Rick Owens Oversize Roundneck

A semi-sheer cashmere is knitted at a loose gauge, with space left between the stitches, so it is warm in the way a layer is warm rather than in the way insulation is. That makes it a specific and useful garment: the sweater for the weeks when a coat is too much and a shirt is not enough, which in Santa Fe is most of spring and a good part of autumn.

The cashmere is recycled, reclaimed from existing cashmere and re-spun, which gives a shorter fibre and a softer, drier hand. Amethyst is a pale, cool purple, and at this openness of knit the colour reads lighter still, because you are partly seeing through it.

Why we selected it

It is the transitional sweater, and we did not have one. The colour is the other half: pale purple is not a colour this house is known for, and it is the piece that surprises people.

Materials and construction

One hundred percent recycled cashmere, made in Italy, in a loose semi-sheer knit. Colour: Amethyst. Sold in one size.

Fit notes

One size, cut oversized, so it is designed to hang loosely across a range of frames. Semi-sheer means what is underneath will show, so the layer beneath is part of the outfit. Recycled cashmere is soft immediately and pills a little more readily in the first weeks than virgin cashmere does.

Styling and care

Over a plain tee or a fine knit, both of which will show through. With a straight trouser. Fold it, never hang it, hand wash cool with a gentle detergent, and dry flat away from sun and heat; an open gauge pulls out of shape faster than a dense one, so handle it wet with care. Our care guidance covers cashmere in detail.

Related pieces

The Maglia Tommy Lupetto is the same recycled cashmere. Alongside it, the Long Wrap and the Raglan Crewneck. There is more on the house on the Rick Owens designer page. Everything we currently hold from Rick Owens is listed together.