Knitwear for a New Zealand winter
Merino jumpers, oversized knits, cardigans, vests and fine knit tops. This is the category we buy most carefully, because a knit is either worn constantly for five years or never worn twice, and the difference is almost always the fibre.
Merino, wool and blends
Merino is the fibre worth understanding. The fineness is measured in microns, and the lower the number the softer it sits against skin. Anything under about 19 microns wears comfortably next to the body without itch. Merino also regulates temperature and resists smell, which is why it works for travel and for a day that starts at four degrees and ends at eighteen.
Lambswool and heavier wool blends are warmer for the money and sit better as an outer layer over a tee or a shirt. Cotton and cotton blend knits suit the shoulder seasons, when a wool jumper is too much.
Shapes
An oversized knit is the easy one. Wear it over a tank with denim, or over a dress with boots. A fitted crew or fine merino is the layering piece that goes under a coat without bulk. A cardigan is the most useful thing in the category, because it comes off. A vest layers over a shirt and keeps the core warm without the sleeves.
The labels
Federation, Huffer and Isle Of Mine, alongside our own Blank Space Label. The Willow cardi is ours, cut to layer over a tank or a tee rather than to sit alone, and it comes in black and blush.
Looking after wool
Wash less than you think. Wool is self cleaning to a degree and airing a jumper overnight does most of the work. When it does need washing, use a wool wash on a cold gentle cycle or by hand, then dry flat. Never hang a wet knit, because the water pulls the shoulders out of shape permanently.
Pilling on merino is normal in the first few wears. A knit comb takes it off and it stops.
Ordering
Dispatched within 48 hours. Free shipping on New Zealand orders over $150, with shipping to Australia, the United States, Canada and the UAE. Returns within 14 days in New Zealand and 30 days internationally.
