In this article, we’ll explore how to style the cable knit sweater in a wide array of styles and colours, revealing its true versatility and charm.
Although some may consider it a complex or daunting knit to incorporate given its chunkiness and intricate patterns, the cable knit sweater is actually a very adaptable staple, effortlessly fitting into both classic and contemporary wardrobes.
Whether you’re aiming for a cosy, layered look or something more polished and refined, we’ll show you just how easy it is to make the cable knit sweater a go-to piece for any occasion.
The origins of the cable knit sweater are deeply connected to Gaelic fishing communities, dating back to the 1800s with the traditional Aran sweater. Each Celtic clan is thought to have developed its own distinct cable patterns, sometimes said to have served as a means to identify fishermen in the event of tragedy at sea.
Another popular belief is that these cable patterns symbolise the fishermen’s knots and ropes, crafted to provide both warmth and durability in harsh maritime weather.
John Lennon, 1969
Steve Mcqueen, 1960s
The Cashmere Wool Chalet Cable Knit Sweater
Our Cashmere Wool Chalet Cable Knit Sweater exemplifies our commitment to superior craftsmanship and luxury. Made in the Scottish Borders by fourth-generation knitwear specialists, the sweater undergoes meticulous hand-finishing techniques to ensure each detail meets the highest standards. This garment is tightly knitted to reduce gaps, promoting warmth and durability for lasting wear.
The construction is fully-fashioned and “hand-linked,” meaning each individual knit loop is joined by hand to achieve precise, straight seams. This method not only adds strength to the structure but also enhances its overall fit and comfort.
The fabric quality is unparalleled. Combining 30% cashmere sourced from Inner Mongolia with extrafine merino wool from Australia and New Zealand, the blend brings together the softness of cashmere and the durability of merino. The fibres are sourced from some of the world’s finest grades, ensuring the sweater remains luxuriously soft yet robust enough for everyday wear.
By blending these noble fibres, our cashmere wool chalet cable knit sweater is not just a versatile wardrobe piece but a testament to heritage craftsmanship and enduring quality, offering timeless elegance season after season.
A few looks with our cashmere wool chalet cable knit sweater:
Navy: Cashmere Wool Chalet Cable Knit Sweater
The navy Cashmere Wool Chalet Cable Knit Sweater pairs effortlessly with denim for a relaxed, stylish look. Here, it's styled with indigo denim, where the subtle textures of the two shades of blue complement each other beautifully. The neutral tone of navy keeps the outfit refined and understated, letting the rich texture of the sweater and the denim’s depth stand out in harmony.
For added warmth and a touch of sophistication, a corduroy blazer is a perfect match for casual styling, bringing both function and refinement. The soft, subtle texture of the corduroy complements the sweater’s cable knit beautifully. Alternatively, other subtly textured blazers in dark, neutral tones would also make an excellent pairing, enhancing the overall look without overpowering it.
Camel: Cashmere Wool Chalet Cable Knit Sweater
In lighter shades, the cable motif of the sweater takes on a bolder presence, with shadows highlighting its intricate texture. This effect is evident in the following look, where the light wash denim and matching shirt create a cohesive, elevated ensemble. The lighter tones of both the denim and the knit contribute to a softer, more relaxed style—ideal for daytime wear. The coordinated shirt and trouser shades peeking through the jumper collar tie the outfit together seamlessly, adding a refined touch to a casual look.
A beige Macintosh layers beautifully over this ensemble, adding a touch of modern simplicity that allows the cable knit to stand out. The clean lines of the mac provide a refined contrast, making the texture of the knit the focal point. Pairing the mac with dress shoes brings a natural sense of polish to the outfit—a combination that feels more cohesive here than with just the light denim and cable knit alone. The denim jeans are cuffed for an added touch of sharpness, enhancing the look’s overall sophistication without losing its relaxed charm.
Dark Brown: Cashmere Wool Chalet Cable Knit Sweater
Much like the navy colourway, other darker cable knits also pair beautifully with indigo or darker denim washes, creating an ideal cosy, winter-ready look. These darker knits offer a versatile, go-to style, with the cable texture serving as an accessory in itself—allowing you to skip additional layering decisions during those tired winter months. The combination is effortlessly stylish and warm, perfect for embracing colder days with ease.
Cream: Cashmere Wool Chalet Cable Knit Sweater
In contrast, the cream colourway brings a refreshing lightness perfect for spring, evoking a nod to classic spring-summer sports style. Here, the cream cable knit is paired with plain fabric trousers, with the slim fits of both pieces creating a refined, cohesive look. The monochrome palette is elevated by the textured knit, as each element features subtle details that harmonise without competing. The cable knit stands out as the focal point, adding depth and interest to the otherwise understated outfit.
