A wave of innovative knitwear designers is gaining attention as consumers shift toward crafted, tactile clothing. Sales data shows strong growth across major luxury houses in 2026.
Designers such as Kota Gushiken in Tokyo and Cecile Tulkens in London are creating hybrid pieces that blend traditional knitting with new silhouettes. Gushiken’s “Shirmper” shirt transitions from woven fabric to knit, while Tulkens offers gansey-inspired sweaters at £470 that have doubled her wholesale accounts.
Retail data supports the trend. Full-price sellouts for sweaters and cardigans rose 40 percent at Loro Piana and 23 percent at Brunello Cucinelli this year, with cashmere now accounting for a third of knitwear sales at luxury retailers, according to EDITED analyst Krista Corrigan.
Buyers at Dover Street Market Paris note brands like Pillings and Pickles Knitwear are expanding the category with unexpected colors and slogans. Woolmark’s Laura Armstrong says fabric composition has risen in importance for shoppers, moving from fifth to third place in purchase decisions.
Challenges remain, including higher costs for Italian yarn, shortages of skilled programmers and linkers, and hotter summers that reduce demand for heavy knits. Designers are responding with lighter, ventilated styles for future seasons.