Knitwear & Cardigans

Cardigans, a vest and other layers

• Cardigans: the Acne Studios Raya, open-fronted in a kid mohair blend; an Acne rib-knit V-neck with added cashmere; a lightweight black wool V-neck from Boglioli; and a hooded vintage Dolce & Gabbana cardigan with a patchwork plaid front.
• Sweater vest: an Acne Studios cable knit in wool and cashmere.
• Cashmere and silk: a black Prada roll neck knitted from cashmere with silk, a Prada Milano cable knit for women and a Polo Ralph Lauren crew in washable cashmere.
• Chunky and open knits: the Acne Studios Kamet funnel neck, a vintage AW12 Lina in off-white open rib and a mohair mesh crew.

Reading the fiber label

The percentages explain how a knit behaves. The Raya reads 34% kid mohair, 34% wool, 27% nylon and 5% elastane, the same proportions as the Dramatic Moh sweater. In the multicolor chunky rib crew and the AW12 Lina, acrylic adds bulk with less weight than wool alone, and a smaller share of cashmere, as in the rib cardigan and the vest, softens wool without the fragility of a pure cashmere knit. A couple of Prada pieces have had a tag taken out, and their listings explain why. For pullovers by neckline and yarn, see Sweaters.

FAQ

Can cashmere and mohair go in the washing machine?

Only when the care label allows it. Otherwise hand-wash cold with a wool detergent or have the piece dry-cleaned, press the water out in a towel and dry it flat. Fold knits rather than hang them, and lift pills with a knit comb.

Why is there nylon in a mohair knit?

Mohair fibers are long and smooth, so brushed mohair yarns are often spun around a fine nylon core that limits shedding and helps the knit hold its shape; elastane, where present, adds stretch.

Which parts of a cardigan stretch with wear?

The buttonholes, front bands and pocket edges, which take the most pulling; the elbows are where cashmere and fine wool thin first. Some give there is normal, while heavy stretching lowers the condition grade.