These are the trends you’ll be wearing this coming Autumn-Winter 2026. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources, from street style to the catwalk, we confidently predict knitwear pieces that will make their way into your wardrobe next season.
As always, this isn’t a copy-and-paste of trends.
Each prediction comes with a Maxted spin: timeless, wearable, and effortlessly stylish. There’s no room for throwaway fashion here, only enduring pieces designed to last.
Let’s dive in.
Knitted Rugby Shirts
We’ve all felt safe behind a classic Breton stripe (here's our blog post - What is the Breton Stripe?), but this season, it’s time to embrace something with a little more charisma. The Rugby Knit Stripe introduces colour and playfulness while maintaining a heritage feel rooted in traditional sportswear.
Style tip: Wear it with a white tee tucked into pleated trousers or jeans, and add a belt to break up the layers.
The Sloppy Knit
The Sloppy Knit has been reimagined this season. While tonal dressing still reigns, we’re now seeing this relaxed silhouette paired back with printed pants or skirts. At Maxted, we especially love the pyjama pant look.
Style tip: Keep it untucked, layer over a white tee, and finish with plenty of accessories and a pyjama pant.
The Brushed Cardigan
Our best-selling brushed cardigan from last year isn’t going anywhere. This fluffy, cloud-like cardigan delivers both cosy comfort and a touch of everyday luxury.
Tucked into jeans or layered over skirts, it’s endlessly versatile. This season, we especially loved styling it playfully with gingham pants. Soft texture meets subtle patterns for a fresh, modern look.
For those of you who adored this style, we’ve got something special: a fun update for the season ahead, along with beautiful new colours joining the lineup.
Our latest collection isn't available yet, so keep an eye on the website and search 'brushed cardigan' in our search bar.
Classic Ivory Cable
Forever timeless, forever ageless. An ivory cable knit is the denim of your knitwear wardrobe: a true staple.
We understand the hesitation around white and ivory, but once you make the switch, it will transform your everyday look into something effortlessly elevated.
Shop our Ivory V-Neck Cable
Shop our Ivory Cable Button Vest
Shop our Ivory Patchwork Cable Pullover
Or search 'Ivory Cable' in our search bar for our full range of ivory cable options.
Cotton Crew Cardigans
A classic staple, but this season’s update is all about colour. Think a seasonal red or a playful Fair Isle pattern.
Style tip: Wear it with tailored pants or a textured shirt for extra polish. Button it from the top down to create a sleek silhouette that plays with layering.
We offer a variety of crew options, so you can search 'crew' in our search bar.
V-Neck Vest
This timeless piece continues its reign, this time with fresh details like underarm ties and deep ribbed necklines that nod to the traditional cricket jumper.
Shop our full range of knitted vests
Cable Sleeveless Roll Neck
Chic and versatile, this is the perfect layering piece. The chunky cable and roll neck create presence, style it with a crisp white shirt for a refined finish. Some variations also feature side ties for added interest.
Read our blog post - How to Style The Sleeveless Knit
Chunky Cables
Season after season, chunky cables find a way to stay relevant. This time, we’re seeing rich tones sit beautifully alongside classic ivory.
Style tip: Go a size up for a statement silhouette, it’s the easiest way to capture that effortless, oversized look.
Search 'chunky' in our search bar.
Bows
Bows are having a moment across all categories this season. Their delicate detailing offers endless styling opportunities, making this one of the dressier knit options of AW26.
Fluffy Vest
A Maxted favourite, the fluffy vest is formidable in its simplicity. Wear it solo, over a dress, or layered with a tee or shirt as the weather cools. Ivory remains a classic choice, while darker neutrals pair seamlessly with your capsule wardrobe.
Fluffy Oversized Knit
This piece brings texture and volume without feeling costume-like. Think of it as a cloud you can wear, luxurious yet versatile. Pair it back with tailoring for an elevated look. We’re especially drawn to the new striped variations this season.
Merino Timeless Cardigan
As Coco Chanel said, “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”
The merino button-down cardigan embodies exactly that. Try styling it with a contrasting neutral in a fine knit, a roll neck or a pullover for quiet sophistication.
Shop our 100% Australian Merino collection
Merino Timeless Roll Neck
A modern essential, seen on countless influencers and stylists alike. It’s the perfect layering base beneath sweaters, cardigans, and blazers, a true cold-weather hero.
Shop our 100% Australian Merino collection
Merino Cable
Luxurious, warm, and breathable, a Maxted best-seller for good reason. This season’s update introduces subtle contrasts within neutral palettes, highlighting the texture and craftsmanship of the knit.
Merino Roll Necks (Oversized)
Merino Roll Necks create an instant cosiness. Wrap yourself in neutral-toned cables that feel both luxurious and effortless. The contrast of stitches adds texture and depth, giving you room to play. Oversized silhouettes look especially striking here. This is where warmth meets personality.
Shop our 100% Australian Merino collection
Oversized Mock Neck
Consider this the blazer of your knitwear collection. Clean and refined, it’s the ultimate throw-on-and-go piece that pairs effortlessly with everything from tailored trousers to skirts.
We’re loving the soft harmony of neutral tones layered together, proof that simplicity can be the strongest statement of all.
How to wear AW26 knitwear
- Colour: Soft neutrals anchored by ivory, with confident hits of red, stripe and subtle patterns
- Fit: Relaxed, oversized silhouettes balanced with clean tailoring
- Texture: Cables, brushed finishes and fluffy knits add depth and warmth
- Layering: Vests, roll necks and sleeveless knits are key building blocks
- Longevity: Timeless shapes designed to outlast the season
Wrap-up
Autumn–Winter 2026 is about knitwear that feels considered, comfortable and enduring. From heritage stripes to elevated cables and soft merino layers, each piece is designed to work hard in your wardrobe while still feeling effortless.
Explore the latest collection as it lands, or subscribe to stay in the loop as our AW26 styles begin to arrive.
