Photo Credit: ‘When Harry Met Sally…’ (1989)
From being crafted for seafaring, to a staple re-imagined and refined by global fashion brands.
From being crafted for seafaring to being a staple re-imagined and refined by global fashion brands, the cable-knit sweater holds a beloved place in fashion history. These woven designs, originally inspired by the sea's rugged imagery, transcend the shifting fashion tides.
What started as a necessity for fishermen has become a symbol of style, celebrated for its warmth, comfort, and elegance. Cable knit sweaters appeal universally, finding favor among emerging designers and established fashion houses.
Today, these sweaters are the go-to knitwear, lending distinct charm to wardrobes worldwide, and Knitup will help you find yours.
Cable knit sweaters have cemented their popularity in the fashion world. These sweaters blend comfort and style, making them an eternal favorite among diverse generations.
A cable knit sweater is not just your regular knitwear. Distinguished by their unique patterns, these sweaters are a celebration of intricate design, characterized by the twisting patterns that resemble the sailor’s ropes, hence the name “cable”. The use of a cable stitch technique in knitting creates this textural pattern, giving the sweaters their distinctive multidimensional look.
These sweaters bear features that not only serve fashion but are functional too. Often crafted from 100 percent wool, cotton, or cashmere, these sweaters are known for their exceptional warmth and breathability.
The unique intertwining patterns of the sweater reflect aesthetic appeal and add to its insulation properties, making it a preferred choice for colder climates. At the heart of a cable knit sweater is its ability to seamlessly blend a heritage-inspired style with a modern silhouette, making it a reliable pick for casual and polished looks.
The cable sweater was known to be the Aran sweater originated from the Aran Islands off Ireland’s West coast. The set of islands are located at the mouth of Galway Bay on the Atlantic Sea. Many of the men back in the 1950s were fishermen by trade and cable sweaters were traditionally knitted from untreated yarn, which were water repellent and hence protected the fishermen from both the rain and the turbulent weather of the Atlantic Ocean. Also known as, the fisherman sweater, which we’re more familiar today.
Photo Credit: The Rake
Elizabeth Zimmermann, a British-born woman who emigrated to the United States in the 1930s advocated many new knitting styles and impacted trends in the industry for decades with her knitting show in the 1950s. In 1958, Zimmerman knitted the first cable sweater ever featured in Vogue, and included a pattern influenced by the Aran cable process. Shortly after, American women were copying the pattern and cable knit items quickly became popular with people from all socioeconomic statuses. Even the biggest stars were all wearing this ever-lasting classic.
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Mr John Lennon, on holiday in Scotland Photo Credit: ZUMA Wire |
Jean Seberg on the set of a bout de souffle directed by jean-luc godard, 1960 Photo Credit: Flashbak |
Elvis Presley Photo Credit: Luca Faloni |
Mr John Lennon, on holiday in Scotland
Photo Credit: ZUMA Wire
Jean Seberg on the set of a bout de souffle directed by jean-luc godard, 1960
Photo Credit: Flashbak
Elvis Presley
Photo Credit: Luca Faloni
Reimagined style versions of the classic cable-knit sweater have gone from humble necessity, originated from the Aran Islands, to the closet staple and or statement piece for fashionistas this season. Designers have given it an ultra-modern twist and here are some of the ideas for your next cable sweater creation:
Sophisticated shades of bright hues give a contemporary edge to the classic cable knit. Captivating colors combined with diamond cables make your sweater an instant stand-out piece.
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Photo Credit: AGR |
Photo Credit: Paris Fashion Week |
Photo Credit: Molly Goddard |
Photo Credit: AGR
Photo Credit: Paris Fashion Week
Photo Credit: Molly Goddard
The chunky cable that consists of intricate patterns, instantly elevates your closet. Timeless and equal parts chic and comfort is what you’d be able to establish with this essential piece which also forms the basis for a well-curated winter wardrobe.
