How to Style Shirts with Cable Knits: Mastering the Perfect Layering Combination

The secret to styling shirts with cable knits lies in creating textural contrast whilst maintaining proportion—a crisp shirt underneath adds structure to the relaxed drape of a cable knit, creating an effortlessly polished look that works from boardroom to weekend brunch. As someone who's styled countless clients through British weather and office dress codes, I can tell you this combination is absolutely essential for any well-curated wardrobe.

There's something utterly timeless about pairing a cable knit with a shirt. It's a styling trick I've relied on for over a decade, and it never fails to deliver that perfect balance of professional polish and cosy comfort. The beauty lies in the juxtaposition—the structured formality of a shirt against the relaxed, tactile appeal of cable knit creates visual interest whilst being incredibly practical for our unpredictable British climate.

Why This Combination Works So Well

Cable knits bring texture and warmth, whilst shirts provide structure and sophistication. The contrast between the two fabrics creates depth and visual interest that elevates both pieces beyond what they'd achieve solo. More importantly, this layering technique allows you to transition seamlessly between seasons and occasions without completely changing your outfit.

The key is understanding proportion and fit. A well-fitted shirt prevents the bulky appearance that can occur when layering knitwear, whilst the cable knit softens the sometimes stark formality of traditional shirting.

The Foundation: Choosing Your Shirt

Start with a crisp, well-fitted shirt—this is your foundation piece. I always recommend a slightly more fitted cut than you'd wear alone, as the knit will add volume. White and light blue are classic choices, but don't overlook subtle stripes or even a soft pink for something different.

High Street Heroes

Cos creates beautifully minimal shirts with the perfect weight—not too heavy, not too flimsy. Their organic cotton options are particularly lovely. Jigsaw offers exceptional tailoring in their shirting, with subtle details that elevate the basics. Whistles excels at contemporary cuts that work brilliantly under knitwear.

For more budget-friendly options, Zara consistently delivers well-cut basics with a modern edge, whilst Mango offers excellent quality cotton shirts that wash beautifully. H&M and M&S both have reliable basics ranges—M&S particularly shines with their pure cotton options that hold their shape wash after wash.

The Cable Knit: Your Statement Piece

Cable knits come in various weights and styles. For layering over shirts, I prefer medium-weight knits that aren't too chunky. The cable detail should be pronounced enough to create visual interest but not so heavy that it overwhelms your frame.

Premium Picks

Reiss creates sophisticated cable knits with contemporary silhouettes that work beautifully in professional settings. LK Bennett offers timeless pieces with exceptional quality—their cable knits are investment pieces that last for years.

Luxury Investment Pieces

Max Mara produces exceptional cable knits in luxurious fibres—their attention to detail and fit is unparalleled. For something truly special, Brunello Cucinelli (available at select UK retailers) creates cable knits that are works of art in themselves.

Independent Gems

Gabriela Hearst creates sustainable luxury knitwear with exceptional cable details—her pieces are contemporary classics. Ganni offers playful takes on traditional cable knits with modern proportions that feel fresh and current.

Styling Techniques That Actually Work

The collar is crucial—always ensure it's visible and well-pressed. I like to leave the top button undone for a relaxed feel, but keep the collar points neat. If your cable knit has a V-neck, ensure the shirt collar sits properly within the neckline without bunching.

For trousers, I recommend tailored pieces that echo the shirt's structure. Wide-leg trousers work beautifully with this combination, as do straight-leg jeans. Avoid anything too tight, as the layering adds volume to your upper half.

Seasonal Adaptations

In spring, opt for lighter-weight cable knits in cream or soft pastels. Summer calls for sleeveless cable knit vests over short-sleeved shirts. Autumn and winter are when this combination truly shines—deeper colours like navy, forest green, or rich burgundy create sophisticated seasonal looks.

Never Worry About Sizing Again with Tellar

Getting the perfect fit for both pieces is crucial for this styling technique to work. That's where tellar.co.uk becomes invaluable—the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly.

Here's how it works:

Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or your existing brand size
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Final Styling Tips

Remember, confidence is your best accessory. This combination works because it's classic yet contemporary, comfortable yet polished. Don't overthink it—sometimes the best outfits are the ones that feel effortless whilst looking entirely intentional.

The shirt and cable knit combination is genuinely one of my favourite styling solutions. It solves so many wardrobe dilemmas whilst looking sophisticated and feeling comfortable. Master this technique, and you'll have a reliable formula for looking polished in any situation.