Knitwear is a mainstay in our collection, great for layering up if you're heading out and equally good for cosy days indoors. Though we’re firm believers that well designed knitwear has its place all year round, December is of course a time when knits come into their own. Forget cliché Christmas jumpers, the pieces below are some of our best examples of classic knitwear that will have you rushing to replace your old favourites – and they make for special gifts too. For more gifting inspiration, see the Purdey gift guide, where you'll find something for everyone.
Donegal Aran Full Zip Cardigan in Moss
As ever, our knitwear is rooted in heritage British styles that are easy, comfortable and practical to wear. Cable is a dominant inspiration, featuring luxurious 3D textures in the men’s Donegal Aran Jumper and Full Zip Cardigan (above), St Ives Fisherman Rib Jumper and Hertford Herringbone Crew Neck Jumper (below), and the women’s Cashmere Aran Cardigan and Donegal High Neck Tunic Sweater.
Hertford Herringbone Crew Neck in Brown
Historically, cable knits had subtle differences depending on the region, a knitwear dialect telling stories that span the UK coastline. It was initially developed out of necessity, by women knitting jumpers to keep their fishermen husbands warm. For our latest pieces, both womenswear and menswear make the most of this hardy British design. It’s the first time Purdey has used yarn sourced from the original Donegal Mill in Kilcar, Ireland, where the tradition of spinning, weaving and knitting started in the cottages of South West Donegal in the 1800s. Today, the mill’s team of craftsmen and technicians work using skills handed down through generations to produce yarns that are intricately flecked with multi-colours, perfect for chunkier knits.
From Ireland, the yarn makes its way to our craftspeople in Scotland, who bring the knits to life. The patterns take inspiration from classic and iconic British cloth, translating herringbone into knitwear; or following the specific Scottish style that originates from the Fair Isle in Shetland, seen in the Fair Isle Crew Neck Jumper for men (below) and women. Respecting the heritage and storytelling tied up in these techniques, our interpretation is thoughtfully nuanced and relevant for now.
Fair Isle Crew Neck in Antler (left) and Annabel Roll Neck in Ivory (right)
Tonally, the collection is anchored in the British outdoors. Certain knits are envisaged as outerwear, such as the women’s Rosebank Cashmere Tweed Cardigan (below), more structured than its slouchier counterparts, the Annabel Roll Neck (above) and Clifford Ribbed Cardigan.
Rosebank Cashmere Tweed Cardigan in Walnut
Lighter blends of cotton-cashmere, merino and cashmere-linen bring versatility and breathability – the women’s Cork Crew Neck for example. The Travel Merino Crew Neck and Polo Shirt are also specifically designed for ease on the move, ideal for layering and monogrammed with the Purdey ‘JP’ motif. The ‘JP’ monogram was developed from an evening slipper found in the depths of the archive at Audley House and features throughout the collection, from merino knits to shirts, and on some of the ornately carved domed horned buttons.
Above all, Purdey knitwear is a joy to wear – wonderfully warm and refined with unique detailing and the potential to be worn for years to come.