Quick answer: Judge a knitted dress on its fibre content and its stretch level. Acrylic is warm and soft but pills more readily. Polyester blends hold shape better and resist pilling. Elastane in the mix is what lets a close-fitting knit recover instead of bagging out. And check the care line — some knits are machine washable, many are hand wash only.

Knitted dresses are the most comfortable thing in a cold-weather wardrobe and the easiest to ruin in a wash. Both facts come down to the fibre.

Which fibre should I choose?

Fibre	Feels like	Trade-off
Acrylic	Soft, warm, wool-like	Pills more readily with wear
Polyester	Smooth, holds shape	Less warm, less breathable
Acrylic / polyester / polyamide blend	Warmth with better structure	The best all-round balance
Polyester + elastane	Close-fitting with recovery	Shows the body more

Pure acrylic gives the softest, warmest hand. A plus size high neck dress in 100% acrylic stretch knit is comfortable and machine washable — unusual for knitwear, and genuinely convenient.

Blends manage the trade-off better. The Essnce half-zip sweater dress uses 42% acrylic, 30% polyester and 28% polyamide — the acrylic brings warmth, the polyester and polyamide bring structure and durability.

For a close fit, elastane is what matters. The ribbed one-shoulder bodycon mini uses 95% polyester with 5% elastane, which gives it recovery — the knit springs back rather than stretching out at the knees and elbows.

How much stretch do I want?

More stretch means a closer fit and more forgiveness on sizing; less stretch means a more structured drape.

• High elasticity — sculpted and body-following. The asymmetrical high-neck tunic dress uses a high-elasticity knit polyester in a pencil silhouette.
• Micro or slight elasticity — a little give without clinging. The most versatile level for everyday wear.
• No stated stretch — relies on the knit structure itself, which usually means a looser, more relaxed cut.

Buying online? Knit is already more forgiving than woven fabric, so a knitted dress is one of the safer things to order without trying on.

Which silhouette suits what?

Relaxed and oversized

Drop shoulders and lantern sleeves give volume without bulk through the body. A color block fuzzy knit sweater dress pairs both with a crew neck — the classic cosy silhouette, and easy to wear over leggings.

Fitted

Close through the body, showing the knit's texture. The half-zip midi above is a fitted example, with a V-neck zip that lets you adjust how open the neckline sits.

Bodycon

Ribbed knits are the natural choice here, because the vertical rib both stretches and creates a lengthening line. Best with elastane in the mix.

How do I stop knitwear stretching or pilling?

Most knitwear damage happens in the wash and in storage, not in wear.

1. Check the care line first. Some knits are machine washable, several are hand wash only, and a few specify no dry cleaning — it varies genuinely between garments.
2. Never hang a knitted dress. The weight pulls the shoulders out permanently. Fold it.
3. Dry flat. Hanging a wet knit is the single fastest way to lose its shape, because wet fibres stretch under their own weight.
4. Wash cold and gently. Heat and agitation are what cause acrylic to pill.
5. Turn inside out before washing to protect the outer surface.
6. De-pill rather than discard. A fabric shaver restores an acrylic knit that's started to bobble.

Which knitted dress should I choose?

For	Dress	Why
Maximum cosiness	Fuzzy colour block sweater dress	Soft knit with drop shoulders and lantern sleeves
Easy care	Plus size acrylic high neck dress	100% acrylic stretch knit, machine washable
A structured silhouette	Half-zip fitted midi	Acrylic blend with polyester and polyamide for shape
Evening and parties	Ribbed one-shoulder bodycon	Elastane gives the close fit recovery
Work and everyday	Asymmetrical high-neck tunic	High-elasticity knit, all-season, machine washable
Layering separately	Colour block V-neck pullover	Ribbed acrylic knit to pair with skirts or jeans

See more in knitted dresses and plus size sweaters and jumpers.

What do I wear with a knitted dress?

• Boots — the natural pairing. Ankle boots with a midi, knee-high with a mini. Browse boots.
• Loafers and flats for a softer daytime look — see loafers.
• Tights or leggings underneath for warmth, especially with a relaxed silhouette.
• A structured layer on top — a leather or faux leather jacket sharpens a soft knit. See leather and fur.
• Simple jewellery. Chunky knits swallow fine chains; a single statement piece works better. Browse chains.

Frequently asked questions

Is acrylic or polyester better for a knitted dress?

Acrylic is warmer and softer but pills more readily. Polyester holds shape better and resists pilling. Blends of both, sometimes with polyamide, give the best balance of warmth and durability.

Why do knitted dresses lose their shape?

Usually from hanging — the garment's own weight pulls the shoulders down over time, and a wet knit stretches even faster. Fold knitwear and dry it flat.

Can you machine wash a knitted dress?

Some, but not all. Care instructions vary genuinely across knitwear — several of ours are machine washable, others are hand wash only. Check the individual listing.

How do I stop a knit from pilling?

Wash cold, gently and inside out, and avoid heat. When bobbling appears, a fabric shaver removes it and restores the surface rather than the garment being finished.

What does elastane do in a knit?

It gives the fabric recovery, so a close-fitting knit springs back rather than bagging at the knees and elbows. Essential in bodycon styles.

Are knitted dresses good for winter?

Yes, particularly acrylic and acrylic blends, which trap warmth well. Layer with tights and boots and they work through the coldest months.

Should I size up in a knitted dress?

Not usually — knit stretches, so your normal size generally works. Size up only if you want a deliberately oversized, relaxed silhouette.

How should I store knitwear?

Folded flat in a drawer or on a shelf, never on a hanger. Give it space rather than compressing it under heavier items.

Key takeaways

• Acrylic is warm and soft; polyester holds shape; blends balance both.
• Elastane provides recovery — essential in close-fitting knits.
• Knit is forgiving on sizing, which makes it safer to buy online.
• Never hang a knitted dress; fold it and dry it flat.
• Wash cold, gentle and inside out to limit pilling.
• A fabric shaver revives an acrylic knit that has bobbled.
• Care instructions vary genuinely — check each garment.

Conclusion

Choose the fibre for how you'll wear it: pure acrylic for warmth and softness, a blend for something that holds its shape through a season, and elastane in anything fitted. Then fold it, wash it cold and dry it flat — that's most of what keeps knitwear looking new.

Browse knitted dresses for the full range.