Knitwear
Lightweight knits for harmattan mornings
By sneakersInn team · Updated
On harmattan mornings, wear a fine-gauge knit you can take off by midday: a cotton or merino quarter-zip, crewneck or cardigan over a tee. Harmattan mornings are cooler and very dry, but afternoons warm up quickly, so the right knit is light, easy to remove and smooth enough not to collect dust.
| Knit | Why it suits harmattan |
|---|---|
| Quarter-zip | Zip down as the day warms; easy over a tee |
| Fine crewneck | Smart over a shirt for the office |
| Cotton cardigan | Opens fully, carries easily |
| Long-sleeve knitted polo | Light, collared, works all day |
What is harmattan?
Harmattan is a dry, dusty trade wind that blows from the Sahara across West Africa, roughly from late November to March, strongest from December to February. It brings haze, low humidity, cooler mornings and nights, and warm afternoons (Harmattan on Wikipedia). In northern Ghana it's much stronger than in Accra, where the effect peaks around January.
Why knits instead of jackets?
A knit is lighter, softer and quicker to remove than a jacket, and it fits in a bag once the sun is up. It also looks smart over a shirt at the office without the weight of a blazer.
Which yarns are best?
- Cotton: cool, breathable, easy to wash; good for most mornings.
- Fine merino: warmer for chilly early mornings and air-conditioned rooms, soft and odour-resistant.
- Avoid fluffy yarns like mohair or brushed wool, which trap dust.
See knitwear fabrics compared.
What do I wear underneath?
A plain cotton tee or a shirt. The dry air can irritate skin, so a soft layer under wool helps.
How do I keep knits clean in the dust?
Shake them out and air them each evening. Brush with a soft clothes brush. Wash more often during harmattan, gently and cold. See how to wash and store knitwear.
Outfits for harmattan mornings
- Grey quarter-zip, white tee, dark jeans, black sneakers.
- Navy crewneck over a light blue oxford, stone chinos, brown derbies.
- Olive cardigan, cream tee, navy chinos, suede sneakers.
For the rest of the season's wardrobe, see our harmattan style guide.
Questions
What colours hide harmattan dust?
Mid tones like grey, olive and navy hide dust better than black or white.
What about my skin and lips?
Harmattan air is very dry. Moisturise, drink water and use lip balm; good grooming is part of looking sharp.