The cream colour enhances the light, optimistic tone of light-wash denim, with subtle cream threads in the denim complementing the knit for a cohesive look. The slim fit of the sweater pairs seamlessly with slim or straight-leg denim, creating a uniform, balanced appearance. Meanwhile, the chunky knit adds a flattering volume to the torso, giving the overall silhouette a structured yet relaxed shape, perfect for a polished yet easygoing style.
The Superfine Lambswool Fisherman Cable Knit
Inspired by the rugged, practical knitwear of British Isles fishermen, our Superfine Lambswool Fisherman Cable Knit collection offers a robust and timeless design.
This sweater is crafted in Scotland from a substantial 6-ply superfine lambswool yarn, weighing approximately 550 grams. Its pronounced honeycomb cable pattern not only delivers exceptional warmth but also adds a dose of rustic charm. Though thick and durable, the lambswool is remarkably soft, sourced from Todd & Duncan’s prestigious Lamaine collection, renowned as the world’s finest and softest lambswool (18.5 microns from a rare breed of South African sheep).
Every element of this piece honours its heritage. The body is cut slightly shorter and closer-fitting, preventing excess fabric from weighing it down—ideal for pairing with high-waisted trousers. The ribbed cuffs and hem are designed thicker and longer than usual to effectively trap heat while keeping the sweater snugly in place, allowing for flexibility. The cuffs are also short enough to prevent snagging, with an option to fold them for a custom fit.
Navy: Superfine Lambswool Fisherman Cable Crew
Navy has emerged as a stylish alternative to black, bringing a sense of warmth and calm to outfits that centre around grey or black tones. Here, it’s paired with a pair of light grey check trousers for a casual, all-season look that offers depth without heaviness. The combination of navy and light grey is both versatile and seasonally adaptable, perfect for those seeking a darker aesthetic with a softer edge.
A variation of the look above, but you can also wear an open collar oxford shirt underneath and darker charcoal trousers, for a more formal look.
We then added a black and white houndstooth jacket, the colours tying in well with the dark navy of the knit, the white shirt and charcoal trousers:
The all-over cable knit pattern adds a refined texture, with details that reveal themselves fully only in bright light, otherwise creating a more subtle effect in shadow. The sleeve length is ideal for layering over T-shirts and undershirts or for adding warmth under jackets during colder months. The superfine quality of the knit drapes beautifully, offering a flattering, form-fitting silhouette that’s rare in traditional cable knits.
Olive: superfine lambswool fisherman cable rollneck jumper
This is the rollneck version of our chunky superfine lambswool fisherman cable knit. This rollneck sweater is designed with function and heritage in mind. The roll collar is carefully crafted to rise midway up the neck, avoiding irritation to the beard and chin while effectively trapping warmth from the neck down.
It has the same cut as the crew neck version with slightly shorter body and close-fitting fit to prevent excess fabric, making it ideal for pairing with higher-waisted trousers or jeans. Longer, thicker ribbed cuffs and hems help retain heat and keep the sweater securely in place, enhancing freedom of movement. The cuffs are also cut just to the wrist bone to avoid snagging and can be turned up for a custom fit.
The roll neck feature enhances the silhouette, creating a beautifully elongated line when paired with slim trousers. The effect is further accentuated by the vertical cable knit pattern, which guides the eye upward for an additional illusion of height. Paired with subtly textured grey trousers, the look gains an organic, cohesive feel that ties seamlessly into the earthy olive tone.
The olive superfine lambswool fisherman rollneck jumper can be styled in a pared-down way by combining it with lighter, assorted neutral shades. Here, the eclectic mix of cream trousers and a black denim jacket is enhanced by the rich texture of the cable knit, adding depth and dimension to the outfit. The workwear-inspired details of the cable knit come to the forefront when styled with subtly relaxed and contrasting colours, giving the look a refined yet casual character rooted in understated sophistication. Black, white and olive work well together as colours:
For a refined, tailored look with added dimension, the olive cable knit jumper serves as a sophisticated alternative to a classic jumper and shirt. Here, it’s paired with grey trousers and a navy tailored jacket, making it an effortless way to introduce personality and intrigue when working with similarly dark-toned suits. The rich texture of the cable knit adds a refreshing element to the outfit, while the olive’s subtle, earthy hue brings a grounded feel to the tailored ensemble, balancing urban refinement with rural undertones for a versatile yet distinctive look.
