Quick answer: Three things decide whether knitwear fits when it arrives. Sizing standard — Asian sizing typically runs one to two sizes smaller than EU or US, so size up. Fabric weight in GSM — under 120 g/m² is a light summer knit, 120–220 g/m² is a proper autumn or winter jumper. And the published bust measurement, which beats every size label.

Knitwear is forgiving on fit, which makes it good to buy online. But sizing conventions vary enormously, and that's where returns come from.

Why does Asian sizing run smaller?

Different regional standards, plain and simple — and our listings say so directly. One of our striped pullovers states it in the fit advice: Asian sizes may run one to two sizes smaller than EU or US sizing.

What to do about it:

1. Ignore the size letter. An L in one standard is an M or S in another.
2. Find the bust measurement in the size chart. It's the only number that transfers between standards.
3. Add ease for the fit you want — a couple of inches for a regular fit, more for oversized.
4. Allow the stated tolerance, usually 1–3 cm on manually measured garments.

The striped knit O-neck pullover publishes a full chart from S to XXXL — bust 33.07 in at S rising to 41.34 in at XXXL, with shoulder, length and sleeve for each. That's exactly the detail to buy on.

What does GSM fabric weight tell me?

How warm the knit actually is. GSM (grams per square metre) is a far better indicator than words like "cosy".

Fabric weight	Character	Season
Under 120 g/m²	Light, thin, breathable	Summer, layering
120–220 g/m²	Medium — a proper jumper	Autumn and winter

A short-sleeve wool-cotton pullover under 120 g/m² is a summer knit — light enough to wear alone in warm weather, which is not what most people picture when they read "wool blend".

Medium weight is where actual winter knitwear sits. Both the hollow-out acrylic-cotton pullover and the striped zipper-layer pullover sit in the 120–220 g/m² band.

What if it's a lined knit?

Lining changes the warmth calculation entirely. A velvet or plush lining adds far more warmth than the knit's own weight suggests.

The velvet-lined turtleneck is described as thick with a plush lining — a polyester, acrylic and cotton knit that behaves like a much heavier garment because of what's inside it.

This is the option to look for if you want warmth without bulk. A slim lined knit is warmer than a thicker unlined one and sits much better under a coat.

How do I handle one-size knitwear?

Check the stated bust range, because it's usually wide but not unlimited.

The hollow-out pullover lists one size with a bust range of 28.3–37.8 in and a shoulder range of 10.2–16.5 in. The striped zipper-layer pullover lists 31.5–45.67 in bust with a recommended weight of 88–132 lb.

These ranges work because the knit stretches. But if you're outside the stated range, the garment won't accommodate you — one size is not all sizes, and the range is published for a reason.

What about weight-based sizing?

Some knitwear sizes by body weight rather than measurements. The wool-cotton summer pullover lists M for 88–105 lb, L for 105–121 lb, XL for 121–143 lb and XXL for 143–154 lb.

Use it as a cross-check, not a primary guide. That listing also publishes bust measurements — 33.07–34.65 in at M rising to 37.80–39.37 in at XXL — and those are far more reliable, since two people at the same weight can differ considerably across the chest.

Which fibre should I choose?

• Wool blends — warm, breathable, naturally regulate temperature. Usually blended with cotton or microfibre for durability.
• Acrylic-cotton — soft and warm with good stretch. The most common combination in this category.
• Polyester blends — hold shape best and resist pilling, though less breathable.

Yarn thickness matters too. Fine yarn gives a smoother, more refined surface and layers better; regular yarn gives a chunkier, more textured look. Both appear in our range and it's stated on the listing.

Which knit should I choose?

For	Knit	Why
Summer layering	Short-sleeve wool-cotton pullover	Under 120 g/m², medium stretch, full size chart
Genuine winter warmth	Velvet-lined turtleneck	Plush lining, slim fit, high stretch
Everyday autumn wear	Striped knit O-neck pullover	Full S–XXXL chart with published measurements
Something with detail	Hollow-out knit pullover	Acrylic-cotton with high stretch and open detailing
Layering over shirts	Striped zipper-layer pullover	Turn-down collar, thick medium-weight knit
Plus sizing	Colour block V-neck pullover	100% acrylic ribbed knit with slight stretch

Browse sweaters and jumpers and V-neck pullovers.

How do I care for knitwear?

• Fold, never hang. Hanging pulls the shoulders out of shape permanently.
• Dry flat. A wet knit stretches under its own weight faster than a dry one.
• Wash cold and gentle, inside out, to limit pilling.
• De-pill with a fabric shaver rather than picking at bobbles, which pulls threads.
• Give it space in storage — compression flattens the loft that makes a knit warm.

See our knitted dresses guide for more on fibre behaviour and pilling.

Frequently asked questions

Do Asian sizes run smaller?

Typically by one to two sizes compared with EU or US sizing — and one of our listings states this directly. Always buy from the published bust measurement rather than the size letter.

What is GSM in fabric?

Grams per square metre — the fabric's weight. Under 120 g/m² is a light summer knit; 120–220 g/m² is a proper autumn or winter jumper.

Is one-size knitwear reliable?

Within its stated range, yes — the knit stretches. Check the published bust range before buying; outside it, the garment won't fit.

How do I know how warm a sweater will be?

Check the fabric weight and whether it's lined. A slim velvet-lined knit is warmer than a thicker unlined one, and sits better under a coat.

Should I size up in knitwear?

If it uses Asian sizing, or if you want an oversized fit, yes. Compare the bust measurement to your own plus a couple of inches of ease.

What's the difference between fine and regular yarn?

Fine yarn creates a smoother, more refined surface that layers well. Regular yarn gives a chunkier texture. Both are stated on our listings.

Why does my sweater pill?

Friction, mostly at the underarm and where a bag strap sits. Acrylic pills more readily than polyester. Wash cold and inside out, and use a fabric shaver rather than picking.

Can I hang my jumpers?

No — fold them. The weight of the knit pulls the shoulders down over time and the distortion is permanent.

Key takeaways

• Asian sizing runs one to two sizes smaller — buy on measurements, not the letter.
• GSM tells you warmth: under 120 is summer, 120–220 is winter.
• A plush or velvet lining adds warmth without bulk.
• One-size items have a published bust range — check you're inside it.
• Weight-based charts are a cross-check; bust measurements are the real guide.
• Allow 1–3 cm measurement tolerance on hand-measured garments.
• Fold knitwear, dry flat, wash cold and inside out.

Conclusion

Find the bust measurement, check the GSM, and note whether it's lined. Those three numbers tell you whether a jumper will fit and whether it will be warm enough — regardless of what the size label says or which sizing standard it was made to.

Browse sweaters and jumpers for the full range.