Many of cinema’s most beloved costumes are remarkably singular: the ivory cable-knit sweater being the exception that proves the rule. Originally worn by fishermen on Ireland's Aran Islands, the sweater has since been refashioned by countless iconic costume designers across the cinematic canon. From Rory Gilmore’s back-to-school sweater in “Gilmore Girls” to Chris Evans deceptively wholesome crewneck in “Knives Out,” every fall the internet discovers—or rediscovers—a rendition of the classic knitwear silhouette, as spotlighted on the screen. This November, we have rounded up our favorite on-screen knits to commence the holiday season. Whether used as a means to help get away with murder (à la Pam Voorhees in “Crystal Lake”) or as a means of subliminal seduction, our list highlights the best of the cable-knit’s many on-screen renditions. 

"The Thomas Crown Affair" (1968)

In the original heist film, Thomas Crown (Steve McQueen) sports a traditional Aran knit while braving the Atlantic. His sweater bears all of the necessary, fisherman flourishes, with a ribbed collar, cable knit pattern, and thick ivory wool.

“The Way We Were” (1973)

Robert Redford looks good in everything, but particularly a ’70s cream turtleneck. Hubbell’s (Robert Redford) ribbed sweater takes a slightly different form than your traditional Aran knit, with a diamond knit pattern that produces a cozy, tactile silhouette. 

“St. Elmo's Fire” (1985)

Before Rory Gilmore wore her oversized cream cable knit to the first week of Stars Hollow High, Andie MacDowell rocked the oversized, menswear silhouette in “St. Elmo's Fire” as Kirby’s (Emilio Estevez) sophisticated hyperfixation Dale Biberman.

“When Harry Met Sally” (1989)

No film screams “sweater weather” louder than “When Harry Met Sally,” where both Harry and Sally alike sport exceptional chunky fall knits. If you and your significant other aren't matching each other’s swag in the form of one-of-one vintage cable knits, take that as a sign to look elsewhere, or consult costume designer Gloria Gresham.

“Empire Records” (1995)

Costume designer Susan Lyall brought us the quintessential ‘90s outfit with Liv Tyler’s fuzzy blue V-neck sweater in “Empire Records.” Lyall reports cropping an existing sweater to give a slight edge to the proper school girl skirt.

“The Big Lebowski” (1998)

While Jeff Bridge’s “Big Lebowski” character might not be Hollywood’s traditional heartthrob, his sweater-clad sex appeal is undeniable. Of all “The Big Lebowski’s” comically singular costumes, costume designer Mary Zophres' most enduring tribal print Pendleton cardigan might be the most iconic. Pendleton still sells modern recreations of the cardigan today for anyone looking to steal the Dude’s look.

“You’ve Got Mail” (1998)

As far as knitwear goes, a Nora Ephron and Meg Ryan collaboration can do no wrong; introduce costume designer Albert Wolsky of “All That Jazz” fame into the mix it should come as no surprise that “You've Got Mail” has cemented itself as one of the most iconic rom-coms of all time. While working at her pre-Amazon era book shop, Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) wears a slouchy orange turtleneck that epitomizes cozy fall vibes. 

“The Holiday” (2006)

Hotshot Hollywood producer Amanda Woods (Cameron Diaz) proves that you can be cozy and chic at the same time. For a more glamorous take on holiday dressing, look no further than Woods’ travel look in “The Holiday.” The show’s costume designer Marlene Stewart takes an après-ski approach to cold-weather dressing, styling Diaz in a slim white v-neck bundled underneath a quintessentially Y2K scarf. 

“Knives Out” (2019)

No list is complete without a mention of Chris Evan’s distressed hem ivory cable knit crewneck in “Knives Out.” The garment has grounded multiple op-eds and inspired an online witch hunt for the actual piece, selected by costume designer Jenny Eagan. While Eagan cannot confirm where she sourced the original, pre-distressed garment, the internet believes it to be from The Kooples.

“The Lighthouse” (2019)

If your ribbed crewneck collar doesn't look like it belongs on the neck of Robert Pattinson or Willem Dafoe in Robert Egger’s pseudo-horror film “The Lighthouse,” I don't want it. The two actors make a handsome made handsome-er by Linda Muir’s custom-knit winter sweaters. 

“House of Gucci” (2021)

In our next installment of sexy men swaddled in cozy cableknits, we present Adam Driver’s cream turtleneck in “House of Gucci,” as custom-designed by costume designer Janty Yates. The knit appears during the couple's vacation in St. Moritz, Switzerland, and inspired many Halloween costumes leading up to the film’s release.

“The Worst Person in the World” (2021)

Scandinavian costume designer Ellen Ystehede doesn't play around when it comes to coming-of-age knitwear. Especially when the tenets of a perfect Aran knit—oversized, warm, bright cream—perfectly align with hygge, as epitomized by Julie’s (Renate Reinsve) crewneck in “The Worst Person in the World.” 

“Project Hail Mary” (2026)

If you want your sweater to appear handknit, the easiest solution might just be to knit it. Entire Reddit threads are dedicated to knitters recreating Ryan Gosling’s fox cardigan in “Project Hail Mary.” The original sweater in the film was made with a knitting kit from Mary Maxim, which sold out within a week of the film’s release, but can now be copped for $89.99.

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