Today’s post is all about getting cozy as we head into the cold weather season here in Ontario. With the pandemic still going strong we’re looking at what will probably feel like an even longer winter than usual, so I’m leaning into all the things that might make it just a little easier to endure.
Being a creature of comforts I have to admit that beautiful sweaters and toasty beanies can really take the edge off.
This brings me to one of my absolute favourite Canadian brands, Bare Knitwear, whose knitwear is unlike anything else I’ve tried. To me, this brand truly embodies thoughtfulness right from first sketch all the way to final stitch.
If you’re currently in the market for impeccably made and elegantly designed knitwear, this post is serving up exactly that. I’ll be taking a closer look at:
The Marine Cardigan (in all of its cozy glory)
The Ivory Andes Beanie (aka my winter weather hero)
Let’s get cozy!
A BIT ABOUT BARE KNITWEAR
Led by Kelsey Adair, Bare Knitwear is an independent Canadian brand, that combines heritage artisanship with modern design to create small batch, high quality knitwear that helps to support communities in Peru.
Beyond gorgeous sweaters and accessories, Bare Knitwear is committed to sustainable sourcing, preserving traditional craft and empowering women in Ayacucho and Lima, Peru with opportunities beyond basic employment .
I love how Kelsey tells the Bare Knitwear brand story and shares insights into the work behind the garments. In the latest Team Feature, Mirella, Bare Knitwear’s production manager, shares a bit about her textile career and life outside of work. It’s clear that a tremendous amount of expertise and care goes into every stage of development.
When you invest in a piece from Bare Knitwear, you’re investing in so much more than your own closet, which is one of many reasons I’ve loved this brand for all these years!
THE MARINE CARDIGAN
Have you ever bitten into a warm, fresh, light as air, and buttery-soft croissant? Well, that’s about the closest experience I can equate to how The Marine Cardigan feels to wear. It is every bit as delightful and comforting as a perfect puff pastry.
I’ve long admired the Marine Cardigan (a mainstay in the Bare Knitwear lineup) but it wasn’t until I got to see one in person, during a visit to Victoria last fall, that I could fully appreciate its uniqueness. Here are a few images and notes on the details that make is so special .
SPECIAL DETAILS
INCREDIBLE TEXTURE
Voluminous, full rib hand loom details give this cardigan a unique and stunning texture that was made to be touched.
Once you feel, it you get it!
LIGHT AS AIR
The most surprising thing I noticed was how lightweight the Marine Cardigan is considering it’s substantial size. It’s honestly as close to a cloud as your closet will get.
OH SO COZY
Don’t let the weight fool you though. The beautiful blend of baby alpaca & merino wool (with a touch of polyamide to hold shape), makes this sweater incredibly warm.
You’ll likely need only a long sleeve base layer underneath.
MADE FOR LAYERING
Drop shoulders and balloon shape sleeves make it a breeze to wear over base layers. Meanwhile, wide cuffs are easy to push up as needed so you’re not dragging them in your soup!
POCKETS!
Front patch pockets are perfect for your keys, face mask, phone and wallet.
SUPREME SOFTNESS
Baby alpaca wool is known for being hypoallergenic and incredibly soft, making it a great option for sensitive skin.
I would happily wear this over a tank or camisole as I don’t find it itchy at all.
How does it fit Under Coats?
I tried the Marine Cardigan under my Classic Camel Coat (I wear a Small) and the sleeves fit no problem without any bunchy feeling in the shoulders.
I also tried it on under my Puffer Coat and it slid on easily and zips up without issue.
While the cardigan has a voluminous look to it, it’s not heavy or bulky feeling at all. It’ll be great as a cozy insulator under a rain coat too!
Under coats with more fitted shoulders and sleeves it may be snug so that’s something to keep in mind.
MORE DETAILS
- Price: $358.20 CAD .
- Bare Knitwear pieces are indeed an investment in your closet. They’re made to last, easy to care for and truly timeless styles that are intended to be worn year after year.
