THEGATHER: Meet The New Knitwear Brand Creating Elevated Comfort
- Erin-Louise
- Oct 6
- 5 min read
THEGATHER is more than just knits; they’re wearable confidence, comfort, and intention, crafted for women who want style that feels like home.
By Erin Louise
3 Oct 2025
Welcome to our first interview for Behind The Brand—our little corner where we spotlight the makers and founders whose work makes us stop, admire, and maybe even feel a little seen. Starting with THEGATHER feels so right. We came across Poppy, the founder, on TikTok, and it wasn’t just her knits that caught our eye—it was her honesty, her hustle, and the way she shares the messy, real side of running a brand in your early 20s.
Her pieces are comforting, beautiful, and timeless, but it’s the heart behind them that resonates most. Poppy embodies everything a Worn Out girlie stands for: creative, brave, unapologetically herself, and building something meaningful without glossing over the struggles. In this Q&A, we dive into how THEGATHER came to life, what inspires her, and why staying true to your vision matters—because starting can be scary, but the right kind of support and a little bit of magic make all the difference.
Q&A with Poppy
Founder of THEGATHER
You launched THEGATHER in your early 20s, which is such a bold move. What gave you the confidence to just go for it?
I’d worked for a few companies before and, if I’m honest, never felt truly inspired. One day, I was walking with my partner and we started talking about knitwear. I realised during this conversation just how much I had to say about the styles I loved, why the high street wasn’t getting it right, and what I’d do differently. I went to bed that night still thinking about it, and it clicked: this was something I could really get behind. I told myself I could always get another job, but this might be my one chance to build something I was genuinely passionate about. So, I woke up the next morning and started my business plan, and that was the beginning of THEGATHER.
Do you remember the first piece of knitwear you ever fell in love with?
Not one, but always my dad’s knits. He had these 100% cashmere crewneck jumpers that I was forever stealing, and there’s one navy blue one I still wear today. I loved how they made me feel: safe, cosy, familiar. That sense of comfort is something I’ve always carried with me, and it’s exactly what I wanted people to feel when wearing THEGATHER.
How do you want your knitwear to make someone feel when they put it on?
I want our knits to feel like home. I hope when someone puts them on that they get an instant sense of comfort, ease and familiarity/. Like reaching for something you’ve always had, that makes you feel grounded, cosy and yourself. Timeless, but also deeply personal.
What’s one detail in your designs that people might overlook, but means a lot to you?
The simplicity. At first glance, our knits look very minimal, but every detail is considered - the weight of the yarn, the balance of the fit. Those choices are what make them feel so effortless when you put them on. For me, it’s those quiet details that matter most, even if they’re not the first thing you notice
If you had to describe THEGATHER aesthetic in three words, what would they be?
Familiar, intentional, timeless.
Whose style inspires you — past or present — when you’re sketching out a new idea?
I’m more inspired by feelings than by specific styles, it’s always about how I want someone to feel when they put a knit on: safe, comfortable, and themselves. That said, I’ve always admired the Olsen twins for their understated approach, and I love Poppy Almond’s way of making simple pieces feel so effortless and lived-in.
Knitwear is such an intimate fabric. Do you design with specific moments in mind — like quiet mornings, long walks, or nights out?
Absolutely, I think knitwear is tied to moments as much as it is to style. I often design with those little rituals in mind: pulling on something soft first thing on a quiet morning, wrapping up for a long walk, or layering a knit in a way that feels elevated for evenings out. For me, it’s about creating pieces that become part of those familiar, comforting rhythms of life.
If we peeked in your own wardrobe right now, what’s on repeat?
I’m a big believer in staples, so on repeat it’s always a white tee or vest, dark blue jeans, a blazer, and of course, a THEGATHER knit thrown over the top. Simple pieces I know I’ll wear again and again.
Starting a knitwear label in your early 20s is bold. How has your own personal style evolved alongside building THEGATHER?
I think I’ve become a lot more conscious of what I wear. Now that I really understand what goes into making a good quality piece of clothing, I find it hard to shop, especially on the high street. My style has definitely become more minimalist — I focus on finding a few really well-made pieces I can rewear and restyle, rather than constantly chasing something new.
What do you think makes knitwear timeless, and how do you keep it feeling modern?
I think people connect with knitwear differently to other clothing, it feels more intimate, more personal. A really good knit can last a lifetime, carrying you through different parts of your life, and that’s what makes it timeless. I don’t actually think too much about making it modern, because I believe there will always be a place in a wardrobe for a knit like ours. My focus is on longevity.
For someone dreaming of starting their own brand — especially at a young age — what’s the best piece of advice you’d pass on?
If you have an idea, make a business plan put it down on paper and convince yourself why it’s feasible. Once you’ve done that, and you still believe it’s a good idea, my advice would be to start as quickly as you can. The longer you sit on an idea, the more reasons and excuses you’ll find not to do it.
Imagine someone discovering THEGATHER for the first time. What piece do you hope they fall in love with first?
I’d hope it would be the Poppy Cardigan. It was my first design and still feels like the heart of the brand. It’s the kind of knit you can throw on in the morning and instantly feel at home in; it’s familiar, comforting, but also elevated enough to wear anywhere. If someone discovers THEGATHER through that piece, they’ll understand exactly what we’re about.
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