The Archives | Knitwear

What is jacquard knitwear?

Jacquard knitting builds a pattern into the fabric as it’s made. Different colored yarns are worked into the structure of the knit, so the design is part of the cloth rather than a layer sitting on it. That has a practical upside, too. The motif is far less likely to crack, peel or fade than a surface print after repeated washing and wear.

It also changes how a print behaves. A knitted motif has a slightly raised, tactile quality, and the pattern moves with you. That’s why patterned knitwear made this way looks so rich up close. Go on, take a closer look.

Explore the collection

1. Printed cardigans and long cardigans for women: Start here. The cardigan is the easiest way into the collection. Our printed cardigan styles, like the Faye Cardigan, carry the archival motifs across the body, and the long cardigan for women works over dresses, trousers, or a simple tee. Wear it open for a relaxed line, or button it up when the temperature drops.
2. Pullovers and jumpers: Women’s pullovers and the jacquard jumper are the pieces you’ll reach for on any weekday, from the Nina Sweater to the Zaira Pullover. The pattern does all the styling work, so plain denim or tailored trousers are all you need.
3. Knit co-ord sets: A matching knit set is the easiest look you’ll put together this winter. You get a coordinated top and bottom with the print carried across both, like the Lola Set. Or split them up and wear each piece on its own. Two pieces, plenty of looks.
4. Knitted tops and skirts: Knitted tops for women layer neatly under jackets or over shirts, like the Cleo Turtle-neck. Pair knitted tops & skirt, like the Lola Vest with the Lola Skirt, for a two-piece option for dinners and long lunches, with boots or loafers to finish.

The cotton wool blend

Each knit is 80% cotton and 20% wool. We chose that ratio on purpose. Cotton keeps the fabric soft and familiar against the skin, and the wool adds warmth without the heaviness of a fully wool sweater. A cotton-wool blend sweater suits Indian winters beautifully, when mornings can be cold and afternoons mild. Cozy at breakfast, comfortable by lunch.

Finished with hand embroidery

Several pieces carry hand-embroidered elements on top of the jacquard pattern. An embroidered cardigan or hand-embroidered sweater takes longer to make, and you can see why when you look closely at the stitching. Each piece has small variations that come from handwork, and that’s the charm. No two are exactly alike. The same applies to our embroidered bomber jacket, where the stitching sits against the quilted corduroy.

How to style winter knits for women

• Let the print lead. Pair a jacquard sweater with solid trousers, plain denim or a simple skirt.
• Layer by weight. Wear a knitted top under a cardigan, then add the bomber jacket on colder evenings.
• Wear the co-ord both ways. Together for a polished look, or mix each piece with basics you already own.
• Choose footwear to match the mood. Boots or loafers keep it polished; clean sneakers keep it easy.
• Feeling bold? Try two NOIB prints together.

Care guide

Always check the care label on your piece first. In general, wool-blend knits do best when washed gently in cool water and dried flat. Hanging a wet knit stretches the shoulders, so fold it over a rack instead. Store knitwear folded in your wardrobe rather than on hangers. Embroidered and quilted pieces benefit from spot cleaning or dry cleaning, depending on the label. Treat them well, and they’ll be with you for many winters.

Why shop with NOIB

NOIB is an Indian designer label built on print, and The Archives Knitwear is our take on Indian designer knitwear. This collection takes that identity into new materials and techniques without changing what the brand is about. Every NOIB cardigan, NOIB poncho, and NOIB knitwear piece starts from the same archive, so the collection sits happily alongside the NOIB pieces you already love.