Tobacco brown: superfine lambswool fisherman cable roll neck jumper
Tobacco brown offers a unique twist on classic brown, with its lighter tone bringing a sense of warmth and optimism to darker months while seamlessly transitioning into spring. Here, the jumper is paired with grey suit trousers, with the lighter shade of the brown lifting the overall look. The interplay of textures between the knit and the trousers adds subtle interest, creating a refined, versatile outfit suitable for any occasion.
In the look below, the tobacco roll neck is complemented by brown shoes in a slightly different shade, creating a cohesive, head-to-toe style. Paired with relaxed, straight cream denim, the outfit achieves a distinctive edge, as the refined texture of the cable knit harmonises with the boldness of lighter trousers. Silver chunky jewellery enhances the look further, echoing the knit’s texture and adding a modern edge. For best effect, choose rings with a round, flat motif or simple flat bands. This look could also be easily recreated with any off-white, straight-fit trousers for an equally polished finish.
Layering with a brown leather jacket enhances the rugged look. The brown leather goes well with the tobacco brown, and brown goes with cream, creating a coherent palette:
Adding a subtly textured mid-weight blazer in a similar colour offers an easy option for added warmth. Here, the black checks of the blazer are close enough to the brown base layer to echo the depth and contrast found in the cable knit’s shadowed pattern. This combination of two patterns—cable knit and check—creates a bolder look that remains cohesive due to the neutral tones and the classic, timeless appeal of both designs. With rich histories rooted in Scotland, these elements come together to create a sophisticated and harmonious layered outfit.
Navy: superfine lambswool fisherman cable roll neck jumper
Navy’s cool tones lend a sophisticated edge, pairing effortlessly with metallic accents. The matte texture of the cable knit jumper provides a subtle contrast beneath leather, which draws the eye with its lustrous finish. Despite the cable detailing, the slim fit of this knit makes it an ideal choice for layering under any straight-fit jacket.
This look plays with a cool-toned palette, matching the grey tones of the trousers with the navy jumper for a cohesive effect. The leather jacket is paired with matching shoes, aligning in texture to create an impactful first impression through sleek, polished elements. The Scottish heritage of the knit adds an unexpected twist to this contemporary look. For further experimentation, try pairing jackets and shoes of the same colour and finish with this knit to create distinct, dynamic outfits.
To layer further and to keep it in line with the colour palette, you can add a large wool navy pea coat over the top, like so:
Ecru: superfine lambswool fisherman cable roll neck jumper
The ecru shade of this jumper gently softens any cool-toned neutral ensemble. Unlike the sharper effect of plain white, the texture of the cable knit introduces a sophisticated yet playful touch. Layering the ecru jumper over dark suiting creates an effortless transition from workwear to a more relaxed, refined look for after hours. This styling works equally well with any cool-toned dark colour, bringing warmth and dimension to the outfit without compromising its sleekness.
In this look, the ecru jumper is paired with slim black trousers, with the soft tone of the jumper adding warmth to the overall outfit, as noted in the previous styling. The cable knit introduces a subtle historical touch to the look, while the roll neck adds a contemporary, sleek silhouette, eliminating the need for a scarf. This pairing balances modern minimalism with classic texture, creating a refined yet approachable style.
To add extra warmth to the look from two styles prior, consider layering with a chunkier knit, such as our shawl collar cardigan in dark brown. The cosy comfort of these knits gains a touch of refinement when paired with slim trousers that match the outer layer’s colour, creating a cohesive silhouette. This combination highlights the unexpectedly layerable quality of the jumper, balancing texture and sophistication for a polished yet comfortable winter look.
For a rugged yet refined look, a corduroy blazer serves as an excellent outerwear piece, providing the sleek, tailored effect of a roll neck while introducing unique, subtle textures that lend a relaxed feel. Here, the ecru jumper pairs beautifully with a warm, deeper brown blazer, balanced by cool grey trousers that complement the silver jewelry for a polished touch. Navy trousers could also achieve a similar aesthetic, offering a versatile option that maintains the outfit’s sophisticated balance between warm and cool tones.
The ecru colour pairs beautifully with lighter hair shades, like light brown and blonde, as its warm, neutral tones complement these hues effortlessly.
