Most men’s knitwear is designed to blend in: navy crew necks, grey cardigans and the odd cable knit. Joe Browns, the Leeds-based fashion brand known for colourful, confident clothing, takes the opposite approach. Its AW26 jumpers and cardigans are built around bold colour, rich pattern and small details that make each piece feel like a statement.
Joe Browns recently shared an interview with its Senior Menswear Buyer, Adele Tyrell, explaining how this season’s knits were created. This guide sums up what she said, highlights the key styles and offers practical tips for wearing them. You can browse the Joe Browns men’s knitwear collection here.
1. What Makes Joe Browns Knitwear Different
According to Adele, the difference comes down to colour, pattern and confidence. There is plenty of basic knitwear on the market, so the brand tries to add a point of difference to every design. She describes knitwear as one of her favourite collections because it can carry so much pattern and colour without looking too much.
She also points to value. The team works closely with its suppliers to use new yarns and techniques, and the aim is for the knitwear to feel like good value even at the higher price points. Many of the pieces double as light jackets in early autumn, which adds to how often you will actually wear them.
2. Inspired by the Great Outdoors
Each season Joe Browns builds its collections around campaign stories. One of the AW26 stories is Adventure’s Playground, which is all about the great outdoors. For the knitwear, the team looked at the Wild West and the patterns found across the American West, then matched those patterns to shapes and yarns that suit Joe Browns’ style.
Patterns can start with images or sketches from the buyer, which suppliers then develop into knit designs. Once approved, the final shapes and details are chosen, such as trims, pockets and stitching. See the AW26 knitwear range.
3. The Patchwork Aztec Cardigan
Joe Browns customers already love patchwork cardigans, so for AW26 the brand gave the style an upgrade with a bolder palette. The design draws on a best-selling Aztec cardigan from a few years ago, which featured rich reds, oranges and blues, and combines that look with patchwork panels.
The result is a true statement piece, the kind of cardigan that can carry an entire outfit with nothing more than jeans and a plain T-shirt underneath.
4. Out In The Wild Cardigan
For something a little more understated from the front, the Out In The Wild Cardigan is a fresh take on Joe Browns’ Aztec designs. The pattern is subtle, in black and orange with an earthy palette, but the back carries a striking eagle design. It gives the cardigan a cooler, edgier feel, and it works well with dark denim and boots.
The collection also includes an acid-washed indigo knit with a very subtle Aztec pattern, aimed at men who want a grittier, more lived-in look.
5. A Preppy Twist
Preppy styling has been a strong theme in menswear this year, and Joe Browns has introduced zip-up knits and preppy cardigans that fit its brand DNA. The team has styled them with a collegiate tie for a smart look, but they work just as well over a T-shirt for something laid back.
To keep the Joe Browns personality, there is also a customised zip-up funnel neck knit with extra trim details and stitching at the shoulders. Discover the preppy knitwear.
6. How the Buyer Styles Her Knitwear
With unpredictable autumn weather, Adele recommends pairing knitwear with a shirt or T-shirt so you can layer up and down through the day. She likes mixing textures and colours, for example a denim shirt or a western-style shirt under a patterned cardigan, and says jeans and a denim jacket also sit nicely with the knits.
Her key rule is to let the knitwear be the focal point. Because the patterns are bold, everything else in the outfit should support the knit rather than compete with it.
7. Easy Outfit Ideas
- Weekend casual: a patchwork cardigan over a plain white T-shirt with straight-leg jeans and boots.
- Smart casual: a preppy cardigan with an Oxford or check shirt, chinos and brogues.
- Layered autumn look: a patterned knit under a denim jacket with a beanie.
- Evening out: the Out In The Wild Cardigan with black jeans and a dark shirt.
- Heritage style: a knitted waistcoat over a crisp shirt with tailored trousers.
Joe Browns also offers extended sizing across much of its menswear, so it is worth checking the size guide on each product page before ordering.
8. Looking After Statement Knits
Patterned knitwear lasts longer with a little care. Always follow the care label, wash on a gentle cycle or by hand where advised, and dry knits flat rather than hanging them, which can stretch the shape. Fold jumpers and cardigans instead of using hangers, and use a fabric shaver to remove any bobbling.
Conclusion
Joe Browns’ AW26 men’s knitwear is designed for men who want their clothes to show some personality. Inspired by the Wild West and the great outdoors, the range includes bold patchwork Aztec cardigans, the eagle-backed Out In The Wild Cardigan and new preppy knits, all made to layer through changing weather. If your winter wardrobe needs more colour, explore Joe Browns men’s knitwear and choose a statement piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Joe Browns knitwear different?
Its focus on bold colour, rich pattern and unique details, with yarns and techniques developed closely with suppliers.
What inspired the AW26 men’s knitwear?
The Adventure’s Playground campaign story, with patterns inspired by the Wild West and the American outdoors.
What is the Out In The Wild Cardigan?
A subtle black and orange Aztec cardigan with a striking eagle design on the back.
How should I style a patterned cardigan?
Let the cardigan be the statement and keep the rest simple, such as a plain T-shirt or denim shirt with jeans.
Does Joe Browns offer bigger sizes?
Yes. Joe Browns has an extended sizing section for menswear.
