Fall is coming in swift and brisk this year and I’m not about to resist it. Those who know me well, know I harbour a deep affection for sweater weather and today my favourite Canadian knitwear lineBare Knitwearis returning to the blog.
Bare Knitwear’s FW21 collection was inspired by vintage knits, with design details taking cues from shapes and fits of decades gone by. I love how all the styles look just as at home in a closet today as they would in a polaroid from the 1970s. That’s always a testament to truly timeless pieces that can be passed down and treasured through generations.
The featured piece for this year’s partnership is the the Rib Jacket, which has all the makings of a modern heirloom. It also ticks all the boxes for my dream cold weather layering piece. Read on to explore some of the elements that make it so special and see how I’ll be styling this closet keepsake for years to come!
UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE RIB JACKET
TALL, COZY COLLAR
This jaw-grazing standing collar has been doubled in thickness, giving it a sturdiness and density that keeps the warmth in and the cold out. Easily zip it up all the way or fold it down for an open neckline as desired.
TOASTY, CONCEALED POCKETS
I can’t help but shimmy my paws into the toasty front pockets on this piece. They’re made from the same alpaca knit as the rest of the jacket and like a little sleeping bag for your phalanges.
BALLOON SLEEVES DROP SHOULDERS
I love, love, love how Bare Knitwear does sleeves. I’ve collected several of their knits, which each feature a balloon sleeve and it makes for a gorgeous shape and easy layering. I particularly like how the sleeve cuffs and this jacket hem have a tighter fit to them too.
SPEAKING OF THE FITTED HEM
I don’t have many knits with a fitted element through the hip but I really like that feature on the Rib Jacket. It gives a nod to sportswear and I like to style it two ways:
CONCEALED METAL ZIPPER
To me, the metal zipper is what sets this apart from other pieces in my closet. This utilitarian detail helps the garment bridge between a sweater and a jacket, making it applicable to both outdoor and indoor wear.
SUPER SOFT, CHUNKY RIB STITCH
Now a Bare Knitwear signature, the voluminous rib stitch is brilliantly brought to life through a light weight blend of alpaca and polyamide (to keep its shape). Incredibly soft to the touch, without an inkling of an itch to be encountered. Not to mention the miraculous temperature regulation properties it beholds.
A FEW DETAILS TO NOTE
ABOUT BARE KNITWEAR AND THE RIB JACKET
“Bare Knitwear was born from a desire to create luxurious, heirloom knitwear while preserving traditional craft and supporting artisan communities.“
MORE THAN JUST A GORGEOUS GARMENT: Bare Knitwear garments are each created through intentional design, environmental awareness and collaborative craftsmanship with artisan partners in Peru. 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!
- Bare Knitwear pieces are indeed a considerable purchase. They’re made to last, easy to care for and truly timeless styles that are intended to be worn year after year, with the hope of one day bridging generations of knitwear lovers. I’ve had Bare Knitwear pieces for many years and I’m sure they’ll see me through many a winter to come.
- Made with ethical practices in: Lima, Peru
- Available in 3 colours: ASH (shown throughout post) // BLACK // SAND
- Size Options: XS/S (2-4) // S/M (6-8) // M/L (10-12 // L/XL (14-16)
- I’m wearing the XS/S and I’m 5’7 and about 130 lbs for reference.
- Composition: The Rib Jacket is made with a light weight, voluminous blend of 89% alpaca, 11% polyamide.
- Care: Hand wash in cool water using a neutral soap. Re-shape and lay flat to dry.
- Pilling: In my experience 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 comb off pills on any knits you may have.
- Shipping: All orders over $300 CAD ship free across North America
- Availability: Limited quantities are available given supply constraints at this time. If you’re super smitten with the Rib Jacket or any other Bare Knitwear styles, I wouldn’t wait too long.
A FEW MORE BEAUTIFUL STYLES FROM BARE KNITWEAR
Imagine a winter closet filled with these stunning pieces?
1 | THE CLASSIC CREW (Alpaca and Merino wool blend – 3 colour options)
2 | THE FUNNEL NECK (Un-dyed Alpaca and organic pima cotton)
3 | FULL LENGTH HOUSE COAT (Alpaca and Merino wool blend – 2 colour options)
4 | LAYER V (Alpaca – 3 colour options)
5 | DUSK CARDIGAN (Peruvian Pima Cotton – 3 colour options)
6 | COASTAL PANTS (Peruvian Pima Cotton – 3 colour options)
7 | SERENE TANK (Peruvian Pima Cotton – 3 colour options)
NOW ONTO
4 WAYS I’LL BE STYLING THE RIB JACKET
LOOK 1
FOR EARLY FALL
RIB JACKET | COTTON CREW | FLORENCE SILK PANT | EVA ARIZONA
I’m wearing the Rib Jacket now in a simple formula, which is:
T-SHIRT + WIDE LEG PANT + BIRKENSTOCKS + RIB JACKET
It’s perfect for the weather we’re getting here at the lake. Cozy but light and soft as a feather.
LOOK 2
FOR FALL DAYS IN THE CITY
RIB JACKET | GREY RIBBED KNIT | ORIGINAL CHEEKY JEAN (in Bone) | CLASSIC CASHMERE CAMEL COAT | SARAH CROSS BODY BAG | SUEDE GLOVE BOOT
When it gets chillier and I have reason to visit the city, I’ll be wearing the Rib Jacket over a lightweight knit tucked into white jeans with my go-to suede boots and an open camel coat on top. I call this combo “function forward chic”.
LOOK 3
FOR ADVENTURES
RIB JACKET | FITTED TURTLENECK | BLACK SKINNY JEANS | CANADA SCARF | CHUNKY SUEDE BOOT
I can’t wait to wear this one on colourful autumn trail walks, cider sipping with friends and visits with family. For all of the above, I’ll be wearing the Rib Jacket with a tonal turtleneck and my favourite skinny jeans. I love how put-together this one feels and how chunky boots and the jacket balance out the fitted jeans and turtleneck.
Adding a big scarf in another shade of grey gives this look depth and texture without feeling too busy. If it’s raining or blustery I’ll add a rain coat or puffer vest on top and let the Rib Jacket work some insulating magic.
LOOK 4
FOR LOW-KEY DAYS BY THE LAKE & FIRE
RIB JACKET | FITTED BLACK TEE | COTTON/CASHMERE JOGGERS & SHEARLING CLOGS
I know I’ll be reaching for this piece A LOT throughout fall and winter because it is truly ideal for lake life. With a soft t-shirt, a pair of joggers and some cozy clogs, I’m all set for nature gazing over coffee, fireside renovation planning with Dave, bits of blogging and bouts of meal prepping for the winter freeze.
