10 French Knitwear Brands to Invest in This Season
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Photo credit: Eric Bompard
Knitwear has always been a quiet emblem of French style—practical yet sensual, timeless yet ever-evolving. In Paris, you’ll see it layered beneath a winter coat for chic coziness or casually draped over a trench on breezy spring days.
As a true year-round staple, it pays to invest wisely. Above all by selecting natural fibers like cashmere or wool that are generally more breathable, soft and sustainable.
While many brands create beautiful knits, a few have mastered the craft who you can reliably turn to for impeccable quality and enduring style.
From the bohemian pullovers of Sézane to the heritage craftsmanship of Tricots Jean-Marc, these 10 French knitwear brands define what it means to invest in luxury that lasts.
1. Sézane
The French fashion brand that started it all online, Sézane has become synonymous with effortlessly Parisian, bordering bohemian style. Founded by Morgane Sézalory in 2013, Sézane seduced French women (and later, the world) with its romantic knits and soft silhouettes.
Their Gaspard Cardigan is a true cult favorite, but every Sézane knit feels special (I’ve included many of them in my Paris packing guides). Made from RWS-certified wool and mohair, Sézane’s sweaters are as kind to the planet as they are cozy to wear.
2. Eric Bompard
Ask any French woman where to find the best cashmere, and she’ll likely mention Bompard. Founded in 1985, Eric Bompard remains one of France’s most iconic names in luxury knitwear.
Each piece, whether an ultra-fine crewneck or a classic turtleneck pullover, feels like a second skin, consisting of 100% cashmere or blends with cotton and silk. Available in an endless range of colors and fits, each sweater guarantees a timeless elegance, no matter if you lean toward soft neutrals or something more playful.
I personally wait for the winter and summer sales to score their buttery cashmere pieces at the best prices.
3. Kujten
Born from friendship and a shared passion for cashmere, Kujten was founded by Carole Benaroya and Stéphanie Eriksson after their first trip to Mongolia.
Their luxury cashmere brand marries Parisian design with Mongolian craftsmanship for knitwear that feels both elevated and down-to-earth.
Browse their collections, and you can expect beautifully cut sweaters and relaxed fits, all with a bohemian feel. Their bandana scarves are one of the latest trends in Paris that I saw everywhere on my recent trip.
4. NotShy
“Cashmere with character”: that’s exactly what defines NotShy. Established in 1998 and still designed in their Parisian studio, this French knitwear brand brings contemporary cuts and luxurious materials to the forefront.
Under the creative direction of Mercedeh Vafaï, NotShy reimagines cashmere each season, balancing softness with structure and modernity with timelessness.
Far beyond a simple sweater, cashmere extends to every piece, from jackets to shorts, which are certain to become forever favorites in your own wardrobe.
5. From Future
Vibrant, playful, and unapologetically cool, From Future is rewriting the rules of knitwear. Their cashmere and merino sweaters come splashed with neon hues, graphic motifs, and bold text. Perfectly suited to those who prefer their knitwear with a bit of character.
Sustainability sits at the core of the brand, with most pieces crafted from 100% natural or recycled materials. From basic models to its most fun creations, their sweaters are also surprisingly accessible (the majority are priced under €200).
6. Tricot
Newer to knitwear, Tricot was founded in Paris in 2019 by photographer and art director Rémi de Laquintane with one goal: to create exceptional cashmere sweaters.
And they deliver. Each piece is made in Italy from recycled cashmere, expertly crafted by Venetian artisans. Their sweaters have a particularly Parisian minimalism that’s unisex, relaxed and effortless. And even though minimalist in design, Tricot has a palette of cool colors to choose from.
“Tricot” by the way is French for knit sweater.
7. Surprise
Surprise is the French sweater brand gaining attention for its ultra-fluffy, super soft knits that you can’t not notice. Their line of candy-colored sweaters have practically taken over my Instagram feed.
Every piece is crafted from natural, certified wool in family-run European workshops, ensuring ethical production, incredible quality, and a focus on local craftsmanship.
If you’re shopping at Surprise for your winter wardrobe, don’t skip their knit accessories: solid mohair scarves and cozy ribbed beanies that complete any cold-weather look (while being an instant mood-booster).
8. Hircus
Few French sweater brands can do tradition and modernity like Hircus. Founded by two friends with a shared appreciation for timeless elegance, the brand celebrates cashmere as the ultimate wardrobe essential.
In each of its collections, you’ll find sweaters meticulously cut from first-rate fibers and produced responsibly to ensure lasting quality. These are the kinds of sweaters you’ll never tire of.
I randomly came across Hircus a few years ago in Paris, and now I’m seeing the name everywhere!
9. LAFRANÇAISE
A true ode to French craftsmanship, LAFRANÇAISE Mailles in France produces 100% made in France knitwear from its historic Normandy atelier. The brand reimagines the art of French knitting with playful volumes, joyful colors, and a distinctly cool femininity.
Under the artistic direction of Christine Phung, LAFRANÇAISE embodies a new wave of homegrown fashion: rooted in tradition, yet alive with modern energy.
Shop their latest collection online (or visit their factory outlet in Chanverrie, if you please) to find your next stylish armor against the cold.
10. Tricots Jean-Marc
For over 50 years, Tricots Jean-Marc has been crafting beautiful knitwear in the Paris region. Family-run for three generations, this famous knitwear brand continues the artisanal know-how of French knitting. Each sweater is meticulously knit and assembled by hand using the finest natural fibers (merino, alpaca, silk).
With innovative textures, bold colors, and a dedication to craftsmanship, Tricots Jean-Marc delivers heirloom-level pieces for women who have an obsession with exceptional quality and enduring style.
More French Knitwear Brands
You can also find fabulous knitwear pieces at Galeries Lafayette, even though they don’t specialize exclusively in knitwear. Their in-house cashmere line is quite nice, and it often goes on sale. I own a couple of sweaters from them and have been really happy with the quality (because not all cashmere is created equal!).
I’ve also heard great things about the sweaters at Monoprix. If you’re after affordable cashmere, keep an eye out for their seasonal sales to stock up on a few basics (perfect for rounding out your wardrobe).
Another favorite of mine for cool, casual knits is American Vintage. It’s not technically a knitwear brand, but they make some really great pieces (I especially love their Vitow jumper).
For men, I’d recommend Octobre Éditions (Sézane’s men’s line) and Nitto Knitwear, the men’s collection from Tricots Jean-Marc.
And of course, there are an endless number of French fashion brands with beautiful knits worth shopping.
Et voilà, the 10 French sweater brands worth knowing (and wearing) this season.
Have you shopped from any of these French knitwear brands? Let me know in the comments below!
