Prada sent a flurry of chunky knits down the runway in their Autumn/Winter 2010 collection. And as we know – where Prada leads, many brands (and wardrobes) are sure to follow.
But before you rush out to stock up on oversized sweaters and cable-knit everything, let’s talk about the very real style challenge these pieces can pose. Because when I hear chunky knits, I immediately think, and it’ll make me look chunky too.
Even these models – whippet thin and runway-ready – have lost their waists in a sea of wool. So what hope do the rest of us have?
The Style Science Behind Chunky Knits
Thick textures and bulky silhouettes naturally add visual volume. They’re high in fabric density and often lack drape, which means they can overwhelm your shape rather than flatter it. Chunky knits tend to widen and shorten – two things most women over 40 are actively working against when getting dressed.
That doesn’t mean you have to avoid them altogether. But it does mean you’ll want to style them strategically.
How to Wear Chunky Knits Without Looking Chunky
If you love the look or the warmth, here’s how to make chunky knits work for your style:
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Keep it to one half of your body. A chunky knit jumper? Pair it with slim-fitting trousers or a pencil skirt. Chunky knit skirt? Balance with a fitted top or tailored jacket.
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Avoid head-to-toe bulk. Layering multiple chunky pieces will swallow you whole. Choose one hero item, and keep the rest streamlined.
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Look for structured versions. Some chunky knits are designed with more shape – a nipped-in waist or structured shoulders can make all the difference.
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Use accessories wisely. Belts can help define your waist over knits, and statement earrings or a bold lip can draw attention back to your face.
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Try it in a hat or scarf. If you love the texture but not the bulk, accessories are your safest bet.
The Takeaway
Trends are tempting, but they’re not all created equal. When it comes to chunky knits, wear them on your terms. If they make you feel cozy and confident – great. If they make you feel shapeless and swamped – skip them.
Your wardrobe should support your style goals, not sabotage them.
The only chunky I wear is the "Chunky Monkey" ice cream from Ben and Jerry's. A moment on the lips ends up on my hips. That is the only chunky I can take.;-)
Thank you for the warning-but in certain cases chunky is ok. If you are very skinny, I think that structure might work perfectly, for young and old.
I think chunky is good only for very skinny people otherwise they make you look like giant packages. It is usually warm though and in winter it's not that bad if you look a bit "chunky" as long as you are really warm! Ciao. A.
I love chunky knits and they don't love me any more than the next person. Here is what I do: I like tweedy sweaters and from time to time I buy pullovers at the thrift store in a palette I want and I sew two lines of machine stitching up the center and then cut it apart. So long as the garment is not tight in the first place, it hangs beautifully as a cardigan. Some I leave that way, some I put a crochet edge on or braid, some I put a prominent heavy zipper that opens from both top and bottom. Underneath, of course I have something more form fitting.
So agree with you! I once owned a sweater that artfully combined chunky knit stripes with very thin knit stripes. It was lovely, and didn't make me look like the Michelin man. But I lost it in one of my moves. It just disappeared and I took it as a sign from the fashion gods that even THAT chunky knit wasn't flattering. 🙂
I agree with you. I made a few mistakes falling in love with a beautifull heavy texture. (Now wear them in the country only). Here in south America woman wear heavier knits than in Canada for instance. It has to do with the inheritance of traditional wonderful wool weaving work in the Andes. Many many woman knit. If you know a south american man, he probably has a pullover which holds upright by itself. In the fashion scene, it is doing a coming back. You'll see, in a folk style: Wool pompoms, heavy macrame pieces integrated in a dress…I would wear very heavy knits but just as I'd wear fur ( vintage only): Around my neck, as a coat, a little touch a the sleeves,accessories, why not? but suits better certain styles…
How about a chunky-knit purse or tote bag? That's how I'd wear them. Or the hood or border on an otherwise sleek sweater.
Or you could go the other way-spin the look by making the same design in a very fine mohair. The haze on the mohair would give the flavor of a chunky knit, but knit fabric would be thin and drape-y.
Or you could do it as loopy lace. I made this scarf in thin grey mohair with a thick blue yarn–it looks fabulous but weighs only ounces, you can shake it out into a shawl or bunch it up into a long, skinny scarf. I've even pinned it into a "vest."
A chunky sweater to wear on a country weekend is about the best I could do. If you're short, small and not blessed with a waist, chunky is probably not the best look …
I've never been that fond of chunky, except for chunky whites. I don't care for any of the new Prada looks.
Try a knit hat or scarf. 🙂