- Available in 3 colours: Taupe // Classic Black // Cloud Grey
- Sizes: XS/S (US 0-6) //M/L (US Size 8-12) // L/XL (US 12-16) // Garment measurements listed on the product page.
- I’m wearing the XS/S and I’m 5’7 and about 130 lbs for reference.
- Composition: The Marine Cardigan is made with a light weight, voluminous blend of 43% baby alpaca, 43% merino wool and 14% polyamide.
- Care: Dry clean or hand wash. BK recommends washing sparingly and using a fabric freshener to keep your cardigan fresh between washes. If you hand wash your cardigan, use a mild detergent in cool water and lay flat to dry on a towel. Avoid hanging, stretching or ringing out the garment when wet.
- Pilling: In my experience baby alpaca wool is surprisingly resilient to pilling, however, wherever there is friction (under the arms or where a bag might rub) there is always the possibility of pilling. Bare Knitwear offers a lovely little sweater comb, which you can use to easily and quickly comb off any pills.
- Shipping: All orders over $200 CAD ship free across North America
- Availability: Due to the expense of shipping from Peru to Canada, there will not be another restock of this style this season. There are lots available in each size and colour but if you’re super keen to have this for the winter season, I wouldn’t wait too long. The good news is that this piece will be returning again next fall, so no pressure!
NOW ONTO
THE ANDES BEANIE
Bare Knitwear has been creating and perfecting their beanies for many years and the latest iteration is a personal favourite for sure. It’s super cozy and warm but still so soft and light at the same time. It’s finely knit from a beautiful blend of 55% baby alpaca, 21% merino wool and 24% polyamide to help maintain it’s shape.
It comes in several colours but the Ivory Andes Beanie is special for a couple of reasons. The first being that light accessories are one of my go-to tricks for keeping your winter style feeling fresh and not too dreary. The second reason being that this colour will only be available online. The Andes Beanie also makes for a really lovely gift as we approach that time of year.
3 ways to style the Andes beanie
MORE DETAILS
- PRICE: $98 CAD
- 4 COLOURS: Ivory , Cream, Dark Charcoal & Classic Black (these three colours are restocking in November, sign up for a notification)
- SIZE: One size
- MATERIALS: 55% baby alpaca, 21% Merino Wool and 24% Polyamide.
- CARE: Hand wash cool lay flat to dry.
- ITCHINESS: The Andes beanie is pre-washed in Peru, making it a suitable option for those with sensitive skin. Pre-washing particular fibre blends softens the hand and feel of the finished garment.
A WEEK’S WORTH OF WAYS TO STYLE THE MARINE CARDIGAN & ANDES BEANIE
LOOK 1
MARINE CARDIGAN // TAUPE TURTLENECK // BLACK STRAIGHT LEG JEANS* // CHUNKY BOOT* // ANDES BEANIE // BLACK LEATHER BELT // TAUPE TOTE*
LOOK 2
MARINE CARDIGAN // SILK SET (OLD ELIZABETH SUZANN) // SNAKE PRINT BOOT* // ANDES BEANIE (gifted) // CREAM CROSSBODY BAG*
LOOK 3
MARINE CARDIGAN// SILK SLIP DRESS* // PARIS WOVEN MULE // BROWN LEATHER BELT
LOOK 4
MARINE CARDIGAN // SILK TANK // BLACK TROUSER // BOSS BOOT // BLACK LEATHER BELT
LOOK 5
MARINE CARDIGAN // FITTED TURTLENECK // SKINNY JEANS // TALL BLACK BOOT* // CREAM SCARF// HALF MOON BAG
LOOK 6
MARINE CARDIGAN // LOUNGE SET* // SHEARLING SLIPPERS
Here are a few other styles from Bare Knitwear to up your closet’s cozy quota.
NAZCA ZIP UP JACKET // LAYER V SWEATER // TRAVEL WRAP // FUNNEL NECK SWEATER
