St. Bridget Moto

There is something distinctly California about effortless style, the ability to feel polished without feeling overly styled, and to create a wardrobe that moves easily from cool mornings to sun-filled afternoons and breezy evenings.

At Margaret O’Leary, we've expressed that philosophy through knitwear for more than three decades. Rooted in Irish knitwear tradition and shaped by the independent spirit of San Francisco, our approach to California luxury knitwear centers on exceptional materials, thoughtful craftsmanship, and pieces designed to be worn again and again. 

A Heritage of Knitwear, Perfected in California

Rosalie Handknit Cardigan

Margaret O’Leary’s story began in a single handloom in a San Francisco bedroom. Since 1990, the brand has evolved while staying true to what made those first pieces special, an appreciation for beautiful yarns, distinctive texture and the craft behind a truly great sweater. 

Margaret’s Irish heritage brings a natural connection to the tradition of knitting, while California brings a sense of ease. Together, they create knitwear that feels luxurious without feeling precious. Sweaters, cardigans and layers meant to become part of everyday life. This balance of Irish heritage and California style continues to define Margaret O’Leary today.

The Enduring Luxury of Cashmere

Coco Cardigan

Few materials embody luxury quite like cashmere. Exceptionally soft, lightweight and naturally warm, cashmere provides insulation without unnecessary weight. At Margaret O’Leary, we use grade A cashmere, the finest grade of cashmere fiber, selected for its exceptional softness and quality. But beautiful cashmere is about more than the fiber itself. Gauge, ply and construction all influence how a finished sweater looks, feels and wears. 

A finer-gauge cashmere knit can create a smooth, refined layer, while heavier mulit-ply constructions offer greater warmth, structure and texture. Margaret O’Leary frequently works with two-to-six ply cashmere, allowing each design to have its own distinctive hand and character. The result is luxury cashmere knitwear designed not simple for a season, but for years to wear.

 

Why Craftsmans Matters

Moira Cable Lace Up

Luxury can be seen in beautiful materials, but it can also be felt in the details. The density of a knit. The way a shoulder falls. The texture created by a particular stitch. The weight of a cardigan. The finishing of a seam. Understanding these details has always been central to Margaret O’Leary. Rather than chasing trends or testing clothing as disposable, we believe in creating pieces with lasting relevance. Small-batch production, natural fibers and careful construction reflects philosophy of quality over quantity. Great craftsmanship also gives knitwear personality. From intricate stitches and dimensional textures to hand- knit techniques and unexpected silhouettes, the craft itself becomes a part of the design.