Knitwear
Knitwear colours: which to buy first
By sneakersInn team · Updated
Buy knitwear in this order: navy first, then mid grey, then olive or cream, then black. Those four or five colours go with every trouser, shirt and shoe in a classic wardrobe, so each knit makes several outfits. Add brown, burgundy, rust or a brighter colour once the basics are covered.
| Order | Colour | Goes with | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Navy | Grey, stone, khaki, jeans, white | The most versatile knit colour |
| 2 | Mid grey | Navy, black, jeans, olive | Neutral, works day and night |
| 3 | Olive | Cream, stone, navy, jeans | Earthy, flatters dark skin |
| 4 | Cream or ecru | Navy, olive, brown, jeans | Fresh and bright |
| 5 | Black | Grey, black, olive, jeans | Sleek evenings |
| 6+ | Brown, burgundy, rust, green | Neutrals | Personality |
Why start with navy?
Navy is darker than most trousers you'll wear it with, flatters every skin tone, and looks smart over a white or light blue shirt. A navy knit with grey trousers or stone chinos is a classic combination. See layering a knit over a shirt.
Why grey second?
Grey goes with navy, black and olive, and looks good with both dark and light shirts. Mid grey is easier than very light or charcoal.
Why olive or cream?
They add warmth and look excellent on dark skin. Olive with cream or stone chinos, or cream with navy trousers, are easy combinations. See best colours for dark skin.
When should I add brighter colours?
When you have three or four neutral knits. Then a burgundy, forest green or rust knit adds personality without clashing, because everything else is neutral.
Which colours are hardest to wear?
Very bright, saturated colours and pale pastels in knitwear show wear, pilling and stains quickly, and are harder to pair.
Questions
What colour knit goes with jeans?
Almost any; navy, grey, olive and cream are the easiest.
What colour knit goes with black trousers?
Grey, black, olive, burgundy and cream.
Which knit pieces should I own?
See the 5 knitwear pieces every man needs and colour matching for men.