In contrast, for the look below, the navy shawl collar cardigan and grey trousers provide a unified cool-toned base, balancing the warmth of the ecru. The chunky cable knit adds a strong presence to the torso, yet its refined texture maintains a sleek, natural silhouette when paired with straight trousers. This combination achieves a harmonious look, blending warmth and coolness with an elegant, structured appeal:
Navy: Superfine Lambswool Cricket sweater
The Superfine Lambswool Cricket Sweater redefines the classic cricket jumper with a luxurious touch, drawing inspiration from the traditional vests and sweaters worn by cricketers since the 18th century in the British Isles.
Made in Scotland with half a kilo of Todd & Duncan’s superfine lambswool, this piece offers an unparalleled softness against the skin, distinguishing it from the coarser fibres found in vintage cricket jumpers. Its substantial weight adds to the cosy feel, setting it apart from lighter cotton alternatives.
This sweater embraces a modern aesthetic, forgoing the usual tubular elastic white stripe inside the v-neck in favour of a cleaner, deeper neckline.
With a slim, modern fit and a slight taper from chest to hem, the sweater is designed for a streamlined look that minimises bulk.
Crafted with superfine lambswool that boasts a long-staple fibre, it maintains its shape well despite regular wear.
The v-neck of the cricket jumper provides excellent framing for plain, neutral shirts, as seen here with a classic white shirt. This combination serves as an effortless form of accessorising, much like how a necklace frames the neck. Paired with dark grey covert cloth trousers, it creates a refined, collegiate-inspired style that feels both polished and relaxed. The darker tones of navy and grey in the trousers draw attention upward, naturally highlighting the face and allowing the statement burgundy detail to stand out against the lightest element in the ensemble, bringing balance and focus to the look.
The navy base, when paired with white trousers, evokes a classic sporting aesthetic. Skipping a visible undershirt enhances this look's dynamic, sleek quality, giving it a contemporary edge. Dress shoes add a touch of refinement, even without a shirt, as the jumper’s craftsmanship and the cable knit’s rich heritage naturally lend an element of formality. This pared-back styling approach lets the quality and texture of the knit take centre stage, achieving an effortlessly polished look.
For a seamless day-to-night look, layering the navy cricket jumper over a dress shirt and suit trousers achieves a relaxed, toned-down elegance. Adding a slim black leather jacket or a similarly dark, fitted casual jacket introduces an edgier vibe to the ensemble. The light tones of the shirt and scarf frame the face, providing contrast against the darker layers on the body and drawing attention upward. This combination balances sophistication with a touch of rugged style, making it versatile for both daytime wear and evening outings.
Cream navy burgundy: Superfine Lambswool Cricket sweater
For an elevated sporting look, the Colhay’s Superfine Lambswool Cricket Sweater in cream, navy, and burgundy provides a breathable yet elegant layer. The navy and burgundy accents at the collar naturally draw attention to the face in a timeless, classic colourway.
This look pairs brilliantly with an indigo denim jacket, subtly echoing the navy tones in the collar for a cohesive appearance. The slim fit of the jacket keeps the ensemble smart yet sporty, retaining an athletic refinement.
Continuing the collegiate casual styling, the lighter cream shade of the jumper pairs excellently with light-wash denim trousers, while the contrast of the navy and burgundy collar adds a fresh, modern edge. The classic white shirt subtly peeking through serves as a smart-casual element, grounding the look in timeless style. Leaving the top two buttons undone achieves a relaxed feel without compromising warmth or modesty beneath the jumper, balancing casual ease with refined detail.
Adding a blazer instantly elevates this look for smart occasions, with the navy tones in the jumper complementing a classic navy blazer perfectly. The youthful design elements of the jumper add a fresh lightness to the ensemble, while the texture of the cable knit lends a sense of sophistication and refinement. This adds an effortless point of intrigue against the neutral tones of the outfit. The contrasting shades of blue create a casual yet intentional cohesion, harmonising beautifully with the cream and burgundy accents for a polished, layered look.
Cream and Olive: superfine lambswool cricket sweater
Paired with a light denim shirt and jeans, this outfit subtly nods to rural life, with a straight yet relaxed silhouette that brings a smart edge to the jumper's casual style.
Thanks to the uniquely fine knit of the jumper, a shawl collar cardigan can be layered over it to add comforting warmth. The two knits play in similar colourways, with the cream of the jumper complemented by a deeper camel in the cardigan. This chunky, bold knit enhances the rugged feel of the look, while the visual weight of the cardigan draws focus, allowing the cable knit texture of the jumper to become a subtler, more nuanced element. This combination offers a harmonious blend of warmth, texture, and understated sophistication. This layering option is perfect for casual occasions.
