If you’re one of those people who regretfully packs away your collection of luxury knitwear at the first signs of spring, we’ve got good news for you. Knitwear is not just for winter! Thanks to the unpredictable weather of the typical Great British Summer, knitwear can be a year-round style saviour. Just forget the chunky wool sweaters and baggy cardigans, and think sleek, soft, fine gauge cotton knitwear instead.

Cotton is naturally breathable, absorbent and insulating. It’s beautifully soft and comfortable to wear, and is very durable and easy to care for. Knits made from superior cotton blends like Supima actually improve with wear and you can even toss them in the machine to wash and dry. No wonder cotton is the favourite yarn for summer knitwear!

A simple way to update your wardrobe for a fresh summer look is to invest in a few pieces of fine, lightweight, cool knitwear perfect for layering. A lacy cotton cardi is perfect for those months when the weather’s changeable. Slip it on over a dress or top when the temperatures drop in the evening or for a bit of extra warmth on those cooler English summer days. A longer length, loose-knit cardigan makes a great alternative to a jacket, crease-free for packing and much lighter and less bulky to carry around. Combine it with a tee-shirt or vest top and jeans for a casual and carefree vibe, or style it over slim capri pants or classic tailored trousers for a more sophisticated look.

While you’ll probably want to leave the rollnecks in the drawer for the summer, relaxed-fit v-neck or scoop-neck jumpers in the finest gauge cotton or linen/cotton blend are just as cool and easy to wear as a tee-shirt, and add a more chic, contemporary edge to an everyday outfit too.

Soft, pretty pastel shades are a traditional and much-loved choice for spring-summer wear, but knitwear in bolder colours such as coral, jade and marine blue are wonderful for holidays and evenings. You don’t have to restrict yourself to just plain colours either. Summery feminine prints and smart maritime stripes flatter every figure and age.

Whatever your personal style, you’re certain to find cotton knitwear to suit you in this season’s collections from favourite luxury knitwear brands such as David Nieper, John Smedley and Reiss.