The clocks go back on Sunday: 8 cosy knits on sale for darker evenings

Written by

The clocks go back at 2am this Sunday, 25 October, which means darker evenings from Monday onwards. It is also the point in the year when a good jumper stops being optional. The good news is that several of the shops we track have already cut prices on knitwear, so you can stock up before the cold really sets in.

The knitwear shapes to look for this autumn

Fashion editors have settled on a handful of shapes for autumn 2026. You do not need all of them, but one or two will make your wardrobe feel current.

Half-zip jumpers. Sporty and smart at the same time. Wear one zipped up over a T-shirt or open over a shirt collar.
Cardigans you can wear as a top. Fitted, buttoned cardigans work on their own or layered under a blazer.
Knitted vests and tanks. Wear them alone on milder days, then over a shirt when it turns colder.
Classic crew necks in merino. Fine wool is warm without bulk, so it fits under a coat without feeling tight.

How to buy knitwear in the sales

Check the fabric first. Merino, cotton and wool blends last longer than acrylic and keep their shape after washing. Next, check the sizes listed: knitwear sells out fastest in the middle sizes, so if yours is still available, it is worth moving quickly. Finally, think about layering. A thinner knit you can wear under a coat will get far more use between now and March than a chunky one.

Washing tip: turn knits inside out, wash them cool, and dry them flat. Hanging a wet jumper stretches it out of shape.

Our picks

For women, the Boden Phoebe collared knitted jacket is the most versatile piece here, and it is still available in a wide run of sizes. The Jigsaw metallic rib cardigan is the one to wear out in the evening. For men, the Charles Tyrwhitt merino crew neck is a classic that goes with everything, and the River Island half-zip is a cheap way into this season’s favourite shape.