Compare knitwear
Style notes: How to compare women's knitwear online
Knitwear so often ends up in the pile of unwanted gifts left mounting at back of the wardrobe, and if your grandma’s concoction of woollen colours is as varied as a rainbow then we don’t blame you.
However, knitwear when worn right can be a style statement, leaving you looking bang on trend. From the catwalk to the high-street knitwear is in fashion.
Perfect for mixing and matching, knitwear has become a wardrobe staple. However knowing what works well and how to wear it isn’t always easy – even for the fashionistas among us.
Different styles of knitwear online
Under the broad heading of knitwear there are the obvious varieties such as cardigans, hoodies, jumpers etc. But there are a whole range of different styles and cuts of knitwear... so many that it can be baffling. If you’re anything like my mum (who makes the easy mistake of calling a waterfall cardigan a rainfall cardigan), then this section may come in very handy.
1. Batwing – Characterised by excess material under the arms and tight fitting sleeves.
2. Boxy – Unfitted knitwear that is often square in shape. They have a reputation for being unflattering to anything but a super slim body shape, so be careful when wearing this style.
3. Boyfriend – The shape is loose and unfitted, designed to look like an item of clothing that would be worn by a guy.
4. Cable – A cable knit is a garment that has visible, raised lines of thick knitting. This style is often found in chunky winter jumpers.
5. Cocoon – The style is most commonly used in cardigans. It wraps around the body with draping fabric at the back.
6. Crew – This style is applicable to only the neckline of the knitwear and so can come in a whole variety of shapes in the body. The neck line is almost straight with just a slight curve.
7. Ladder – Much like the effect when you have a ladder in your tights, this knitwear has lots of small and loose holes in, with the stitching spaced apart.
8. Slouch – These are relaxed, similar to the boyfriend style. Slouch styles are a popular in hoodies as these tend to have a relaxed feel.
9. Waterfall – Like waterfalls cascade, so does the front hanging material on a waterfall knit. Although the front is loose, they often have a fitted waist and arms, making the whole garment more flattering.
Knitwear online – what will suit my shape?
Knitwear is great for keeping cosy and warm, especially when layered. However it’s NOT something to swamp your figure behind. To ensure you’re wearing the best knitwear to enhance your figure, here are a couple of pointers.
Body shape |
Body shape description |
Knitwear style |
| Apple |
* Slender legs * Usually has a larger chest * Carry their weight around the tummy area |
Wrap – Very flattering for an apple shaped figure as it skims over the tummy area and has detail in the waist to make you look slimmer than you really are – perfect! Scoop neck – This will emphasise your décolletage and draw attention away from your tummy area. Having a scoop neck will also flaunt your breasts, meaning the focus is on your best assets. |
| Pear |
* Smaller chest * Narrow, slim shoulders * Slim waist * Carries weight around their hips, bum or upper thighs |
Shoulder pads – Having shoulder pads and other detail will really flatter this figure. It will balance out your hips, leaving your whole figure looking lovely and proportioned. |
| Hourglass |
* Large chest * Tiny waist * Large hips (the hips and chest are normally the same size – this is the iconic Marilyn Monroe shape) |
Draping – A draping material will really flatter an hourglass figure. Not only will it disguise any problems in the tummy area but it will also accentuate your curves. V necks – Very flattering to an hourglass figure as the plunging neckline will emphasise your curves. |
| Banana (straight) |
* Slim figure all over * No one part of the body is larger than the other |
Waterfall & boyfriend – This style of cardigan is very flattering for a straight figure as it creates texture and curves. Ruffles – Ruffles will create volume for your figure and give the illusion of curves, as will pattern. If you want to enhance the appearance of your bust then look for a jumper that has chunky beading or detail in the neckline. |
Size guide for buying knitwear online
Sizing is an important factor. As retailers can have slight differences it’s always best to check the size guides on retailers’ websites for specific details.
However, if you are coming to the UK from another country (or vice versa), or just want a guide of the standard sizing in the UK then the chart below should be of use.
United Kingdom |
United States | Europe | Australia |
| 4 | 2 | 32 | 6 |
| 6 | 4 | 34 | 8 |
| 8 | 6 | 36 | 10 |
| 10 | 8 | 38 | 12 |
| 12 | 10 | 40 | 14 |
| 14 | 12 | 42 | 16 |
| 16 | 14 | 44 | 18 |
Delivery and returns information for buying knitwear online
The delivery time when buying knitwear online will vary largely on the retailer. You should always check the retailer’s website for details of their delivery policies before you confirm your payment for your knitwear.
If you are buying from a non UK retailer, you will also need to check that they will ship your knitwear to the UK. If they do, check about extra costs that might be incurred from this process.
When buying knitwear online in the UK from the UK, you’re protected by the Distance Selling Regulations (DSR) which entitles you to certain consumer rights:
- If your knitwear is not as it was described online that you are entitled to a refund.
- You are entitled to a seven day cooling off period, where you can return your knitwear for any reason.
For more details about your rights as a consumer when buying online then visit the UK Government website.
Once you have confirmed your purchase you must get written confirmation (usually an email) acknowledging your purchase. You will usually be given an estimated delivery date; your knitwear must arrive within 30 days otherwise you are entitled to cancel and get a full refund.
What do I do next?
Now that you have a better idea of all the different kind of women's knitwear available, why not check our price comparison tables? You will find the best deals and offers on a variety of women's cardigans, jumpers, hoodies and fleeces, from the best fashion knitwear to the cheapest bargains.