Cable Knit
Textured knit with twisted stitch patterns resembling braided ropes. Traditionally wool for fisherman sweaters. Cables trap air for insulation.
Material Score Breakdown
7-axis material rubric, not a garment verdict — see disclosure below.
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
Air flow and ventilation
Heat retention and insulation
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Environmental impact of production and disposal
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Products with cable knit
We don't have any cable knit products in our catalog yet — it's a rare natural fiber. Here are top-rated natural alternatives:
Merino Cardigan
100% Merino Wool
Merino Long-Sleeve Sweater Polo
100% Merino Wool
Merino Sweater
100% Merino Wool
Merino Johnny-Collar Sweater Polo
100% Merino Wool
Slim Merino Ribbed Sweater
100% Merino Wool
Merino Crew-Neck Sweater
100% Merino Wool
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from cable knit. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.
- ×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same cable knit feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best For
Excellent warmth (85) and durability (70) for cold weather
Excellent durability (70) and comfort (78) for office wear
Good durability (70) and breathability (55) for outdoor activities
Good sustainability score (65)
Pros
- ✓ Excellent warmth
- ✓ Classic timeless look
- ✓ Substantial and cozy
Cons
- ✗ Heavy
- ✗ Can stretch
- ✗ Slow to dry
- ✗ Careful washing needed
Better alternatives
Higher-scored natural materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+20 vs Cable Knit · 92/100
BiodegradableThe rarest and most expensive animal fiber in the world, from the vicuña of the Andes. Finer than cashmere, incredibly soft, warm, and lightweight. A single coat yields only 250g of usable fiber every 2-3 years.
+14 vs Cable Knit · 86/100
BiodegradableUltra-fine wool from Merino sheep. Softer and less itchy than regular wool, with excellent temperature regulation and moisture management.
+10 vs Cable Knit · 82/100
BiodegradableExtra-long-staple cotton historically grown in the West Indies (Barbados, Jamaica) and Sea Islands of Georgia/South Carolina. Among the rarest commercial fibers on earth — staple length up to 2.5", silky hand feel, intense color saturation when dyed. Used in heritage luxury shirting and bespoke menswear.
Care Guide
Special Notes
• Fold for storage — hanging stretches cables
Additional Care Tips
- • Hand wash cold
- • Lay flat to dry
- • Reshape while damp
Cost
$$$$$
Mid-range
Shrinkage
May shrink 2-5% — wash cold
Eco Rating
Moderate impact — consider eco alternatives