Women's vest

Knitted vests for women are sleeveless layers worn over a shirt or under a coat, ranging from fine gauge merino to padded outer styles. Only vests appear on this page, so cardigans, jumpers and wraps in the same fibres are held separately and the full women's range sits one level above.

35 pieces in this rangeFrom $59 to $449 AUDFree AU shipping over $150

How a knit vest fits into a layer

Women's vest styles run from fine gauge merino v-necks to cardigan vests with buttons, and longer single-button cuts. A vest adds warmth under a jacket without changing the line of the outer garment.

Fine gauge merino under a jacket
Pure merino v-neck vest, fine gauge

Fine gauge merino under a jacket

A fine gauge merino vest sits close to the body and layers under a tailored jacket without changing its silhouette. The v-neck shape works with a collared shirt and leaves the neckline visible. Pure merino vests on this page come from Ansett, Fields and the Knit-On label. House-brand knitwear is usually superfine 18.5 micron Australian merino.

the women's merino range
Cardigan vests and longer cuts
Cardigan vest with buttons and pockets

Cardigan vests and longer cuts

Cardigan vests open at the front with buttons and often carry pockets, which gives them more structure than a pull-on vest. Longer cuts, some closing with a single button, extend below the hip. These styles sit well worn open over a long-sleeve top or a light knit. Bella, Bridge & Lord and Sovrano are among the brands represented in the range.

knitted cardigans for women

Common questions

What do you wear a knit vest over?
A knit vest layers over a collared shirt, a fine knit long-sleeve top or a light roll neck. The v-neck frames whatever sits underneath. Open-front cardigan vests work over a plain tee or a thin jumper. Bulky underlayers spoil the line of a fine gauge vest.
Is a merino vest warm enough on its own?
A fine gauge merino vest gives a light layer of warmth and holds up on its own indoors or in mild conditions. Merino offers softness, warmth without weight, breathability and versatility. In colder weather it works better under a jacket, and a medium weight wool vest carries more warmth on its own.
How do I stop a fine gauge vest from pilling?
Rubbing during wear causes pilling, according to The Woolmark Company. The Woolmark Company also observes that pilling shows up most commonly around the elbows, armpits, sleeves, belly and the sides of a jumper. Why knitwear pills and how to fix it covers the causes and the fixes.

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