The Tailored Foundation, Illinois and Wisconsin

Men’s knitwear that works with a tailored wardrobe

Fine knit sweaters and quarter-zips, ready to wear in our Illinois and Wisconsin studios. Chosen to sit under a blazer or stand on their own.

✓ Est. 2014 ✓ Illinois and Wisconsin studios ✓ Ready to wear ✓ Layers under tailoring

What we carry

Knits chosen to go with everything else you wear

Knitwear is the piece most men buy last and wear most from November to March. We carry V-neck sweaters and quarter-zip knits in a range of colors, selected to layer under a jacket and to look right with tailored trousers or denim.

Because it is ready to wear, you can see the color in daylight, handle the knit, and try your size in person. If you are building the rest of the outfit, see our blazers and custom trousers, or read our guide to business casual beyond the traditional suit.

The collection

A look at what is in the studio

Folded pale yellow V-neck knit sweater with a ribbed collar and a woven brand label at the neck
V-neck in pale yellow
Folded burgundy quarter-zip knit sweater with a ribbed mock neck
Quarter-zip in burgundy
Folded taupe grey quarter-zip knit sweater with a dark zip and ribbed mock neck
Quarter-zip in taupe
Folded navy quarter-zip knit sweater with a brown contrast zip tape and ribbed mock neck
Quarter-zip in navy with brown zip detail
Folded charcoal blue-grey quarter-zip knit sweater with a matching zip and ribbed mock neck
Quarter-zip in charcoal

How it works

From first visit to finished outfit

01

Book a visit

Pick the studio that suits you and book a consultation. Tell us what you want the knit for, whether that is the office, travel, or weekends.

02

Choose the knit

We show you the V-neck and quarter-zip styles and the colors in stock, and help you decide which neckline suits the shirts you already own.

03

Check the fit

Try your size on and check the shoulders, body length, and sleeve length. A knit should sit close without pulling.

04

Build the outfit

If you are layering under a jacket, we can show how the knit sits beneath a blazer from our range before you decide.

Why we carry it

A knit that fits the way our tailoring does

Most of our clients come to us for suits, blazers, and shirts made to their measurements. Knitwear is the layer that connects them, and a bulky or badly cut sweater can undo the work of a well-fitted jacket.

That is why we choose knits for how they layer: a clean neckline, a ribbed collar that holds its shape, and a weight that sits flat under a blazer. Browse our handcrafted shirts to see what goes underneath.

What to choose from

  • ✓ V-neck sweaters for wearing over a collared shirt
  • ✓ Quarter-zip knits for a relaxed, open-collar look
  • ✓ Neutral shades such as taupe, navy, and charcoal
  • ✓ Richer tones such as burgundy
  • ✓ Light shades such as pale yellow for warmer days
  • ✓ Contrast details such as brown zip tape

Find a studio near you

Knitwear at three locations

Rosemont, IL

Near O’Hare and the Rosemont business district. Serving Park Ridge, Des Plaines, and Schiller Park.

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Libertyville, IL

Our Lake County studio. Serving Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Lake Forest, and Gurnee.

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Milwaukee, WI

Serving Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, Shorewood, and Whitefish Bay.

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Common questions

What people ask before booking

Is the knitwear made to measure?

No. Our knitwear is ready to wear, so you choose from what is in the studio and try your size. For pieces made to your measurements, see our custom suits, blazers, and trousers.

What styles and colors do you carry?

V-neck sweaters and quarter-zip knits, in colors that currently include pale yellow, burgundy, taupe, navy, and charcoal. Stock changes, so mention what you are looking for when you book.

How should a sweater fit?

The shoulder seam should sit at the edge of your shoulder, the hem should land around your belt line, and the sleeves should reach your wrist. It should feel close to the body without pulling across the chest.

Can I wear a knit under a blazer?

Yes. A V-neck over an open-collar or collared shirt is the easiest combination. Quarter-zips work best under a more casual jacket. Our guide to styling a custom blazer covers the pairings.

How do I look after knitwear?

Follow the care label. As a general rule, fold knits rather than hang them so the shoulders do not stretch, and wash on a gentle or hand cycle only when the label allows it.

Do I need an appointment?

We recommend booking a consultation so someone can give you their full attention and have your size ready. You can book online or call (224) 628-2980.

Keep reading

Guides that might help

Ready to get started

Book your knitwear consultation

Choose a studio, try the knits in person, and find the one that works with what you already wear.

Rosemont, IL · Libertyville, IL · Milwaukee, WI