Knitwear The Drift

7 Knits Worth Considering This Winter

Knits from our favourite North Shore stores, each one worth a spot in your wardrobe.

Let’s be honest, it’s been bloody freezing. Expected, of course. It is mid-winter. But between the frosty mornings, the wind off the harbour, and jackets that just aren’t cutting it anymore, there’s never been a better excuse to invest in knitwear.

Above: The Lola Sweater, from Untouched World in Takapuna.

1. Lola Sweater in Totara, from Untouched World

There’s a quiet confidence to the Lola Sweater. An easy crew neckline, a relaxed straight-line fit, nothing shouting for attention, and that’s exactly the point. Made from a blend of Australian and New Zealand merino, its earthy, undyed tone comes entirely from the natural colour of the fibre itself, not a dye vat. Every piece is a little different, a little more honest. It’s the sweater you’ll wear on repeat, layered under a coat on the cold days and alone on the milder ones.

Why we love it: Genuinely sustainable, genuinely wearable, and made right here in New Zealand.

Above: Alice Star Weekender sweater, from Sills & Co in Milford and Devonport.

2. Alice Star Weekender, from Sills + Co

Exactly what its name promises: your new weekend uniform. Knitted in Sills’ lofty yarn, a plush wool and alpaca blend, the Alice Weekender has an oversized, boyfriend-style fit and a contrasting star motif that keeps things playful. It’s the kind of jumper you can live in – thrown over leggings for a Saturday coffee run, or paired back with tailored pants for a smarter, off-duty look.

Why we love it: Effortlessly cosy without trying too hard, the definition of a weekend knit.

Above: The Arlet Knit, from Wally in Takapuna.

3. Arlet Knit in Salt, from Wally

A relaxed, off-white cotton knit that leans more everyday than dressy – the Arlet Knit is made from a soft-handle 100% cotton yarn, with long, wide sleeves and a subtle raised neckline that gives it a slightly directional edge. Considered details like the front seam work and rolled edge finish keep it from feeling basic, while the colourway is an easy neutral that layers well with denim or its matching Arlet Knit Pant for a tonal set.

Why we love it: Light enough to layer, relaxed enough to live in – a great transitional cotton knit for milder North Shore days.

Above: Moss Stitch Cowl Neck Sweater, from Yarntons in Birkenhead.

4. Moss Stitch Cowl, from Yarntons

Yarntons’ best-selling style for good reason: the Moss Stitch Cowl is a relaxed, seamless knit with a soft cowl neckline and subtle moss stitch detail across the front and shoulders. Made from Noble Wilde’s signature possum, merino and silk blend and constructed using WholeGarment seamless technology, it’s got that famously light, halo-soft feel with real insulating warmth – no bulky seams, no fuss, just an easy layer you’ll want to live in on the coldest days.

Why we love it: A relaxed cowl that’s genuinely warm without the bulk, this is the one you’ll reach for on the frostiest mornings.

Above: Veil Asymmetric Knit, from Marlow in Milford.

5. Veil Asymmetric Knit in Black, from Marlow

For evenings that call for something a little more elevated, the Veil Asymmetric Knit delivers. Spun from Italian Biella merino in a heavier 9-gauge knit, it’s got real substance and warmth, draped into a relaxed, slouchy silhouette. The straight neckline can be worn as a classic boatneck or eased off the shoulder for something a touch more directional, styling flexibility that makes it as suited to a dinner out as it is to a low-key Sunday.

Why we love it: One knit, two necklines, endless ways to wear it.

Above: Maison Hotel’s Filippa Jumper, from Claire in Milford.

6. Filippa Cream Cable Jumper, from Claire Designer Clothes

Classic cable knitting never goes out of style, and Maison Hotel’s Filippa jumper is a masterclass in doing it well. In a soft, warm cream, it brings a timeless, heritage feel to your winter wardrobe; the kind of piece that looks equally at home with jeans or a tailored skirt. Maison Hotel’s Ibiza-by-way-of-the-countryside aesthetic runs through every stitch: relaxed, a little bohemian, endlessly wearable.

Why we love it: A cream cable knit is a wardrobe cornerstone, this one’s built to become an old favourite fast.

Above: Tthe Lofty Stripe Relaxed Knit, from Seed in Takapuna.

7. Lofty Stripe Relaxed Knit in Chestnut Stripe, from Seed Heritage

Rounding out the edit is this Lofty Stripe Relaxed Knit from Seed Heritage, in a warm Chestnut Stripe colourway. Brushed for extra softness and cut with a round neck, long sleeves and a relaxed fit through the body, it’s an easy layer to build a whole winter capsule around. The subtle stripe detailing adds interest without straying from effortless, which perfect for everything from desk days to weekend errands.

Why we love it: Soft, brushed and quietly striped: a knit that works twice as hard without trying.


Pamela McIntosh
Author: Pamela McIntosh