The Best British Knitwear Brands To Invest In

"Maybe it's the nation's temperamental climes that have helped breed such skilled artisans, but the British Isles (Scotland and Ireland in particular) make some of the world's best knitwear. While you'll definitely find evidence of such amidst the collections of luxury houses - Dior and Burberry, in particular - there are some independent knitwear brands that shouldn't be glossed over. These brands often have a direct involvement with the mills that make their products, and in some cases, familial ties, making the end result all the more special. Here, we explore some of the best that are worth your dime, ranging from centuries-old institutions to modern pioneers."

"& Daughter Founder Buffy Reid's connection to knitwear is generational, starting with her grandmother, an avid knitter who passed on her woolly passion to Reid's father. He built a career selling Donegal tweeds and Scottish cashmere to retailers like Browns, and in 2013, he worked with Reid to set up her own brand. Today, they work with five yarns and five makers from the same mills Reid's father worked with, creating pieces that balance timelessness with style - think: pops of color and more modern silhouettes. The label has even caught the eyes of A-listers Cillian Murphy and Paul Mescal, who regularly endorse it."

"John Smedley This English brand proudly holds the title of having the world's oldest manufacturing factory, established in 1784 at Lea Mills, Derbyshire. While it initially spun cotton and produced muslin, it came to be known for long johns after adding knitting machines in 1825. Today, the brand has expanded to craft a full wardrobe of pieces in luxury merino wool and cashmere, but their knits are the best place to start. Their traditional silhouettes make them a great port of call for classic design."

Temperamental climates in the British Isles, especially Scotland and Ireland, have produced some of the world's finest knitwear. Luxury houses incorporate these knits, but independent labels maintain strong links to regional mills and familial traditions that enhance quality and provenance. & Daughter, founded by Buffy Reid with her father's support, uses five yarns and makers from the same mills, blending timelessness with modern silhouettes and color accents favored by actors like Cillian Murphy and Paul Mescal. John Smedley traces manufacturing to Lea Mills in 1784 and offers classic merino and cashmere knits. Drake's remains a contemporary menswear favorite in London.

Read at Elite Traveler