What does knitwear mean?
Knitwear is a collective noun for garments made by knitting yarn rather than weaving it into cloth. The category commonly includes sweaters, cardigans, pullovers, and other knitted or crocheted tops, although it is often used most broadly for knitted apparel. In shops, catalogues, and fashion writing, “knitwear” can name an entire section of clothing as well as the individual types of garments within it. The word is standard in British and American English, though retailers may prefer the shorter label “knits.” Knitwear is normally treated as an uncountable noun: people discuss “a range of knitwear” or “a piece of knitwear” rather than counting its separate garments with this word. Because it neatly groups together familiar, often seasonal garments, knitwear is especially common in clothing, fashion, knitting, and retail contexts.
nounClothing, especially sweaters, cardigans, and similar garments, made from yarn by knitting. The term is also used collectively for knitted apparel.
- Clothing made by knitting yarn, especially sweaters, cardigans, pullovers, and similar garments.
"The shop stocks understated knitwear in wool, cotton, and linen."
"She pulled on a chunky wool sweater to complete her winter knitwear."
"The boutique's autumn knitwear features natural fibres and relaxed tailoring."
Normally uncountable, with no separate plural. The plural “knitwears” is uncommon and can sound unnatural.
"The manufacturer specializes in warm, durable knitwear."
The name is delightfully literal: knitted fabric, made to be worn.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of knitwear
Knitwear is an English compound formed from knit and wear, with both elements retaining their older English ancestry. Knit developed from Old English cniþan, meaning “to knit,” while wear comes from Old English wære, meaning “clothing”; the compound combines the process of forming knitted fabric with the clothing made from it.
How knitwear is actually used
Usually a collective or mass noun. In British and American English, speakers say “a piece of knitwear” or “a range of knitwear,” rather than counting individual garments with “a knitwear.” Retail contexts often use the shorter word “knits.”