Vintage Style Cardigans & Jumpers for Women

Collectif's knitwear follows the mid-century rule: knits sit close to the body and stop at the waist, so they layer over a full skirt or under a coat without adding bulk. Every style is available in UK sizes 6 to 26.

Knitwear Styles in the Collection

Fitted cardigans are the classic 1950s layer: short sleeves, a cropped hem and buttons to the neck. Worn over a swing dress, they turn a summer dress into a winter one.

Jumpers and knitted tops tuck neatly into a high-waisted skirt or trousers, keeping the waistline visible.

Boleros and tank tops cover the shoulders for occasion wear without hiding the dress underneath.

1940s and 1950s Knitwear

Wartime knitwear was practical and close-fitting: fine gauges, short waists and small repeating motifs such as Fair Isle and stripes. By the 1950s the same shapes carried novelty prints — cherries, cats and florals. Both are in the collection, and both pair naturally with our 1940s and 1950s ranges.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vintage Inspired Jumpers & Cardigans

What is a jumper?

In the UK, a jumper is a knitted top pulled on over the head. In the US the same garment is called a sweater. A cardigan, by contrast, opens down the front with buttons or a zip.

What did 1940s and 1950s cardigans look like?

They were short and close-fitting, ending at or just above the natural waist, usually with short sleeves and a full row of buttons. The fit was deliberate: a cropped cardigan keeps the waist visible when worn over a full skirt.

How do you wear a cardigan with a vintage dress?

Choose a cardigan that ends at your natural waist and button it to the top for a 1950s look, or leave the top two buttons open for a softer line. Avoid longline knits, which cover the waist seam the dress is built around.

Is this genuine vintage knitwear?

No. Every piece is newly made in modern yarns and modern sizing, based on 1940s and 1950s shapes.

What sizes does the knitwear come in?

Our knitwear is available in UK sizes 6 to 26. Check our fit and size guide before ordering.

Do you deliver outside the UK?

Yes. UK delivery is free on orders over £90, and we ship internationally. See our delivery information for details.