Really, the only reason you need to have knitted clothes in your wardrobe is that you like wearing them, but there are many other potential advantages to consider. These range from the practical, such as the degree of comfort they represent, to their value as a fashion statement.
Comfort
The most important aspect of any item of clothing is that you are comfortable wearing it. Knitwear is soft and cosy, and able to keep you warm even in the coldest months. The fabric is flexible enough to allow you freedom of movement whilst still keeping you insulated.
Versatility
There is more to knitwear than heavy jumpers on cold days. Lighter knitwear has become a style statement for the transitional period between autumn and winter, allowing you to look good whilst staying warm and comfortable. Plus, smaller knitwear items such as gloves, scarves and hats also have a place. Acquire your own knitting kit, such as those at www.woolcouturecompany.com/collections/knitting-kits, and see the many forms knitting can take.
Durability
One reason knitwear is so popular is its durability. It can withstand wear and weather, keeping its shape and colour over many years even without any complex maintenance routines.
Allergy resistant options
Not all knitwear is suitable for those with sensitive skin, but the risk of allergic reactions is low, especially when the fibre has a cotton base.
Wrinkle free
Cotton, linen and other fabrics are easily creased, and you may need to iron them regularly if you want to look presentable. There are no such concerns with knitwear due to the structure of the fabric.
As you can see, knitwear is not some old-fashioned style just for grandmothers and their reluctant grandchildren. Modern knitted clothes have the perfect blend of fashion and functionality, making them worthy additions to your wardrobe.
Where knitwear comes from
Knitting is one of the oldest ways of making clothing. It works by interlinking rows of loops, usually in wool, to build up a fabric, either by hand with two long needles or, more often now, by machine. Knitted artefacts thought to date from around the fifth century AD have been found in the Middle East, where the heat meant garments were usually made from cotton.
When knitting reached Europe, wool replaced cotton, partly because fishermen wanted warm, weatherproof jumpers for their time at sea. Knitting machines appeared in the 16th century, at first producing garments for the wealthy, and woollen mills and textile factories followed.
Today there are two main types of knitting, weft and warp, and the process has been adapted to create fabrics with very different qualities. Single knit fabric is stretchy and comfortable, jersey is knitted without a noticeable rib, and chunky knits use larger loops for a heavier look. That range is a big part of why knitwear suits so many styles and budgets.