Modern British Knitwear, Rooted in Heritage
Charl Knitwear is an independent British knitwear brand founded by luxury knitwear designer Frankie Davies. Combining over 25 years of experience in luxury fashion with a passion for British wool and traditional craftsmanship, Charl creates modern, beautifully considered knitwear designed to be worn, loved and treasured for years to come.
“After many years designing knitwear for luxury fashion houses, including the iconic British heritage brand Burberry, I felt compelled to create something of my own. A collection of modern British knitwear that was pared back, effortlessly wearable and beautifully made, but with a real sense of history and purpose behind every piece.
I wanted to celebrate the extraordinary heritage of British knitwear, the beauty and versatility of our native British wools and the craftsmanship of the skilled makers who bring these pieces to life.”
Inspired by the Heritage of British Knitwear
Growing up near the Norfolk coast, I have always felt a strong connection to the British landscape and its rich textile heritage. The traditional fishermen’s Gansey jumpers, once knitted by women along the Norfolk coastline, became the starting point for Charl.
These remarkable garments were made to last, with intricate knitted stitches and patterns that carried stories of the sea, the landscape and the communities who wore them.
Today, I reinterpret these heritage Gansey stitches in contemporary silhouettes, bringing together traditional British craftsmanship and modern, understated design.
Every Charl jumper tells a story, from the origins of its wool to the heritage stitches knitted into its fabric.
A Celebration of British Wool
“One of the most exciting parts of creating Charl has been discovering just how beautiful and varied British wool can be.
There is no single British wool. From the wonderfully soft, fine fibres of our fully traceable Upingdown Shetland breed wool grown in Dorset, to the lustrous, silky handle of Wensleydale and Teeswater, and the rich, characterful textures and colours of authentic Shetland wool from the islands, each has its own unique qualities.
I love working with these different fibres, exploring their natural characteristics and finding new ways to create soft, comfortable, contemporary British wool knitwear.”
Our Autumn/Winter 2026 collection, The Turning Season, is crafted entirely from British wools, celebrating six different breeds and their extraordinary range of textures, weights and natural colours.
For our Spring/Summer collections, we also work with carefully selected natural fibres, including European Flax® certified linen, organic cotton and Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) Merino wool.
Thoughtfully Made. Designed to Last.
“Since having my children, I’ve felt an increasing responsibility to consider not just what we make, but how we make it.
Having spent much of my career working closely with specialist knitters, mills and artisans, I know that exceptional quality and a more responsible approach to fashion can go hand in hand. It simply requires time, care and a genuine commitment to doing things properly.”
Charl is a British independent clothing brand built around the principles of slow fashion, considered design and responsible sourcing.
Our knitwear is produced in small batches by carefully selected specialist manufacturers in Britain and Italy, where generations of expertise and traditional knitting techniques are combined with modern craftsmanship.
Our woven garments are proudly made in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, using carefully sourced organic and OEKO-TEX certified fabrics.
We believe in knowing where our fibres come from, understanding how our garments are made and creating pieces that will remain relevant beyond a single season.
A Slower, More Considered Approach to Fashion
“My collections are never ready until they are ready.
I don’t believe in rushing the design process or creating something simply because a new season demands it. Every detail, from the choice of wool to the proportion of a sleeve or the finishing of a neckline, needs to feel just right.
For me, luxury isn’t about excess. It’s about beautiful natural materials, thoughtful design, exceptional craftsmanship and the quiet pleasure of wearing something that feels completely right.
My hope is that when you choose a piece of Charl knitwear, you’re choosing something to return to year after year. A favourite jumper, a much-loved cardigan, perhaps even an heirloom to pass on.”
Modern British knitwear with a story to tell. Rooted in heritage, made for today and designed to last.
With love,
