A New Chapter in Eton’s Journey: The Debut Knitwear Collection

We're so thrilled about this new chapter! Can you tell us about what inspired the decision to expand into knitwear?

Absolutely! It’s been a natural progression for us. Eton has always been about timeless craftsmanship, and we wanted to extend that same level of expertise into knitwear. We’ve built a strong reputation with our shirts, but we wanted to offer our customer pieces that offer more versatility, particularly in layering and smart casual wear. Knitwear was the perfect answer to that.

What can you tell us about the craftsmanship behind the collection?

It’s really the heart of this collection. All our knitwear is crafted a region in Italy which is well-known for its rich heritage in artisanal knitting. We’ve partnered with one of the finest knitters in the industry. And of course, we’ve selected only the best material this season—extra-fine Merino wool—which is not only luxuriously soft and perfect for most climates. The combination of expert knitters, thoughtful design, and the premium yarn used ensures bothe longevity and luxury.

Interesting! Can you tell us more about Merino wool and why it’s a good choice?

Merino wool was an easy choice. It’s ultra-soft, breathable, and has natural thermoregulating properties, which makes it perfect for knitwear, especially for fall/winter collections. And it works in most climates. For this collection, we worked with two iconic Italian yarns: Zegna Baruffa and Tollegno. Ultra-fine Zegna Baruffa provides the yarn for our 18-gauge crewneck, which is lightweight and perfect for layering without feeling bulky. It has a refined, smooth finish that’s ideal for those who want comfort but also a polished look. You can even wear it on its own as a first layer against your skin, it’s that soft

For the polo and quarter-zip styles, we use Tollegno’s 14-gauge extra-fine Merino wool. This gauge is slightly thicker than the crewneck’s 18-gauge knit, giving these pieces more structure and warmth while still retaining the softness that Merino wool is known for. The 14-gauge fabric also offers a beautiful drape, making it ideal for elevated looks.

That’s a great breakdown of the yarns and gauges. So the crewneck is more lightweight, while the polo and quarter-zip have a bit more heft?

Exactly. The 18-gauge knit in the crewneck creates a finer, more compact fabric that’s perfect for layering. You could easily wear it under a blazer or jacket without adding bulk. It’s designed to feel light but still warm. On the other hand, the 14-gauge knit we use for the polo and quarter-zip sweaters are slightly thicker, offering a bit more warmth and structure, which makes it perfect for colder days or when you want something a little more substantial. Both options, though, are incredibly soft and breathable, thanks to the high-quality Merino wool.

Let’s talk about the collection itself. What styles can we expect?

We’ve launched with three key styles—an 18-gauge lightweight crewneck, a 14-gauge polo, and a quarter-zip sweater. The crewneck is incredibly versatile for layering, and the polo and quarter-zip offer a bit more structure. Each piece is designed to transition effortlessly between formal and casual settings, so they’re really adaptable to any wardrobe.

I love the balance of versatility and refinement. How do the color choices fit into this vision?

We kept the color palette rich and timeless—think forest green, oxblood, navy, and beige. These shades are perfect for the fall season but are also versatile enough to be worn year-round. We wanted these knits to be staples that the modern gentleman can rely on, no matter the occasion.

And speaking of care, any tips for keeping these pieces in top condition?

Yes! Knitwear needs a bit more attention than, say, your shirts. We recommend steaming rather than ironing, folding instead of hanging to avoid stretching, and storing with natural moth repellents like cedar or lavender. It’s all about preserving that luxurious feel for as long as possible. Also, letting it air out between wears and washing less to preserve it as along as possible.

That’s great advice! Lastly, what excites you most about Eton’s journey into knitwear?

What excites me most is that this collection is just the beginning. We’re bringing the same level of precision and craftsmanship that we’re known for in shirts to a new category. And with more styles and designs planned for future collections, we’re really expanding what Eton can offer. I can’t wait to see where it takes us.

Thanks so much for the insights! We can’t wait to see how everyone responds to this exciting new collection and what the future of knitwear holds for Eton.