Honest & Unsponsored Best Buy Guide Winter 2025 - Best Cable Knit Sweaters for Women

Cable knit sweaters are the ultimate winter wardrobe essential, combining timeless style with genuine warmth, and this season they're everywhere from high street rails to designer collections. I've spent fifteen years styling women, and I can tell you that a quality cable knit is one of the smartest investments you'll make—it'll see you through countless winters and never go out of fashion.

There's something utterly comforting about pulling on a chunky cable knit jumper when the temperature drops. This winter, the cable knit has made a proper comeback, moving away from the oversized slouchy styles we saw dominating the past few years. Now, it's all about structure, fit, and craftsmanship. Whether you're after a classic cream Aran, a contemporary cropped style, or an oversized boyfriend fit, the key is finding one that suits your body shape and lifestyle.

What Makes a Great Cable Knit Sweater?

Not all cable knits are created equal, and I've seen far too many clients waste money on jumpers that pill after one wash or lose their shape by mid-season. Here's what to look for: proper cable detailing (those twisted rope patterns should be defined, not flimsy), a decent weight without being stiff, and most importantly, quality yarn. Merino wool, lambswool, and cotton-cashmere blends are your best friends. The cable pattern itself should sit flat against your body rather than pulling or gaping.

For fit, I always tell my clients to consider where the jumper hits on your body. A cropped cable knit works brilliantly with high-waisted trousers or skirts, whilst a longer length is perfect for wearing over slim-fit jeans or leggings. The shoulder seam should sit precisely on your shoulder point—not drooping down your arm unless you're specifically going for an oversized boyfriend look.

How to Style Cable Knit Sweaters This Season

Cable knits are wonderfully versatile. For a classic look, pair yours with straight-leg jeans and Chelsea boots—this combination never fails. If you're heading somewhere smarter, tuck a fitted cable knit into tailored trousers and add loafers or ankle boots. The contrast between the chunky knit texture and sleek trousers creates a really sophisticated balance.

Layering is where cable knits really shine. Throw one over a crisp white shirt with the collar popped for that preppy aesthetic, or wear under a tailored coat for added warmth. This winter, I'm seeing lots of women styling cropped cable knits with slip skirts and tights—it's unexpectedly chic. For weekends, you can't beat an oversized cable knit with leggings and trainers. Just remember: if you're going oversized on top, keep the bottom half streamlined.

Best Cable Knit Sweaters by Budget

High Street Heroes (£30-£100)

M&S consistently delivers on knitwear—their cable knits are exceptional value, with proper lambswool and cashmere blends that last for years. Their sizing is reliable, and the Classic collection offers timeless shapes that won't date.

COS is my go-to for minimalist cable knits with interesting design details. Their jumpers have a more contemporary, slightly boxy fit that looks effortlessly cool. The quality punches well above the price point, and they use beautiful merino and wool blends.

Zara excels at trend-led cable knits. This season they've got gorgeous cropped styles and funky colour options. Whilst they're not heirloom pieces, they're brilliant for trying out seasonal trends without breaking the bank.

Mango has really upped their knitwear game recently. Their cable knits have a lovely drape and come in sophisticated neutral tones. I particularly rate their organic cotton options which are soft and sustainable.

Whistles sits at the premium end of high street with beautifully crafted cable knits that look far more expensive than they are. Their fits are modern and flattering, often featuring interesting necklines or sleeve details.

Jigsaw offers quintessentially British cable knits with impeccable quality control. Their jumpers maintain their shape brilliantly, and they're known for using ethically sourced yarns. Perfect for a timeless wardrobe investment.

Reiss produces cable knits that bridge the gap between high street and designer. The cuts are sophisticated, often featuring contemporary twists on classic styles. Their merino wool options are particularly impressive.

White Stuff specialises in cosy, well-made knitwear with a slightly quirky edge. Their cable knits come in lovely seasonal colours and feature quality stitching that holds up wash after wash.

H&M surprised everyone this winter with their premium knit collection. Look for their alpaca-blend cable knits—they're luxuriously soft and an absolute bargain for the quality.

Premium Picks (£100-£300)

ME+EM creates investment cable knits with modern, flattering cuts. Their jumpers are beloved by stylists for good reason—the proportions are spot-on, and the quality is exceptional. Expect beautiful textures and sophisticated colour palettes.

