top high street buy of the season. For under £60, you'll get a timeless shape knitted from a blend of recycled polyester, alpaca and RWS certified merino wool, with a hint of elastane added for shape retention.
Seasalt Cornwall Percella cove fair isle knitted vest
Seasalt Cornwall Percella cove fair isle knitted vest
Something about the fine rainbow lines stitched into this traditional knit vest just make us feel ready for the holidays. Pass the hot cocoa...
Nautical stripes, a raised cable knit pattern, and oversized shoulders? We're in love with this affordable sweater vest from Next.
Amazon Essentials Women's ultra-soft sweater vest
This easygoing pullover from Amazon Essentials has a flattering loose cut + v-neck combo that we're loving. Plus, it comes in seven great colours and is available with Amazon Prime.
ba&sh Sleeveless alpaca wool blue jumper
We're swooning over this cool slouchy vest from ba&sh. The price indicates real wool and a commitment to stylish details, so this is one piece we'll take care of and keep forever.
Nike Nike Swoosh unisex sweater vest in cream
We're used to seeing the famous Nike swoosh on sportswear, so this unique sporty knit vest caught our eye on ASOS. It's unisex, on sale, and basically the stuff our dreams are made of...
Brora Merino lambswool fair isle tank
Scottish knitwear experts Brora have been creating the most beautiful fair isle knit patterns for three decades now, and our fashion editors are all fans. You can expect quality, natural fabrics like wool and cashmere, plus traditional designs made modern with on-trend colourways.
Strawberries! Cherries! How cute is this fruit vest from Rails? We're not sure what we love more; the 90s feel of it or the luxe wool-cashmere blend it's made from.
H&M's cream vest is going to cosy up all our winter outfits, especially when paired with our fave gold jewellery pieces, like chunky studs and a personalised necklace.
This coffee bean coloured button-up would pair super well with denim and your favourite brown leather boots.
TOAST Repurposed yarn knitted tank
This beautiful one-of-a-kind vest is hand-knitted in India from leftover yarn and recycled wool, making each piece slightly different and unique. We're pairing this with denim and ballet flats year round.
Maddy Alford is the Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK, covering fashion content online and in print. Maddy specialises in shopping galleries and first-person reviews of the best fashion buys, from jeans and jewellery to wedding dresses, gymwear, and winter coats. She also writes op-eds on on pop culture, viral fashion moments, travel journalism, fitness, and the LGBTQ+ community's relationship with style. Maddy is also a fashion stylist who has worked on over 100 photoshoots at Hearst, including those starring Raye, Niall Horan, and Lena Dunham. Previously, she has worked in fashion PR and e-commerce, including stints at ELLE US and UK, Net-a-Porter, InStyle, and Time Out New York. Maddy has ten years of experience in the fashion industry in both London and New York City, after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. She is passionate about second-hand shopping, inclusive fashion, running on Regent's Canal, and finding London's cosiest pubs.
Rosie Davenport is a former Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK and Red Online, covering fashion, beauty and travel reviews, as well as major sales events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Rosie has reviewed everything from Reformation dresses to the latest massage guns and knows the new brands to bookmark as well as the latest trends to follow. Before this role, Rosie was a Fashion Ecommerce Writer on publications including ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar and Good Housekeeping for nearly two years, and gained a MA from Central Saint Martins in Fashion Journalism in 2021, focussing on the rise (and rise) of fashion podcasting. Rosie has also worked at The Times, been a sub editor at The Mail on Sunday’s weekly YOU magazine and produced in-depth retail reports for the trend forecasting agency WGSN. Her career highlight? Previewing Prada’s AW21 menswear show in the depths of lockdown and interviewing Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons from her bedroom. Outside of work, Rosie can be found rummaging through vintage shops or getting lost in one of London’s iconic department stores. You can follow Rosie on Instagram @rosie.davenport
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