Please help me with knitwear!

[CatherineMaitland]

Hoping for some tips, ideas, style help on jumpers/knitwear.

I'm 5ft 4, size 14 (recently down from 18-20), big norks, wide hips, a bit of a tummy still. More hourglassy shape than anything else but with some extra weight around the waist. I know I still have further to go with the weight loss. Threw out all my too-big clothes last week and am trying to rebuild something of a presentable, even stylish, wardrobe.

The one thing I am stuck on is knitwear. I really love warm snuggly jumpers but it seems they don't suit my shape, they cling to my tummy and make me look like a barrel. I'm guessing I need some finer knitwear, but I'm not really sure where to look, or how to layer it so I'm not always cold.

Does anyone have any suggestions or tips for me? All help much appreciated!

Have you tried cowl necks? I love Pure collection cashmere cowl necks, my friend swears by TK Maxx for her cashmere and winter jumpers.

Or a lovely soft cape or poncho?

Uniqlo are advertising their Merino knitwear at the moment. I only saw a couple of adverts (though heading shopping today, woo hoo!) And the colours are nice and autumnal.

I tend to wear h&m long, spaghetti strap vests under all my clothes. They are long enough to go over my hips and tuck well in to skirts and trousers, so that keeps me warm without lots if bulk around my shoulders and arm pits.

Uniqlo for sure (I'm always popping up banging on about Uniqlo on here, but that's only because I don't know anywhere else as reliable for lovely basics like a decent cardi/sweater in nice plain colours that isn't made of acrylic...

Also their merino sweaters have a less boxy fit than the similar Gap ones which may be what you're looking for (and are cheaper too)

Dob't be disheartened by (probably) needing to buy a larger size than you think, they come up small/snug. I'm a size 10 (admittedly quite large-chested and big shoulders though with small boobs) and only feel comfortable in the XL. The Large is too snug.

They do a V-neck, a crew-neck and a cardi in oooooh roughly 8-10 colours, mostly neutrals. Fab building blocks for the rest of your wardrobe.

Wearing my navy one today and feeling very smart/chic if I do say so meself. Also they're comfy.

Worth a look, I'd say, for sure.

I'd love other shop recommendations for knitwear too, though, as I honestly struggle to find anything nice apart from these ones and they are very much in the fine category. Can't find a nice slightly chunkier knit anywhere (may have to look at menswear I think...)

Hope that helps OP

Oh and yy to the suggestion of longish vest tops under fine knitwear. They will keep you warm, not add bulk and I get a ridiculous amount of weird pleasure from seieng a fresh white top poking out from the lower hem of a plain grey/navy sweater or sweatshirt. I don't know what's wrong with me!! It's the easiest way to nail the layered look imvho and I LOVE the layered look (I am athletic build and it helps 'break up' my body; I suspect in a different way it would work well for an hourglass shape too).

I think Hush are good for long-ish vests (not bought any from there yet but been looking) and Gap do a long version. As do Boden (I think) and my beloved Uniqlo. Anything that ends low hip is ideal, you can always ruck it up very slightly at the bottom so it sits slightly higher.

Try Landsend

www.landsend.co.uk

as they have a wide variety of styles for all shapes and sizes and the quality is generally very good. Check out their Clearance / Sales section too. They have lots of chunky items, as they cater for all weathers.

Thanks everyone.

I have tried cowl necks but usually to get a nice neck on me the jumper has to be huge.

I'm not even sure what the layered look is! But it does sound nice. Thanks for the vest tips. I will check out Uniqlo and Landsend too.

It's possible that it's the softer cashmere that clings wrong on me. I'm honestly not sure.

Quick update, I've ordered one of the Uniqlo merino knits to try. Thanks everyone for the advice.

I find the white company very good jumpers tend to swing more and not cling x

Cardigans? I mainly wear cardigans not jumpers, I think they are more flattering.

Oh fab OP, let us know how you get on with it!

Hi Slippermaiden, I've been finding cardigans make me look boxy - but I may try one next!

Thanks for the White Company rec Chickpearocker.

Quick update: Uniqlo merino knit arrived! I like it, wore it today and felt quite smart - I don't feel bulky in it at all. Will give it a few more wears and then might order some more.

Thank you for the tip!

I'm an hourglass and that's what jumpers do . You would never know I had a waist when I'm wearing them . My favourite jumpers are from crew , they are the most flattering and wash so well . They often have them in tk maxx