The patch pocket cardigan is one of those pieces that earns its keep quietly. No fuss, no flourish, just a clean silhouette with a detail that makes it look considered rather than thrown on. The pocket placement matters more than people realise. Too low and the whole thing looks accidental. Positioned properly, it gives the cardigan a slightly workwear quality that sits well over an Oxford shirt or under a casual blazer without competing with either.

We have always liked how this style navigates the middle ground between a jumper and a jacket. It buttons, which gives you options. It has pockets that actually function. And in the right weight, it works from September through to April without asking too much of you.

What we looked for here was good yarn, a fit that does not swamp the shoulders, and colours that slot into a real wardrobe rather than a mood board. These are the ones that passed that test.