As a fashion editor, ensuring that you (and I) receive the highest quality pieces at the best possible price is a responsibility I take incredibly seriously. And when it comes to high-street shopping, I like to think I’m somewhat of a connoisseur. Whether it’s sniffing out Zara’s hidden gems or dissecting H&M capsule collections, uncovering the best of the best is undoubtedly my favourite pastime and one of the most rewarding aspects of the job.
Marylin dives into knitwear, wearing a bright red COS jumper.
Yet amidst the ever-changing new in rails and flurry of seasonal drops, there’s one brand that consistently delivers smash hit after smash hit: COS.
Bringing the sentence “expensive-looking high street” to life, it offers everything from high-quality, affordable basics to versatile outerwear and chic jeans. With the weather in flux and a cold air nipping at our shins, COS knitwear is back and better than ever. From cosy red knits adding dopamine to a monochromatic ensemble, to a baby blue polo neck adding a lively finish to brown velvet jeans, the most fashionable faces on my grid have been heading to COS to snap up knits in every iteration.
Lucy Williams wears a baby blue Cos polo neck jumper.
This week, I decided to head to the COS store. On the hunt for the most luxe-looking knits, I was truly spoilt for choice. Scroll on to see the best expensive-looking COS knitwear below.
The Most Expensive Looking COS Knitwear, Tested By a Who What Wear Editor
- The Most Expensive-Looking Kniterwear: Brushed Cashmere Crew Neck Cardigan (£189)
- The Most Expensive-Looking Knitwear Cardigan: Merino Wool Cardigan (£85)
- The Most Expensive-Looking Knitwear Polo: Brushed Cashmere Polo Jumper (£199)
- The Most Expensive-Looking Knitwear Crew Neck: Chunky Cashmere Crew Neck (£229)
- The Most Expensive-Looking Knitwear Roll Neck: Chunky Cashmere Turtleneck Jumper (£250)
- The Most Expensive-Looking Knitwear V-Neck: Merino Woll V-Neck Jumper (£85)
1. Brushed Cashmere Crew Neck Cardigan
Style Notes: This brushed cashmere jumper is not one to be missed. Made from 100% cashmere, it’s the perfect blend of the brand’s minimalistic aesthetic dripped and this season’s trending tones and cuts, balancing both style and substance with ease. Available in five subdued shades, its silhouette is elevated and polished, not to mention gloriously soft to the touch. Tried in a medium, its layers with ease slotting under a trench and over a tee, making it an ideal transitional piece for autumn dressing.
Shop the Knit:
COS
Brushed-Cashmere Crew-Neck Cardigan
If you’re feeling creative, style as Cos have done and layer two cardis over each other for a casual elevation.
Pros
- Great value for money.
- Available in a range of shades.
- 100% cashmere.
2. Merino Wool Cardigan
Style Notes: Year after year, this Merino Wool Cardi sells out before winter hits. Crafted from a premium merino wool, it’s gloriously soft and impressively warm, keeping you toasty when a chill sets in.
With rounded sleeves and ribbed trims, its cropped fit falls just above your. Tried in the subtle pale pink hue, it’s also available in a navy and Mole mélange, and each colour adds a much-needed hit of dopamine dressing to even the simplest of outfits. I wore mine with low-waisted trousers and a loafer, but I’ve spotted them out and about with everything from jeans to draped over the shoulders with a maxi dress.
Shop the Knit:
With Navy sold out and final sizes available in pink, if you like this knit, I would check out fast!
Pros
- 100% Merino wool, thick fabrication makes it perfect for winter.
- Machine washable.
- Elevated finish of rounded sleeves and ribbed trims make it look far more expensive.
- Great value for money.
Cons
- Limited colour ways, may not seemlessly fit into everyones capsule wardobes.
- Limited size range.
3. Chunky Cashmere Crew Neck
Style Notes: Every year, fashion people flood my grid, all wearing various shades of this Chunky Cashmere Crew Neck. A thick knit fabrication with detailed ribbed trims, its luxe feel lies in its 100% cashmere fabrication and simplistic design detail. Available in navy and beige, I gravitated towards the pale pink colouring, which provides a relaxed polish. Size small was the perfect fit, as it again leans oversized. The true markings of an autumn staple, of late, I’ve seen this jumper styled with everything from trousers to snake print skirts.
Shop the Knit:
COS
Chunky Cashmere Crew-Neck Jumper
So many Who What Wear editors have snapped this jumper up as of late.
Pros
- 100% GCS cashmere.
- Machine washable, no handwashing needed here.
- Elevated finish of rounded sleeves and ribbed trims make it look far more expensive.
Cons
- Limited colour ways, may not seemlessly fit into everyones capsule wardrobes.
4. Brushed Cashmere Polo Jumper
Style Notes: It’s no secret, I’m a big fan of a polo neck, but this brushed cashmere polo is one of the best I’ve tried to date. Tried in a small, its open collar and batwing sleeves create a laid back shape, while its earthy olive tone is not only bang on trend for autumn. The brushed fabrication adds texture, and its long fit means it skims the top of your thighs. Available in a pale pink, I simply couldn’t leave the store without purchasing this knit!
Shop the Knit:
COS
Brushed-Cashmere Polo Jumper
If you’re after a relaxed fit, I would recommend sizing down as the finish leans more oversized.
Pros
- : 100% GCS Cashmere.
- Machine Washable.
- Elevated finish of the open collar and batwing sleeves make it look far more expensive.
- Great value for money.
Cons
- Limited colour ways, may not seemlessly fit into everyones capsule wardobes.
- Limited size range.
5. Merino Woll V-Neck Jumper
Style Notes: Drawing my eye immediately, this baby blue V-neck truly took me by surprise. Crafted from premium merino wool, the rolled hem and raglan sleeves with modern thumbhole cuffs make this simplistic jumper feel infinitely cooler. I tried in a size small and would advise you to size up if you’re desired fit is a looser finish, but all in all this jumper still plays on my mind. The perfect blue pair as I have with black trousers or with a warm brown, as Lucy William has above, for a polished finish.
Shop the Knit:
COS
Merino Wool V-Neck Jumper
This would look so chic with a shirt and a midi skirt.
Shop More Cos Knitwear Below:
COS
Cashmere Funnel-Neck Jumper
A roll neck jumper is always a good idea.
COS
Rounded Double-Faced Wool Jumper
With a curved silhouette in 5 vibrant shades, this jumper has all the makings of a best seller.
COS
Sculpted Merino Wool Jacket
With a deep collar and a cropped finish, this feels so Khaite-coded.
COS
Brushed-Cashmere Waistcoat
I need to wear this whole look pronto.
COS
Knitted Cotton Waistcoat
A waistcoat and trousers combo will forever be chic.
COS
Double-Faced Knitted Jacket
Looking for a cool girl polish? Take a look at this zipped jacket.
COS
Double-Faced Merino Wool Dress
Little black dresses are having a moment ATM.
COS
Crew-Neck Merino Wool Top
Available in 16 shades, I own and wear multiple of these fine knit jumpers every autumn/winter.
COS
Merino Wool Buttoned Vest
Another Khaite-coded piece.
Why Trust Us:
At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.
We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and everything we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.
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