Stores
by Carol Mongo

Stores specializing in Knitwear

You can buy sweaters and knitwear everywhere, however you might prefer to check out the following specialist stores:

Sonia Rykiel
It would be difficult to talk about sweaters without mentioning Sonia Rykiel, France’s “queen of knitwear.” In 1962, Rykiel, pregnant and frustrated over the dowdy maternity clothes on the market, began knitting herself clothes that were later duplicated and sold in her husband’s boutique. Two years later, her career began to soar, after the immense success of her skinny sweaters emphasizing the body. Though she has expanded her line to include woven fibers and fake fur, the basis of her collection remains knitwear. Her Saint-Germain boutique is modern but warm: oak shelves and flooring, highlighted by black details. Showcased at the center of Rykiel's duplex stores, her line of signature knits with stripes, patches and spangles spelling out “SR Forever,” remain the focal point. Expect to pay 2,550F and up for one of her famous sweaters or jersey shawls. 10am to 7pm, Mon-Sat, 175 bd St-Germain, 6e, tel: 01 49 54 60 60

Tiki Tirawa
A very pleasantly concepted boutique, with a partially curved, high-gloss white ceiling that contrasts with its matte white walls, sparse spots and glass shelves. Within this modern setting, designer Brigitte Mabe’s sweaters and knits are presented as fashion items. Nothing is over the top, just pure style with piles of distinction. Here you’ll find a variety of woolens: Merinos jersey pants (1,650F), rabbit-faced hip-length ecru pullovers (2,850F) and creamy white Mongolian-trimmed skirts (1,600F), as well as cable-knit sweaters (1,350F) and coats (3,890F). What’s not natural white is drenched in vegetal colors such as forest green, terra-cotta, claret and mauve, all eagerly snapped up by a highly sophisticated clientele. 10am to 7pm, Mon-Sat, 55 rue Bonaparte, 6e, tel: 01 43 25 80 28

Pluck
Though the word plouc is French for country hick, there’s nothing backward about any aspect of this store. Decorated in a style that looks like “Christian Lacroix lite,” with stark walls, hardwood floors and lighting fixtures in the form of tree branches, it showcases a kicky house collection. Jersey tops, skirts and dresses. Ribbed, novelty knits, drenched in pastry shop hues like raspberry, green apple or grape. Everything is quite affordable: about 700F for cardigans, 740-770F for a jersey pleated skirt and only 275F for a matching knitted handbag. 10:30am to 2pm & 2:30-7pm, Mon-Sat, 55 bis rue des Sts-Pères, 6e, tel: 01 45 49 34 00

Britain Stock
A traditional British setting, with varnished hardwood floors and creamy white walls. There’s nothing trendy here, just the tried and true good taste of classics in both flat and cable-knitted stitches that work for all lifestyles and budgets. For instance, for men, women and children, 56 colors of 2-ply lambswool sweaters starting at 325F. And, you’ll also find cotton pullovers at 149F, as well as Merinos sweaters for 345F. All the way up to men’s Scottish cashmere crew-necks for 1,490F. 10am to 7pm, Mon-Fri, 10 rue Guichard, 16e, tel: 01 45 25 25 52

Cashmere First
There’s nothing fancy or even trendy in this store either, just soft, seductive items made of luscious cashmere. Everything comes from Scotland which stands for quality, and you'll pay for your contribution to this luxury fiber’s prestige. Prices start at 345F for a pair of cashmere socks for him, climbing to 1,695F for pullovers, 1,795F for cardigans (with 32 colors to choose from), then top out at 2,250F for a man’s argyle patterned sweater and 3,300F for a woman’s cashmere “twin set.” You’ll also find a selection of shawls, stoles, ponchos and scarves. 10am to 7pm, Mon-Sat, 9 rue Richepanse, 8e, tel: 01 42 60 12 78

Irlande
Stepping into the warm interior of this sweater shop takes you back to a world where time was not man’s enemy and man’s hand produced one-of-a-kind treasures. Sammy, the shop’s charming owner makes regular trips to Ireland, bringing back with him an irresistible selection of handsome handmade sweaters for men, women and children, with prices starting at about 1,250F. He carries John Scott sweaters. And, there are, of course, more affordable items such as reasonably priced cashmeres, including 395F scarves, or lambswool sweaters for about 295F. 11am to 7:30pm, Mon-Sat, (Sun, 3-7pm), 24 rue Roi de Sicile, 4e, tel: 01 42 78 94 78

Alain Manoukian
Thought of as the French version of Benetton, because his nationwide chain — 12 stores in Paris alone — concentrates on knits, Alain Manoukian sells moderately-priced sweaters and jersey clothing with a modern touch. This season grays and reds prevail. And loose-fitting, easy-to-wear jersey tops (from 499F), glossy nylon ribbed sweaters (299F) and pants (399F) are featured, along with mid-calf skirts. 10 am to -7pm, Mon-Sat, 180 bd St-Germain, 6e, tel: 01 42 86 90 60