Hardened thrifters and charity shoppers understand the authority of an argyle knit. The diamond-clad designs pepper the majority of second-hand stores, waiting to be snapped up by a university student or golfing enthusiast.
Once associated with afternoons spent being caddied across swathes of green golf courses replete with white trousers and baseball caps, argyle knits have taken on a whole new sartorial cachet.
You’d be hard-pressed not to find an argyle print or two in the wardrobes of Russell Group alumni across the country, many of whom are desperately trying to curate the ideal street-style-meets-academia clothing archive.
This is because the designs are surprisingly easy to source. Argyle knits courtesy of brands such as Pringle of Scotland and Polo Ralph Lauren can often be cheaply unearthed in a car boot, thanks to their long-standing allure which has helped them evade the fashion trend cycle. The distinctive diamond print was originally derived from the tartan of Clan Campbell of Argyll in western Scotland and was featured on kilts and socks worn by the Highlanders since the 17th century.
Various cultural references during the 20th and 21st centuries spanning Blair Wardorf’s argyle-infused wardrobe in Gossip Girl to Cher Horowitz's powder-blue printed skirt in Clueless bestowed a preppy school-girl reputation upon the Scottish design. Yet, while these connotations existed onscreen, in reality, argyle belonged to a very different type of consumer.
Football casuals, hip-hop artists and Britpop musicians formed a patchwork of argyle aficionados. This prompted a deconstruction of argyle's reputation as an aristocratic, heritage print closely associated with the royals, breathing new life into the tweedy knits now adored by Dua Lipa, Lennon Gallagher, Kaia Gerber, Victoria Beckham and Bella Hadid.
With such a rapidly expanding client base, naturally, luxury brands quickly caught on. Loewe, Molly Goddard, Gucci and Burberry began incorporating argyle prints into their autumn/winter collections, realising the high monetary value to be made from these expensive knitwear pieces.
From the Upper East Side to Hackney Wick, argyle knits have left an indelible mark. Discover the best argyle knits from cardigans to vests and inject some old-school charm into your winter wardrobe.
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YMC Atomic Argyle Wool-blend Cardigan
Navy and green colourways are an argyle classic. YMC’s sumptuous argyle collection is the definition of cool-girl charisma. Pair yours with some dark wash jeans and a sprinkling of chunky gold jewellery for a librarian-chic look.
Buy now £225.00, Harvey Nichols
Ganni Harlequin Wool Mix
Ganni’s Harlequin Wool knit is replete with character. Layer under a classic beige trend, a white tee and jeans for a Scandi It-girl aesthetic.
Buy now £225.00, END.
Levi’s Gallery Cardigan
Argyle is far from the cheapest design to peruse, but Levi’s treads the line between high quality and mid-range pricing. The Gallery Cardigan features a warming chocolate and cream colour combination punctuated with kitsch violet accents.
Buy now £80.00, Levi’s
Burberry Argyle Jacquard-knit Wool Cardigan
Burberry’s autumn/winter 2023 collection was brimming with softly brushed argyle knits. Add a luxury yellow design to your winter arsenal for a swift injection of colour and plush jacquard knit.
Buy now £1350.00, Net-A-Porter
Needles Argyle Mohair Cardigan
Expertly made from a luxuriously soft material blend, Needles’ mohair cardigan showcases a vintage-like purple tone featuring underlying moss green tones. Antique buttons positioned down the front of the piece exude nostalgia.
Buy now £259.00, END.
Acne Studios Kwan Argyle Face Jumper
Allow Acne to take your winterwear to new heights with a bolt of vibrant fuchsia. The brand’s Kwan jumper features insignia face detailing in shades of shocking pink and aubergine, plus intricate jacquard detailing.
Buy now £419.00, END.
Omnes Kayla Argyle Knit Cardigan in Peach and Blue
Shop sustainably with Omnes. Renowned for its fully-audited, ethical clothing production, the brand offers an array of girlish pieces to covet forever. The Kayla cardigan is crafted from pretty pastel tones and made with recycled fabrics such as polluting plastic bottles.
Buy now £55.00, Omnes
Sandro Diamond Polo Neck Jumper
Polo necks and rugby shirts have already made a splash this season. Tap into the androgynous trend with Sandro’s diamond-print jumper in shades of red, grey and black. Wear it as it is or layer over a white tee for a laid-back effect.
Buy now £155.40, Sandro
Loewe Argyle Sweater
Leave it to Loewe to produce the most lavish argyle knits on the market. The fashion house’s argyle sweater is universally appealing for its carnivalesque rainbow colour schemes and insulating wool intarsia. A style that wouldn't look out of place in Harry Styles' wardrobe.
Buy now £1500.00, Loewe
Superdry Jacquard Pattern Crew Jumper
Looking for affordable argyle knits? We direct you to Superdry. The brand is currently experiencing a renaissance, and its collection of cushioning knits demonstrates why. Pair this jumper with a mini skirt, thick tights and chunky boots for a playful, retro aesthetic.
Buy now £54.99, Superdry
Y2K 00s Espirit Pink & White Argyle Sweatshirt
True argyle enthusiasts know that the best results come from shopping second-hand. Shop smartly and sustainably by browsing Rokit’s expansive collection of diamond-print pieces for retro one-offs.
Buy now £30.00, Rokit
