The Gift of the Season:
How to Style Your Cable Knit
With roots reaching back to the windswept Aran Islands, cable knit jumpers were the original uniform of Ireland’s rugged seadogs who fished the cold Atlantic waters at the turn of the last century. By the 1950s, this hardy wardrobe staple had transcended its working-class beginnings to find a place on high fashion runways and in the pages of glossy magazines (including a groundbreaking cable knit article that was published by Vogue in 1958).
Soon, celebrities everywhere were rocking the humble cable knit including Elvis Presley, Steve McQueen, and even John F. Kennedy, establishing this hardy seafaring garment as a bona fide wardrobe classic. In 1973, Ralph Lauren introduced the Polo unisex cable knit sweater to his growing collection and the rest, they say, is history.
As the cooler weather sweeps in, there’s no better time to invest in a snug cable knit jumper. This versatile staple offers superior warmth and undeniable comfort, drawing in the eye with a braided rope pattern that’s synonymous with luxury and a robust Irish heritage. Below, discover some of Ralph’s most beautiful designs, as well as tips on how to style this premium sweater.
Soon, celebrities everywhere were rocking the humble cable knit including Elvis Presley, Steve McQueen, and even John F. Kennedy, establishing this hardy seafaring garment as a bona fide wardrobe classic. In 1973, Ralph Lauren introduced the Polo unisex cable knit sweater to his growing collection and the rest, they say, is history.
As the cooler weather sweeps in, there’s no better time to invest in a snug cable knit jumper. This versatile staple offers superior warmth and undeniable comfort, drawing in the eye with a braided rope pattern that’s synonymous with luxury and a robust Irish heritage. Below, discover some of Ralph’s most beautiful designs, as well as tips on how to style this premium sweater.
Choosing the Perfect Knit
From cotton crewneck sweaters that are perfect for spring evenings to chunky cashmere jumpers that were designed to ward off wintry chills, cable knitwear is both impressively utilitarian and effortlessly stylish. Material, weight, colour, fit: all these elements evoke a certain mood and set the tone for an entire outfit.
Designer cable knit jumpers serve a wide array of aesthetics, whether that’s preppy/collegiate, coastal/nautical, equestrian/polo, or hygge/loungewear. Their ability to move between casual and smart casual looks without any effort make them stone-cold classics that never date.
Designer cable knit jumpers serve a wide array of aesthetics, whether that’s preppy/collegiate, coastal/nautical, equestrian/polo, or hygge/loungewear. Their ability to move between casual and smart casual looks without any effort make them stone-cold classics that never date.
The Luxury of Material
Ralph Lauren’s cable knit jumpers come in three distinct fabrics: Italian cashmere, wintertime wools, and breezy combed cotton. In the warmer seasons, drape a slim fit cable knit crewneck over a pony insignia polo shirt (it will come in handy after sundown when the temperature begins to drop).
In fall and winter, nothing beats a luxe cashmere sweater or a wool-alpaca blend jumper which will keep you feeling cozy when the icy winds blow in. Choose an oversized design for easy movement and fuss-free layering or slip on a fitted version under a sleek tailored blazer.
In fall and winter, nothing beats a luxe cashmere sweater or a wool-alpaca blend jumper which will keep you feeling cozy when the icy winds blow in. Choose an oversized design for easy movement and fuss-free layering or slip on a fitted version under a sleek tailored blazer.
Our Signature Fibres Include:
Italian Cashmere: The pinnacle of luxury, offering superior insulation and a soft, sensual feel against the skin
Winter Wools: Ideal for peak Australian winter, providing a robust texture and timeless warmth
Combed Cotton: A breathable, lightweight choice for transitional spring and autumn evenings
Italian Cashmere: The pinnacle of luxury, offering superior insulation and a soft, sensual feel against the skin
Winter Wools: Ideal for peak Australian winter, providing a robust texture and timeless warmth
Combed Cotton: A breathable, lightweight choice for transitional spring and autumn evenings
Weight and Presence
Chunky cable knit jumpers can be worn under padded gilets, roomy bombers, and elegant trenches, while lighter weight cotton cable knits work well under weekend denim trucker jackets and tailored herringbone coats. If you fancy an alternative to a sweater, check out Ralph's designer cable knit cardigans which are inspired by America’s equestrian set, as well as celebrated sportspeople like US Open umpires.
The Art of Texture, Proportion, and Colour
The beauty of cable knitwear can be found in every detail: in the richness of its fibre, the precision of its stitching, and the intricate heritage patterns of its braided rope knit. A cable knit jumper is a serious style canvas that invites the wearer to play with texture, colour, proportion, and contrast to create a look that oozes character.
Colours:
Complimentary and Contrasting
When shopping Ralph Lauren’s cable knit jumpers, you’ll be spoiled for choice by the array of shades on offer. Opt for can’t-go-wrong neutrals like white and black, delicate pastels like Caramel Pink and Andover Cream, or fiery autumnal hues like Park Avenue Red.
