Cable-Knit Season: How to Wear a Knit Polo and a Striped Sweater in an Indian Winter

A cable-knit sweater for women works in an Indian winter when you treat it as a mid-weight layer, not a heavy one. Wear a knit polo or a sleeveless striped sweater on its own on mild days, layer it under a waistcoat or blazer when the evenings cool, and add a scarf at the neck when the temperature drops further. Below: outfits for the season, how to layer, and how to look after a knit. The current knitwear sits in the Laurel Women collection.

Why cable knit suits an Indian winter

Winter in much of India is uneven. North Indian mornings can be cold, afternoons mild, and offices heated or air-conditioned at random. A thick wool jumper is too much for most of that day. A cotton-based cable knit is not.

Cable knitting twists the yarn into raised ropes. Those ropes trap a little air, so the fabric holds warmth without much weight. A cotton-based yarn keeps it breathable, so you are not overheating by noon. The result is a knit you can wear from a cold commute into a warm room without taking it off.

Cable knit also has a texture that reads as considered. Even with plain trousers, the surface of the knit gives an outfit depth.

The two knit shapes worth owning

The knit polo

A knit polo has a soft collar and a short placket, like a polo shirt, but in knitted yarn. It sits between a shirt and a sweater. That makes it one of the most useful pieces for winter workwear, because it looks smart under a jacket and relaxed on its own. The Westbury Polo, a sage cable knit with detailed knitwork at the collar and cuffs, is one example of the shape.

The striped cricket sweater

The cricket sweater is a cable knit with a V-neck edged in contrast stripes. It comes from the cricket pitch and has a preppy, tidy look. Cut sleeveless, it becomes a layering piece that keeps your core warm and leaves your arms free. The Langford Sweater follows this idea: cream cable knit with blue stripes, relaxed through the body with a soft stretch.

Outfits for an Indian winter

Mild days: the knit on its own

On a mild day, wear the knit as the top. Tuck a knit polo into high-waisted trousers and add a leather belt. The belt defines the waist, which a knit on its own can soften. A sleeveless sweater works the same way over bare arms when the sun is out, with wide trousers in cream, beige or navy.

Cool mornings: a shirt underneath

A sleeveless sweater over a shirt is the classic cricket look. Choose a slim shirt in white or pale blue so it does not bunch at the waist. Let the collar sit over the V-neck. Roll the sleeves once if the afternoon warms up. This is an easy office outfit for November and December.

Cold evenings: tailoring over the knit

When the evening turns cold, add a structured layer on top. A knit polo under a sleeveless blazer or a waistcoat keeps the tailoring sharp and adds warmth at the chest and arms. Pull the polo collar out over the lapels so the knitwork shows. For more on that pairing, read our guide on how to style a waistcoat for women.

Weekends: denim and loafers

Wear a knit polo or striped sweater with straight jeans and loafers or trainers. Tuck the front of the knit in loosely. A canvas tote and sunglasses finish it. It looks relaxed without looking unplanned.

How to layer a knit without bulk

• Thin to thick. The layer nearest the skin should be the thinnest. A fine shirt under a knit works. A knit under a fine shirt does not.
• Close at the waist. Tuck the knit in or belt it. A loose hem under a waistcoat pushes the front out.
• Collar on top. When a knit polo goes under tailoring, let its collar sit over the lapels.
• One texture at a time. Cable knit is already textured. Pair it with smooth trousers and smooth tailoring, not tweed or corduroy as well.
• Size for the layer. A relaxed-fit sweater over a shirt needs little extra room. If you want to wear a knit under a fitted waistcoat, check the size chart on the product page first.

Adding a scarf to a cable knit

A scarf turns a knit into a winter outfit with very little effort. On a polo, tie a small square scarf or a scarlett at the neck under the collar, knot to one side. On a sleeveless V-neck sweater, fold a square scarf into a narrow band and knot it so it fills the V.

Choose a print that repeats one colour already in the outfit. A sage knit sits well with a scarf that carries a soft green or cream. A cream sweater with blue stripes suits a print with navy or a warm animal print, which echoes the brown of a leather belt. The silk-feel scarves in our scarves collection are light enough to sit under a knit collar without bulk.

Knit care basics

A cotton-based knit lasts longer with a little care.

• Follow the label. Always check the care label on the garment before washing.
• Wash less often. Air a knit between wears. Knits do not need washing after every outing.
• Dry flat. Hanging a wet knit stretches it. Lay it flat on a towel and ease it back into shape.
• Fold, do not hang. Hangers pull at the shoulders over time. Fold knits and store them on a shelf.
• Keep the cables clean. Pilling shows less on cable knit than on a flat knit, but a fabric comb or shaver can lift any that forms at the underarm.

Building a winter week around a knit polo and a sweater

A knit polo and a cable sweater go further than you might expect. Wear the polo with tailored trousers on Monday, the sweater over a shirt on Tuesday, the polo under a waistcoat on Wednesday, the sweater on its own with a belt on Thursday, and either with denim at the weekend. Change the scarf and the shoes, and each day looks different.

The knits, tailoring and scarves that go with them are all in the Laurel Women collection.

Frequently asked questions

Is a cable-knit sweater warm enough for an Indian winter?

For most Indian cities, yes. A cotton-based cable knit holds warmth in its raised texture without much weight, so it suits cold mornings and cool evenings. In colder northern winters, layer it under a jacket or add a scarf at the neck.

What do you wear under a sleeveless sweater?

A slim shirt in white or pale blue is the classic choice, with the collar sitting over the V-neck. On mild days, you can wear a sleeveless sweater on its own. Keep whatever is underneath thin so the knit lies flat.

Can you wear a knit polo to the office?

Yes. Tucked into tailored trousers with a belt, a knit polo reads smart. Under a waistcoat or sleeveless blazer, with the collar over the lapels, it is formal enough for most offices.

How do you stop a knit from stretching?

Dry it flat on a towel rather than hanging it, fold it for storage instead of using a hanger, and air it between wears so it needs washing less often. Always follow the care label on the garment.

How do you wear a scarf with a sweater?

With a knit polo, tie a small scarf or scarlett at the neck under the collar. With a V-neck sweater, fold a square scarf into a narrow band and knot it to fill the V. Pick a print that repeats one colour from the outfit.