Best Knit Fabrics | Knit-Lab Peru

In this article we will go over the best knit fabrics and give you info to help you find one that’s right for you. Whether you’re on the hunt for something snug and cozy or prefer a fit that’s soft and lightweight, we’ll share everything you need to know and where to find the right piece for you.

Knowing knitwear fabric types helps you choose the best options for your garments. The yarns used by a knitwear manufacturer to make a sweater can be made from almost any material, but here are some of the best ones:

Graciela Huam brand

Wool for Warmth

When it comes to the best knit fabrics, wool is a longstanding favorite and it’s easy to see why. The coveted material is incredibly durable and deliciously soft. The strong natural fibers of wool are commonly derived from sheep, but wool fabric for sweaters can also be made from the fleece of other animals like rabbit’s angora and alpaca.

These animals are typically bred and raised for their cozy coats. When their hair is long enough, they get a haircut, producing a nice coat for people and a fresh haircut for the summertime for the goat, alpaca, llama, sheep... This thread is then used to knit wool clothing.

If you live in a cooler climate, a warm wool sweater is excellent for keeping the chills at bay. The fiber can sometimes be a bit itchy, though, so you may want to layer it over a long-sleeve shirt or turtleneck.

Look for fabrics made of animal hair, such as mohair, alpaca, cashmere, and wool, or specially designed functional composite fibers for your warmest knitwear material. During cold weather, it is advisable to wear animal fiber clothes since they retain heat better than most of the other materials such as cotton.

Cotton for Comfort

This natural plant-based fiber is grown all over the world and used to make a variety of things including t-shirts, underwear, and of course, sweaters. Cotton fibers are strong, soft, absorbent, easy to wash, and affordable, making it a super popular choice among sweater lovers everywhere.

The weaves and designs can vary greatly, so thicker cotton versions are good choices when the temperature drops. That said, cotton tends to be a cooler fabric than wool or cashmere, so you can also use this material in the spring and summer.

Where to find knitwear

If you happen to be on the luxury inca trail tours Machu Picchu, you’ll likely come across a variety of Peruvian alpaca sweaters in Cusco. However, a luxury travel to Machu Picchu is not the only way to find good knitwear— though there’s no better place to experience the beauty of Peruvian knitwear.

How to style knitwear?

Layering is always a good option when it comes to knitwear and here is an example of how you can do it:

Base layer: Silk

Why silk keeps you warm: The saying ‘smooth as silk’ originated somewhere! This super-soft natural fabric is hypoallergenic and an incredible insulator, a great choice as your base layer.

Middle layer: Wool

Wool and woollen fabric, like tweed and flannel, is an excellent insulator. It regulates heat and repels the cold by trapping air in tiny pockets. Rain droplets bead and run off fluffy wool. And if water does soak through, wool can absorb a third of its weight in water before feeling soggy.

Outer layer: Ethical down

Synthetic and plant-based down mimics traditional down’s impressive insulating properties by trapping air. Rather than real feathers, cosy plant-based down is engineered from all kinds of materials: bamboo, wood fibre, even wildflowers.

At Knit-Lab Peru, we specialize in handcrafted and custom knitwear. Using the finest sustainable materials, we deliver high quality products worldwide. Contact us today to start creating premium knitted garments for you!