Two winters ago was my season of killer knitwear. I picked up two Eidos sweaters (the fantastic Thomson belted cardigan, and a rib-neck aran stitch pullover) and discovered that Abercrombie under Aaron Levine had some excellent sweaters as well. Specifically, they had a shawl-collar cardigan that approximated the much nicer Drake’s, Armoury and Scott & Charters cardis everybody loves but can’t afford. Yet the price was closer to J.Crew’s, which somehow always ends up making shawl cardigans that feel… anemic somehow.
Anyway, that season they also had some good chunky turtlenecks and crewnecks that felt Shetland-y. I couldn’t buy it all, however, so I figured I’d wait to the next season. Sadly, last winter’s knitwear was lame so it was a bust.
But this season, it seems like Mr. Levine’s back on his game. The designs are all great. The fabric compositions leave something to be desired—but at this price, that’s to be expected.
This chunky shawl cardigan comes in gray and navy. A different, similar-looking product comes in orange, and black (to get that Casino Royale Tom Ford look).
Then there are the pullovers. This crewneck comes in white or navy and looks comfortable.
Although inexpensive cashmere is usually questionable, give it some time and this cashmere turtleneck will almost certainly come down in price to a reasonable level. There’s a merino-blend version as well, including one with contrast red stripes on the neck and sleeves.
This waffle-knit shawl-neck pullover reminds me of a great Rugby RL that I let get away, which I still regret to this day.
I really like this color-block chunky turtleneck. It may be my favorite of the season. A tailored jacket has always been my outer layer of choice, but I’m starting to feel like simple but well-cut knitwear like this could win me over. There’s a solid-color ribbed turtleneck, too, if you’d prefer that.
While you’re at Abercrombie, be sure to check out their super Drake’s-esque tan gun-club top coat.
P.S. Barney’s Warehouse has a size Small Eidos belted cardigan in stock right now. It’s the same cut as the Thomson but it’s ribbed instead of cable-knit.
