Under an open-knit top you can wear a seamless top or camisole in a skin tone or in the same colour as the knit. That way the pattern stays visible without the base layer drawing much attention. Combine the top with a calm trouser or skirt. A light open knit of wool and cashmere works on cool summer evenings, at the office and at a dinner. Below you can read per situation how to wear it.
What is an open-knit top?
With an open knit, the stitches are knitted so that small openings appear. That makes the fabric airier than a dense knit and slightly see-through. An open knit is therefore suitable for between seasons and cool summer evenings.
A lovely example is the Augusta in cream, an open-knit polo made of 90.2% wool and 9.8% cashmere. Lightweight, luxuriously knitted, with an open-knit structure and a regular fit. You can easily wear it over a calm base. The same polo also comes in beige.
What do you wear underneath? Four options
| Under the top | Effect | When |
|---|---|---|
| Seamless top in a skin tone | The knit seems to lie directly on the skin | Evening, dinner, party |
| Camisole in the same colour as the knit | Calm and even, pattern stays subtly visible | Office, daytime |
| Contrasting camisole | Pattern stands out | Weekend, deliberate statement |
| Blouse with collar | Classic and layered | Office, cooler days |
Tip: keep the bottom layer smooth and seamless. Lace, seams or straps stand out extra through an open knit.
Which trouser or skirt goes with it?
An open knit already has a lot of texture. A smooth bottom keeps the outfit calm.
- With a white trouser. The Cosette in white is an ultra high-waist slim-straight trouser that is not see-through. With a cream open knit on top you get a soft, tone-on-tone summer look. Tuck the front of the top in lightly, so the high waist stays visible.
- With a beige trouser with pleat. The Philippa in beige has an ultra high waist, one pleat and a slim-straight fit. Cream on beige is warm and calm, perfect for a lunch or a summery day at the office.
- With a knee-length skirt. The Rosa skirt in black gives contrast with a cream or beige knit. A short slit provides seating comfort. Lovely for a dinner or the theatre.
For the office you can also choose a navy trouser with pleats, such as the Arabelli in navy, with a camisole in cream under the top.
Three outfits from morning to evening
Office: cream open knit over a cream camisole, navy trouser, loafers. Calm and business-like, with a luxurious texture.
Lunch on a terrace: cream open knit over a seamless top in a skin tone, beige trouser with pleat, flat sandals, straw bag.
Summer evening: open knit over a seamless black camisole, black knee-length skirt, small gold earrings. The black shows subtly through the knit.
Why wool and cashmere in summer?
Wool and cashmere are often associated with winter, but a light open knit also works on cooler summer days. Wool breathes well and feels clammy less quickly than many synthetic fabrics. On a cool evening by the water or in an air-conditioned restaurant, an open knit of wool with cashmere is exactly the right layer. Read more about cashmere and what makes it so soft.
How to care for an open knit
- Wash by hand or on a wool programme, cold and with a detergent for wool.
- Do not wring. Roll the top in a towel to press the water out.
- Dry flat on a towel, pulled into the right shape.
- Fold, do not hang. An open knit can stretch on a hanger.
- Watch out with jewellery and bags. Rings, bracelets and zips can catch in the open stitches.
On our care instructions page you will find more explanation per material.
Which shoes go with an open knit?
Calm shoes keep the attention on the knit. In the daytime, leather loafers, ballet flats and minimalist sneakers in white or cream work. In the evening you choose a low pump or a sandal with a thin strap. Avoid heavy, sporty shoes: they take the lightness out of the outfit. Also keep your bag small and smooth, so the knit keeps the lead role.
Accessories with an open knit
Choose jewellery that cannot catch: small stud earrings, a fine necklace on the skin under the top or a watch with a smooth strap. Leave large rings, bracelets with links and brooches at home. A silk scarf in your hair or around your bag finishes the look without putting the knit at risk.
Open knit in autumn
An open-knit top of wool and cashmere can also be worn in autumn. In September you wear it over a blouse with a collar, in October under a short jacket. That way you get a much longer season out of it. For other knitted pieces, take a look at the knitwear for women.
Common mistakes
- A visible bra with lace or straps. Choose a seamless version in a skin tone.
- Two busy textures. An open knit on a trouser with print or structure looks restless.
- Tucking the top in too tightly. An open knit looks best loose or lightly tucked in at the front.
Shop the look
Augusta: open-knit polo made of wool and cashmere, cream
Augusta: open-knit polo made of wool and cashmere, beige
Cosette: ultra high-waist slim-straight trouser, white
Philippa: ultra high-waist trouser with pleats, beige
Rosa: elegant knee-length skirt, black
Arabelli: high-waist trouser with pleats, navy
Frequently asked questions
What do you wear under a see-through knitted top?
A seamless top or camisole in a skin tone or in the same colour as the knit. Avoid lace and visible seams.
Can you wear an open-knit top to the office?
Yes, with a camisole in the same colour underneath and a calm trouser. That way the pattern stays subtle and it looks business-like.
Isn't a wool open knit too warm in summer?
A light, open knit of wool and cashmere breathes well. It is ideal for cool summer evenings and air-conditioned spaces.
