2025-2026 Sweater Trends

Sweaters are thankfully everywhere this year from runways to clothing shops. Once the same silhouette, fabric, colors, or design elements begin popping up across a wide range of designers, you know it's going to be a trend worth looking into. From catwalks to shops to knitting needles, if you want to stay ahead of fashion this season, pick the trends you like best and add them to your wardrobe. Expect to see some of these styles making their way into knitting patterns to be released Fall 25 and Winter 25/26 so knitters can create their own version of these designer trends.

Some trends are still going strong from last year and some are new. We've had drop-shoulder sweaters for a decade now and they are still loved. Multiple trends are often combined in a single sweater, so look for some cross-trends like combining soft, fuzzy textures with oversized drop-shoulder sweaters.

Oversized

If it's long, wide, and hangs off the shoulder, it's in style this winter! Trendy sweaters are moving beyond loose-fitting into the solid "oversized" category. In order to make this look work, the yarn needs to be a thicker weight (think Aran, bulky, chunky) with well over 8"/20cm positive ease. Textured stitch patterns and cables help give these sweaters some substance. And don't forget the extra-long sleeves which complete the oversized look. (Ayr pattern.)

Polo Sweaters

The knitted version of a long-sleeve polo shirt, polo sweaters have the signature lapel collar which earn their place in this category. The rest of the sweater can favor the traditional polo and be plain or thinly ribbed. They can also be highly textured, have cabled, or a soft fuzzy yarn. (Dansaert is a great example of a ribbed polo sweater).

Ribbed Turtlenecks

Ribbing looks so modern, so it makes sense that it's still trending this winter. Look for thin or chunky ribbed pullovers with dramatic turtlenecks that extend high to the chin.

Graphics

This trend has made its way from runway show to production sweaters and is going strong in stores. You'll find just about every image from animal, shape, flag to message on sweaters. Look for one large image or photo centering the front of a pullover with a plain back. If you're knitting a graphic sweater, you'll use the intarsia method of color knitting so have fun with it!

Layering

Also known as knits-on-knits, layering combines one knitted garment overtop of another knit piece. They don't need to match. You'll usually find a cardigan over a tank or pullover but look for chunky scarves and wraps over dresses too. The first photo below, from Gucci's Fall 25 runway show, is a super example of how trends combine. In one outfit you have the layering trend, polo sweater, and soft textures trend.

Vests

Vest are boxy this year with high crew or V-necks. The wide shoulder and long armholes make it easy to wear over another top. These pullover vests have an untailored look about them with ribbing around the armhole.

Winter Whites

White and cream sweaters support the neutral palette (which is so, so popular) and honestly go with just about everything. They look good together, with black, with other neutrals, or with brights. This classic color is one you definitely want in your wardrobe this winter.

Soft Textures

Mohair held together with merino is still very much seen this winter! Look for any type of soft, cuddly fiber that gives a halo effect like alpaca, cashmere, yak, and especially blends of fibers. Colors that fade softly into one another help create a soft look as well.

Jewel Tones

Rich, saturated jewel colors like ruby, emerald, sapphire, are popping through the neutral colors which have been dominating the runways for the last year. The darker and moodier the better. I think this trend will shake up the neutral palette for sure.

Combine trends to really capture the essence of style this winter. Mix a trending silhouette with a winter white or jewel-toned color, then also combine a soft texture with a mohair blend as an example, all into the same sweater.

Find more inspiration, visit my 2025/2026 Sweater Trends board on Pinterest. Check back often because more photos will be added as more winter shows are released. What trends are you liking this year? Share your thoughts in the comments. I can't wait to see what you're excited about!