One decision, two pieces: living with a matching knit set

Why a set is worth it

The top and the bottom come from the same yarn in the same dye lot, which is a match no amount of shopping will reproduce. Two separately bought pieces in the same colour name almost never agree in daylight.

It is also one decision instead of two on a morning when you do not have one to spare.

What to check before you pick a size

Sets are usually sold as one size across both halves, which is fine if you are the same size top and bottom and awkward if you are not. Read both charts, and size to whichever half has less give, usually the bottom.

Keeping the halves matched

Wash them together, every time, even when only one half is dirty. Two pieces washed a different number of times drift apart in colour and in how the knit has relaxed, and by the tenth wash the match that made you buy the set is gone.

Dry both flat and for the same length of time, for the same reason.

Wearing the halves apart

A good set splits. The top should work over jeans and the bottom under something plain, and if neither half stands on its own you have bought an outfit rather than two pieces. We design them to split, and we would rather you wore them that way half the time.