The 10 Best statement knits £995, mrporter.com This shawl collar knit from Burberry Prorsum exudes 1970s manly style. And the brown hexagonal print only adds to its cool retro credentials. It's a fine knit rather than chunky and the cut is on the slim side, keeping the overall feel very modern. River Island £38, river-island.com Having an animal motif on your knitwear doesn't have to be restricted to the over-exposed reindeer. This fantastic grey, tonal knit from River Island has a lion's face down one side, if only to confirm your own suspicions that you are king of the urban jungle. Wear with sharp tailored trousers. Oliver Spencer £129, oliverspencer.com This is the ideal sweater for your downtime. Made from a lambswool blend, this three-panel knit of red, blue and grey is easy on the eye. Layer with a T-shirt and a raincoat. . Autograph £35, marksandspencer.co.uk Colour blocking on a sweater is an easy way to add some pizazz to your wardrobe. This burgundy and navy combo - both very wearable colours - from the Autograph range at Marks & Spencer comes in a cable knit for added texture. Michael Bastian £565, mrporter.com Michael Bastian is a New York-based designer whose raison d'etre is American East Coast style. So it's a little surprising that this yellow crewneck with a chevron stripe is inspired by the cartoon character Charlie Brown. However, as it's made from the finest Italian cashmere, it'll cost you more than peanuts. Boden £44, boden.co.uk This navy fishermen's style knit makes a strong graphic statement without being over the top. Wear it with indigo denim jeans and desert boots for a paired down off-duty look. £398, matchesfashion.com With its Persian origins, the paisley pattern has been popular in Europe since the 17th century, especially during the psychedelic Sixties. Nowadays the print is more commonly seen on silk ties. Not so with Marc Jacobs, whose yellow and black angora knit is the perfect balance of urban and exotic. Lyle & Scott £125, lyleandscott.co.uk Fair isle knits are looking dated now after last year's overkill, so try something a little different, such as this Aztec-inspired design from Lyle & Scott. Made from the softest cotton, it's a sure-fire way to add a jolt of colour to your outfit. Folk £155, mywardrobe.com If you're looking for a statement knit with subtlety, this multi-stripe crewneck sweater from Folk is a key contender. The mix of coloured and grey stripes gives the garment a homespun feel. And it's this laid back approach to fashion that has given the label such a global following. James Long for Topman £100, topman.com Designer James Long has always had a bold and directional take on menswear, which ensures he is a firm favourite when it comes to collaborations with Topman. It's easy to see why with this jazzy polka-dot knit. Not to be worn by shrinking violets, you should let the jumper speak for itself; layer over a navy T-shirt and wear with jeans.