Chunky knits: Do they add structure?

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Chunky knits: Do they add structure?

Anonymous

Angie's blog post listed "Structure" as one of the top things her clients are looking for.

I responded with the fact that I like chunky knits to add structure, and now I'm not so sure they do.

What do you think?

7 years ago

Dressing

13 replies

Latest reply was from The Cat

rachylou

Veteran

Well, Angie uses the term structure in a very specific way - to mean the structure of the body. So your actual body can provide the structure in an outfit. Like showing ankle or wrist. So... in that context, chunky knits probably don't provide 'structure' but rather 'weight' or 'substance'...

7 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What Rachylou said. Usually chunky knits conceal the contours of the body so the opposite of what Angie means. You might be thinking of "texture" vs. "structure."

7 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

If structure means showing the body's shape, then chunky knits don't really do that. But if one thinks of structure on a continuum, I would say that a chunky knit probably has more structure at the shoulders than a soft drapey knit. Pushed up sleeves add structure.

I think I need photos to make sure we have the same thing in mind. . .

7 years ago

binkle

Veteran

Depends on the garment and material (yarn), I'd say. I have chunky sweaters in soft, fuzzy yarns that are very droopy/slouchy, even though the knit is thick. By thick knit I mean substantial yarns with very visible knits and stitches.

But I do have a couple of chunky knits using hefty, smooth, thick yarns, that hold their shape and can look very architectural - strong shoulder lines, shapes knitted with body-con curves, and one that is cropped/boxy. Definitely stucture-adding to me.

Though with chunky knits it can be a fine line between structure and plain old bulk!

7 years ago

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

I think I get where you are going with this. IMO, chunky knits can be architectural and I equate architecture with structure. (Maybe I don't play by Angie's use of the word.)

7 years ago

Joy

Veteran

I'm in the "It depends" camp. Just because it is chunky does not add structure. My sloppiest pullover sweater is chunky. I think it is hard for any knit piece to have much structure because they are naturally stretchy.
I do have a chunky pullover of linen yarn that is a bit more fitted because of less stretch. It feels like it has a bit more structure because it has a shape,but not structure like a jacket would have.

7 years ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

I think it depends too. If it is the sort of chunky knit that can be semi tucked into a waist band, that could add structure. Or if it is has long fitted cuffs, or a turtleneck, that could add some structure too.

7 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

I would have to say that it depends on the design of the individual garment. If a cable sweater is designed to follow the natural contours of the body and is not oversized, it could definitely add structure.

7 years ago

cindysmith

Veteran

I'm in the "it depends" camp. It depends on the construction of the garment:
* Like binkle said, the type of yarn can affect it
* Like Joy said, shape and seaming can help a knitted garment have structure. Does the stitch pattern increase and decrease , following the contours of the body?
* Is it created to be oversized or fitted?

I've seen some chunky sweaters that have some structure built in. I had a bolongaro Trevor chunky knit that had fairly awesome structure in it: turtleneck that was thick and just the right amount of length that it didn't drape like a cowl; cropped in just the right spot to highlight a natural waist; and fitted sleeves. On the other hand, I have a chunky sweaters from h&m that is oversized and long and soft and I'd say it did NOT have structure.

7 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Chunky oversized knits do NOT add structure by my definition. What Suz said.

They can however, balance out proportions by creating bulk in the right places. They can balance out saddle bags, wider hips and thighs, a larger bust if it has a V-neck, and even soften a very broad shoulder line.

They can also look architectural and interesting, which might make you prefer the outfit, as Emily suggests.

Brooklyn, it's not the chunky big knit adding structure - it's the semi tuck, IYKWIM. So you can ADD structure to a chunky knit.

If the chunky knit is fitted, it has structure, as Gigi mentions.

7 years ago

Anonymous

Ok, thanks Ladies.
I asked because, generally, a lack of structure looks terrible on me, so I was confused about why I liked knits so much.

But it looks like it is the ability of chunky knits to add bulk where I need it (up top) that attracts me to them.

7 years ago

delurked

Veteran

Makes sense Smittie. As someone who is trying not to add bulk to my upper half (plus my warm climate), I don't have anything in a chunky knit, but love seeing it on others. I'm the same way, a dolman sleeve might provide me the shoulder ease I seek, but the cut emphasizes the width in a usually unflattering way on me. It sounds like a chunky knit may play up what you want it to.

7 years ago

The Cat

Veteran

Interesting and educational comments, ladies.

Usually, I am not a big fan of chunky knits on myself. But I love my cable turtleneck sweater which is FITTED. In my eyes, it adds structure, and that's one of the things I love about it. If it was looser, I don't think it would look and feel so great on my body.

7 years ago

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