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Photo Credit: Séfr |
Photo Credit: Eric Bompard |
Photo Credit: Nike/ photo via hidden.ny |
Photo Credit: Séfr
Photo Credit: Eric Bompard
Photo Credit: Nike/ photo via hidden.ny
Get inspired by this tie-dye effect that you can experiment yourself and transform from usual cable knits made. Add that creative flair that elevates the grooviness of this classic cable sweater knit, where it meets impeccable design. Fendi’s fluid watercolor effect that mimics the tie-dye look and Balenciaga’s textured cable knit jumper with a chunky ribbed neckline, is a great option to stand-out in the winter seasons.
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Photo Credit: The Rake |
Photo Credit: Renell Medrano/ turtleneck by Balenciaga |
Get inspired by this tie-dye effect that you can experiment yourself and transform from usual cable knits made. Add that creative flair that elevates the grooviness of this classic cable sweater knit, where it meets impeccable design. Fendi’s fluid watercolor effect that mimics the tie-dye look and Balenciaga’s textured cable knit jumper with a chunky ribbed neckline, is a great option to stand-out in the winter seasons.
Photo Credit: The Rake
Photo Credit: Renell Medrano/ turtleneck by Balenciaga
Jazz up your knitwear with metallic accents. Glossy strands woven into the knitted fabric of your sweater provide an elevated touch, perfect for adding a bit of sparkle to any ensemble.
Cropped sweaters offer a modern, edgy twist on the classic design. Pair this style with high-waisted bottoms for a balanced silhouette that stands apart in a crowd.
Show off a little skin while staying snuggly in an off-shoulder cable knit sweater. This design exudes a chic, casual vibe for relaxed occasions or weekend getaways.
Play with colors using a two-tone cable knit sweater. This style mixes two different shades, adding a visually appealing contrast that keeps your look fresh and vibrant.
Mixed patterns take the classic cable knit to a new level. This design combines different knit patterns in one garment, creating a unique, textured aesthetic that catches the eye.
Create a trendy, modern look with color-blocked cable knit sweaters. These designs feature bold swaths of contrasting colors, making a powerful style statement.
An asymmetrical cable-knit sweater flaunts an unconventional style. With an unexpected design that creates dynamic visual interest, this sweater stands out as a compelling fashion statement.
Styling a cable knit sweater can be as easy as it is fun. Try pairing a cropped cable knit with high-waisted jeans for a relaxed, laid-back look. To dress it up, team an off-shoulder or metallic-accented knit with leather leggings or a midi skirt.
Unleash your creativity with two-tone or color-blocked sweaters by matching them with neutral bottoms to let the colors pop. Mixed patterns or asymmetrical knits provide a more edgy, statement look and can be paired with any simple garment to balance the ensemble. The versatility of cable knit sweaters makes them compatible with almost any outfit.
Cable-knit sweaters are great as a closet staple or even a statement piece. Here are some of our favorite silhouettes with different cable designs.
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Women’s Cowlneck Pullover BCI Cotton in 5GG Cable stitch (color: Cherry) |
Women’s Drop Shoulder Cardigan Merino Wool in 5GG Cable stitch (color: Papaya) |
Men’s Oversized Crew Neck Pullover BCI Cotton in 5GG Cable Stitch (color: Emerald) |
Women’s Cowlneck Pullover
BCI Cotton in 5GG Cable stitch (color: Cherry)
Women’s Drop Shoulder Cardigan
Merino Wool in 5GG Cable stitch (color: Papaya)
Men’s Oversized Crew Neck Pullover
BCI Cotton in 5GG Cable Stitch (color: Emerald)
Cable knit sweaters, with their unique and intricate patterns, are a timeless addition to anyone's wardrobe. Known for their comfort, style, and warmth, these sweaters come in a variety of designs, from metallic accents and cropped styles to off-shoulder forms, two-tone colors, mixed patterns, color block designs, and asymmetrical cuts.
The sheer versatility of these sweaters allows them to be styled in numerous ways, suiting both casual and polished looks. Ready to cozy up in your own cable knit?
Explore the array of charming designs and styles of cable knit sweaters offered by Knitupp today.
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