Knitted T-Shirts: The Knit Tee, Explained

A knitted t-shirt is a short-sleeved top in the shape of a tee but made from knitwear yarn, such as merino, cashmere and silk, rather than the cotton jersey of an ordinary t-shirt, so it drapes like a fine sweater and dresses up like a blouse. Three new examples arrive on Coveti this week, including the ME+EM Pouf Sleeve Knit Tee in Cream, and the label’s knit range is mapped in our ME+EM knitwear guide.

This guide explains what separates a knit tee from a jersey tee, which yarns suit which season, how the three new ME+EM shapes compare on the size chart, and how to wash them. For sleeved jersey basics, see our guide to long sleeve t-shirts for women.

Knit tee versus jersey tee

Technically, all t-shirts are knitted: jersey is a knitted fabric. The difference is how the garment is made. An ordinary tee is cut from a roll of fine cotton jersey and sewn together. A knitted tee is produced on a knitting machine from a sweater yarn, often shaped piece by piece, with ribbed trims at the neck and hems rather than folded bands.

The result looks and behaves differently. A knit tee has visible stitch texture, more body and a softer drape. It holds warmth, so it works from autumn to spring, and it looks finished enough to wear under a blazer to work.

Which yarn to choose

Merino wool. Fine, smooth and breathable, with natural spring. A merino knit tee is the most versatile choice for year-round layering.

Cashmere and cashmere blends. Softer and warmer for the weight, with a fluffier surface. Blended with silk, cashmere gains a little sheen and a cooler handle; the Cashmere and Silk Knit T-shirt in Milk is one example on Coveti.

Alpaca blends. Lofty and warm with a brushed, hazy texture. Usually blended with a synthetic yarn for stretch.

Cotton knit. Cool and matte, best for spring and summer.

The three new ME+EM knit tees

Pouf Sleeve Knit Tee. The Pouf Sleeve Knit Tee in Cream is knitted in 54% merino wool, 23% cashmere and 23% silk. ME+EM describes it as knitted off-gauge in a plain stitch with ribbed trims, for a lighter hand and an easy drape. It is a straight fit with a high crew neckline, a pleat at each shoulder and short sleeves. The same tee is already on Coveti in Camel and Scarlet Red.

Knit Swing Top. The Knit Swing Top in Cream is 88% merino wool and 12% polyester, a blend the house says adds comfort, stretch and recovery. It has a swing silhouette that widens from a high crew neck to a level hem, with set-in short sleeves.

Baby Tee + Scarf. The Baby Tee + Scarf in Navy is 60% alpaca, 38% recycled polyamide and 2% elastane, knitted in a plain jersey stitch with a fluffy texture. It is a straight fit with a cropped body, a zipped high neckline and short sleeves, and a matching scarf attaches with a button.

Comparison matrix: three ME+EM knit tees

How we measured: composition, fit, care and measurements come from each ME+EM product page and ME+EM’s own published size chart in centimetres (size S, the size worn by the house’s UK 8 models; sleeve is overarm length); the Camel colourway row reflects the Coveti catalogue (Store API), where it is offered in XXS to XXL. We did not re-measure garments.

Reading the chart: three very different fits

The numbers explain the shapes better than any photograph. At size S the Baby Tee measures 84 cm across the bust and the Pouf Sleeve Knit Tee 88 cm: both are close fits that sit near the body, so they tuck flat into trousers and layer cleanly under a jacket. The Knit Swing Top measures 146 cm at the bust in the same size. That is not a mistake; it is the swing silhouette, cut with deliberate volume that falls in folds from the shoulder. Do not size down to make it closer, as the shape depends on that width.

Length tells you how to wear each one. The Baby Tee is cropped, so it sits at the waistband of a high-rise trouser. The Pouf Sleeve tee at 52 cm is a standard length that can be worn tucked and untucked. The Swing Top is the longest at 55 cm, best left out. Our ME+EM size guide has the full knit chart.

How to wear a knitted t-shirt

Under tailoring. A close-fitting knit tee under a blazer replaces a blouse. The high crew neck on the Pouf Sleeve tee sits neatly under a lapel.

Over a shirt. Wear a fitted knit tee over a crisp shirt with the collar and cuffs out, a winter version of a sleeveless layer.

With a wide trouser. The swing shape pairs with a slim trouser and a cropped jacket; a close tee balances a wide leg.

For other knit tees already on Coveti, see the ME+EM Baby Tee in Camel and the Rib Knit Straight Tee in Bronzed Brown. For a full outfit plan built around pieces like these, see our winter capsule wardrobe.

Knitted t-shirts around the world

UK. Knitted t shirt sees about 1,900 searches a month, with knitted t shirt women adding around 720 and rising near 1,600 in September, when the knit tee bridges summer and autumn. British shoppers also say knitted tee and short sleeve jumper.

US. Americans more often search knit t shirt women, around 320 a month, and sweater tee.

EU. In France a t-shirt en maille, in Italy a t-shirt in maglia. Fine knit tees sit under jackets for office dressing.

GCC. In the UAE and Saudi Arabia a fine merino and silk-blend knit tee is comfortable in air-conditioned interiors and layers under a long coat on cooler winter evenings.

How to care for a knitted t-shirt

ME+EM labels all three tees for a cold hand wash. Use a wool detergent, soak briefly, then press the water out gently without wringing. Roll the tee in a towel and dry it flat, easing the neck, shoulders and hem back into shape while damp. Never hang a wet knit tee, as the weight drags the shoulders out of line. Soft blends with cashmere and alpaca may pill at first; a knitwear comb removes it. Fold for storage, never on a hanger. For more on caring for fine knits, see our guide to cashmere sweaters for women.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a knitted t-shirt and a normal t-shirt?

A normal t-shirt is cut and sewn from cotton jersey. A knitted t-shirt is made on a knitting machine from a sweater yarn such as merino, cashmere and silk, with ribbed trims.

Can you wear a knitted t-shirt in winter?

Yes. Wool and cashmere knit tees hold warmth and layer under blazers, over shirts and under coats.

Should a knitted t-shirt be tight?

It depends on the shape. A straight knit tee should sit close without pulling; a swing shape is cut wide on purpose.

Why is the Knit Swing Top bust measurement so large?

The swing silhouette is cut with volume that falls from the shoulder. ME+EM’s chart gives 146 cm at size S for that reason.

How do you wash a knit tee?

By hand in cold water with a wool detergent, then dry flat. The three new ME+EM tees are all labelled cold hand wash.

Does a knit tee shrink?

Wool can felt and shrink in hot water and a tumble dryer. Keep to a cold hand wash and dry flat to keep the size.

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