Mint Velvet offers luxe cable knits with contemporary styling details. Their oversized styles are particularly well-cut, managing to look relaxed without being sloppy.

Hobbs produces classic cable knits with a polished finish. Their jumpers work brilliantly for smart-casual occasions and maintain their shape beautifully over time.

Luxury & Designer Investment Pieces (£300+)

Max Mara is renowned for exquisite Italian knitwear. Their cable jumpers are crafted from the finest yarns and feature impeccable construction. These are true investment pieces that will last decades.

Ralph Lauren does preppy cable knits better than anyone. Their classic Aran sweaters are iconic for a reason—superior craftsmanship, perfect weight, and that timeless American aesthetic.

Loro Piana represents the absolute pinnacle of luxury knitwear. Their cable knits, often in baby cashmere or vicuña blends, are impossibly soft and beautifully subtle in their luxury.

Independent & Unique Finds

Bella Freud brings a cool, artistic edge to cable knits. Her jumpers often feature clever slogans or unexpected colour combinations whilst maintaining that classic cable knit structure. They're conversation starters with serious style credentials.

Finisterre is a brilliant British brand originally focused on sustainable surfwear. Their cable knits are incredibly well-made from organic cotton and recycled yarns, with a relaxed coastal aesthetic that works beautifully for everyday wear. They're committed to environmental responsibility without compromising on quality.

My Top Styling Tips

Choose cream, navy, or charcoal as your foundation colours—they're endlessly versatile and age beautifully. If you want something more playful, rust, forest green, or burgundy work wonderfully for winter. Always check the care label; hand-wash or delicate cycle will keep your cable knit looking fresh for years. Store flat rather than hanging to prevent stretching. And here's a professional secret: if your cable knit has pilled slightly, use a fabric shaver—it'll look brand new again.

For body shape considerations: if you're petite, avoid oversized chunky cables that can overwhelm your frame—opt for more fitted styles instead. If you're curvier, look for cable knits with vertical cable patterns which are naturally lengthening, and avoid too much bulk around the widest part of your body. Tall women can absolutely work oversized, slouchy cable knits and look effortlessly chic.

Never Worry About Sizing Again with Tellar

Finding the perfect cable knit fit across different brands can be frustrating—M&S sizing runs differently to Zara, which is different again from Reiss. That's where Tellar comes in as an absolute game-changer.

Tellar.co.uk is the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1,500 brands instantly. No more squinting at confusing size guides or ordering multiple sizes to return later.

How It Works

1. Measure Once - Simply input your bust, waist, and hip measurements, or use your existing size from a brand that fits you perfectly.

2. Use the Store Size Lookup Tool - Get your precise size in any brand you're shopping—whether it's COS, Reiss, Jigsaw, Whistles, or any of the 1,500+ brands in their database. Visit the Store Size Lookup here.

3. Always Free - No downloads, no subscriptions, no hassle. It works directly in your browser and takes seconds.

The Tellar Fashion Hub

Beyond sizing, Tellar has created a comprehensive Fashion Hub—a library stacked with free posts from top stylists. It's honest, unbiased, independent, and always free. You'll find expert style advice, curated top picks, and the best brands for every occasion.

Here are some guides you'll love:

• The Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide - Everything you need to know about finding your perfect fit

• Jeans Trends 2026 - The denim styles you'll be wearing next year

• Ultimate Guide to Dresses & Best Buys - Find your perfect dress for any occasion

• Ultimate Guide to Jackets & Best Buys - Expert advice on jacket styles and fit

Whether you're shopping for cable knits, finding the perfect jeans, or building your entire winter wardrobe, Tellar takes the guesswork out of online shopping. Visit Tellar.co.uk today and never look at a size guide again!

Final Thoughts

A quality cable knit sweater is worth every penny. It's one of those rare pieces that genuinely improves with age, becoming softer and more comfortable whilst maintaining its structure. Whether you invest in a high street option from M&S or COS, or splash out on a luxury piece from Max Mara, you're buying into decades of wear. This winter, treat yourself to at least one really good cable knit—your future self will thank you every time the temperature drops and you reach for that perfectly cosy, endlessly stylish jumper.