Colours:
Complimentary and Contrasting
When shopping Ralph Lauren’s cable knit jumpers, you’ll be spoiled for choice by the array of shades on offer. Opt for can’t-go-wrong neutrals like white and black, delicate pastels like Caramel Pink and Andover Cream, or fiery autumnal hues like Park Avenue Red.
From Day to Night
Transitioning seamlessly between day and evening, a cable knit jumper can take you from an afternoon in the park walking the dog to dinner with friends at an after-dark soiree. It all depends on what you team it with.
Men can turn a casual jumper into a smart jumper outfit by layering a crisp white shirt underneath and swapping their Saturday jeans for a pair of tailored trousers. Ladies, on the other hand, can dress up comfy cable knitwear with a bohemian maxi skirt, a pair of stiletto heels, and a statement necklace before hitting the town.
Men can turn a casual jumper into a smart jumper outfit by layering a crisp white shirt underneath and swapping their Saturday jeans for a pair of tailored trousers. Ladies, on the other hand, can dress up comfy cable knitwear with a bohemian maxi skirt, a pair of stiletto heels, and a statement necklace before hitting the town.
Cable Knit Style FAQs
Q: What is the difference between an Aran jumper and a cable knit?
While often used interchangeably, the term "cable knit" refers specifically to the braided rope pattern itself. These designs have their roots in the Aran Islands, where they were originally worn by seafaring communities to ward off the cold Atlantic elements. Today, "Aran" usually denotes the heritage style, while "cable knit" describes the intricate texture found across our cotton, wool, and cashmere collections.
Q: How should a cable knit jumper fit?
The ideal fit depends on the desired aesthetic. A slim-fit cable knit offers a streamlined, sophisticated look that is well-suited for tucking into tailored trousers or layering under a blazer. Conversely, an oversized or relaxed-fit design provides a more casual, "hygge" feel, allowing for easy movement and effortless layering over floaty skirts or denim.
Cable Knit Style FAQs
Q: Are cable knit sweaters in style for 2026?
As a cornerstone of the heritage and preppy aesthetic, the cable knit is a timeless piece of design that transcends seasonal trends. Its intricate braided pattern remains a staple on modern runways.
Q: Why are cable knit jumpers considered a luxury investment?
The value lies in the craftsmanship. Each jumper features complex rope-knit patterns that require high-density stitching. When crafted from premium fibres like Italian cashmere or wool, they are built to endure for decades, not just seasons.
Q: What shoes should I wear with a cable knit sweater?
For a polished look, pair your cable knit jumper with leather loafers or Chelsea boots. For a more relaxed, weekend aesthetic, a chunky knit works perfectly with clean white trainers or heritage-inspired deck shoes.
Cable Knit Style FAQs
Q: What is the difference between an Aran jumper and a cable knit?
While often used interchangeably, the term "cable knit" refers specifically to the braided rope pattern itself. These designs have their roots in the Aran Islands, where they were originally worn by seafaring communities to ward off the cold Atlantic elements. Today, "Aran" usually denotes the heritage style, while "cable knit" describes the intricate texture found across our cotton, wool, and cashmere collections.
Cable Knit Style FAQs
Q: How should a cable knit jumper fit?
The ideal fit depends on the desired aesthetic. A slim-fit cable knit offers a streamlined, sophisticated look that is well-suited for tucking into tailored trousers or layering under a blazer. Conversely, an oversized or relaxed-fit design provides a more casual, "hygge" feel, allowing for easy movement and effortless layering over floaty skirts or denim.
Cable Knit Style FAQs
Q: Are cable knit sweaters in style for 2026?
As a cornerstone of the heritage and preppy aesthetic, the cable knit is a timeless piece of design that transcends seasonal trends. Its intricate braided pattern remains a staple on modern runways.
Cable Knit Style FAQs
Q: Why are cable knit jumpers considered a luxury investment?
The value lies in the craftsmanship. Each jumper features complex rope-knit patterns that require high-density stitching. When crafted from premium fibres like Italian cashmere or wool, they are built to endure for decades, not just seasons.
Cable Knit Style FAQs
Q: What shoes should I wear with a cable knit sweater?
For a polished look, pair your cable knit jumper with leather loafers or Chelsea boots. For a more relaxed, weekend aesthetic, a chunky knit works perfectly with clean white trainers or heritage-inspired deck shoes.
How to Style Your Cable Knit Recap
Ralph Lauren's cable knit jumpers boast a rich and colourful history, spanning the windswept islands of Aran to the heartland of America. Whether dressed up or down, they remain a cornerstone of every wardrobe, as utilitarian as they are stylish. This season, gift Polo cable knitwear to that special someone in your life, or treat the whole family.