From Florence to Your Wardrobe: How Pitti Uomo’s Latest Trends Align with Colhay’s Knitwear

In terms of fabrics, there was a noticeable focus on long-lasting, more rugged materials that we know have been favoured for workwear in days gone by. Think denim, heavy canvas and thick cotton - all known for their durability. 

Many of the pieces incorporated features indicative of workwear that allow for utility and/or functionality. Reinforced stitching, for example, alongside multiple pockets and even utility loops. 

Illya, @illcutz

Colour palettes dominated by neutral, earthy tones also heavily hint at workwear. We saw a vast amount of brown, olive and beige combined with navy, black and denim blue. 

As we have mentioned above, it’s a case of styling that’s influenced by workwear, rather than simply copying it, so, we saw many outfits that carefully combined the practicality trend with other smart-casual pieces. For example, smarter trousers and a knitted sweater, with a work jacket over the top. Styling this way gives a more balanced look, ensures you’re not mistaken for someone in fancy dress, and, if this is a necessary individual consideration, delivers a more office-appropriate (yet comfortable) look. 

Takumi, @new_takumi_oshima

So how does Colhay’s knitwear fit into this trend? It likely goes without saying that our knitwear doesn’t directly fit into the workwear category, however, our garments are very easy to style with workwear for this trend. The colourways we favour here at Colhay’s (muted, understated, sophisticated) all sit perfectly with workwear and vintage military garments. With no garish patterns and by keeping things simple, yet elegant, we can be sure that our knitwear makes an excellent companion to pieces with more details. 

On a practicality front, we could talk all day about the pros of knitwear. The main aspects to consider, though, are listed below: 

• Low maintenance: Knitwear is incredibly forgiving when it comes to wrinkles and creases. On a stuffy packed train in a woollen sweater? You can fold it up in your bag and when you need it later, any creases will drop out almost immediately. 

• Durability: The quality of our knitwear was not unintentional. We work with heritage spinners who use the best raw materials to make their yarns, and the finest knitters who still utilise traditional techniques that can promise strong and durable garments. Colhay’s knitwear is designed to last for years. 

• Comfort: This is a hugely important factor in how we choose our clothes. If you wear something uncomfortable, you’re unlikely to want to put it back on again another day. Our sweaters and cardigans are supremely soft, with a hand feel that’s second to none. 

• Versatility: Again, another important factor when you’re making purchases. If you can style a garment with multiple others from your wardrobe, it’s a wise investment. 

For some inspiration, take a look at the knitwear below. All items that we think would slot easily into an outfit inspired by workwear and practicality. 

Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan 

Undoubtedly versatile, this cardigan is a favourite amongst our customers and can be worn as outerwear over all manner of other layers, including knitwear, shirts, blazers and jackets. Easy to throw on, it pairs well with almost any style of trouser. This cardigan works particularly nicely with denim, a key element of workwear inspired dressing. 

Cashmere Belmondo Rollneck 

You’ll see in this image that we’ve styled one of our Belmondo Rollnecks with a military peacoat. You can also add in a shawl collar cardigan, should you fancy. The brown and olive tones work perfectly for a military inspired outfit and can be worn repeatedly with other items. A key aspect of this sweater is its thickness - thick enough to keep you cosy but thin enough that you won’t feel restrictive. (This Goldilocks thickness also makes it a great accompaniment to a suit for the office too.)

Illya, @illcutz

Illya, @illcutz

Cashmere Ribbed Submariner Rollneck

Finally, our Ribbed Submariner Rollneck. Thicker and with a rib stitch, this piece is a little more heavy duty than the Belmondo. Perfect for chilly days and/or under big wool coats, romper sports coats, and jackets. 

Takumi, @new_takumi_oshima

Takumi, @new_takumi_oshima

Trend Two: Muted Colour Palettes 

We’ve touched on the muted colour palettes within the above trend, however, this isn’t limited to just one style. At Pitti Uomo we saw softer colours throughout. Usually, we would consider lighter coloured clothes to be more informal and dark clothes to be at the more formal end of the scale. 

Taking softer versions of these colours makes them more accessible and versatile. You could wear them both in the office or for casual dinners or dates too. There are, therefore, less considerations to make for the everyday man, making them incredibly easy to style. 

Below is a list of Colhay’s knitwear in muted browns and blues which we feel are great options for men who are looking for clothes that are styled easily, look effortlessly sophisticated and feel comfortable. 

Cashmere Belmondo Rollneck and Cashmere Ribbed Submariner Rollneck in Dark Brown 

Ideal for layering, you can wear this rollneck with leather or denim jackets for a casual outfit or under a blazer for something a little smarter. It even works well under another knitted layer, a shawl collar cardigan, for example. 

Illya, @illcutz

Illya, @illcutz

Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan in Dark Brown 

This cosy cardigan is ideal for wrapping up in the colder months and is roomy enough to work over a multitude of other garments from casual t-shirts right up to button down shirts. 

Cashmere Crew Neck in Navy

This crew neck is a wardrobe staple that’s very much a grab-and-go piece. If you want to, you could wear a white t-shirt underneath, or, when the weather is colder it sits nicely under almost every type of outwear, in terms of both comfort and visuals. 

Cashmere Ribbed Submariner Rollneck in Navy

This rollneck is one for the winter months. The rib stitch adds a little extra interest, plus more warmth too. If you like cosy knits and feeling enveloped by soft cashmere, this is for you. 

Cashmere Driver's Half Zip in Navy

The half zip is flattering on almost all body types, hence it’s such a popular style. It transcends the traditional formality boundaries as a sweater you can just as easily wear in the office or to a weekend brunch. Comfortable, warm and versatile, a half zip is a modern day essential. 

Every garment we’ve featured in this article works within the frameworks of the current forecasted trends. Having said this, each piece has been carefully and considerately designed to ensure longevity. We’ve no doubt that they will be able to slot nicely into the trends and preferences of future years too. Each piece is an investment in quality, comfort, style and durability. 

If you’re interested in learning more about any of the garments featured, please don’t hesitate to contact us and one of our team will be in touch.