One of my absolute nice parts about this time of year is that we get to wear sweaters.
So, in this article, I’m going to give you a guide on sweaters.
Some of the things I’ve learnt over the years, as well as some of my favorite silhouettes and some that I believe are quite versatile for your personal wardrobe.
Some of my favorite materials to look for in sweaters, as well as some of my favorite sites to shop for wonderful sweaters. Then there’s only a quick rundown of how to take care of your sweater so it lasts as long as possible.
Styles of Sweaters
When it comes to the various sweater silhouettes and styles available, it appears that they are regularly updated.
But I’ll go over a few of my favorite basics for my own personal outfit.
These are a few of the styles that I find to be quite simple to work with.
They go with almost everything, so you don’t have to worry about them clashing with something else in your closet because they’re so simple to style.
Cardigan
The first item on that list will be a basic cardigan.
I like how the front is slightly V-shaped. I appreciate how it opens things up because I’m a touch on the shorter side and smaller framed.
However, I also have some that are plain crew necks.
I believe that many people associate cardigans with being matronly or archaic, although this is not the case.
I believe they’re extremely good, and they’re absolutely worth having in your closet.
Because it’s easy to toss it on a lighter piece in the spring and summer when it’s cold inside and warm outside. It’s a simple layering piece that you can put on and take off.
They also come in a variety of colors and styles, allowing you to wear them all year long.
I’m a big fan and have a lot of them in my closet.
Non-cardigan Sweaters
There are three fundamental non-cardigan sweater types or silhouettes: a v-neck, a crewneck, and a turtleneck.
I adore all three of them.
Crewnecks are my go-to style because I think they layer beautifully. It’s not necessary to overthink it. You can wear them with almost anything and they’re usually very flattering.
If you’re on the shorter side, want to really open things up, or have a large chest, you’ll probably prefer a moderate v-neck.
It has the effect of drawing the eye downward, making you appear taller and leaner. It’s also a very attractive piece to wear, especially in the spring.
Because you want to be more open and lighter than you have been for the entire winter, but you also don’t want to be cold.
It’s a good happy medium between the two of them. You aren’t completely exposed, but you are embracing spring in a small way.
Then there’s the matter of turtlenecks. I adore turtlenecks, especially if they’re made of a thick, hefty yarn.
I believe it’s really warm, and it looks great layered underneath jackets, especially in the winter and fall.
Materials
Natural fibers are my favorite when it comes to sweater materials. I believe they’re fantastic since they’re so warm and comfortable to wear, unless you have an allergy to them.
Double-check that you aren’t allergic to wool or anything else, because it would be really inconvenient for you.
However, they are both warm and breathable.
Cotton, wool, cashmere, and any combination of those are my favorites. Another option that I believe is extremely attractive is to combine one of the warmer fibers with silk.
It feels so soft and cozy, and it also gives you a somewhat lighter weight material that you can wear more easily into spring, which I think is very luxurious.
So, if you’re looking for a sweater to wear all year, I recommend cotton or light wool. Nowadays, they create some really lovely fine wool sweaters, and then you can find something with a little silk mixed in.
You’ll be living in luxury, feeling warm but not suffocating when the weather warms up.
Where to Buy?
I couldn’t have a sweater roundup without including Everlane.
I own several of their cashmere and cotton sweaters, and I believe they’re excellent. They’re quite comfy to wear and have a great cut.
The one I’m wearing right now has a looser fit, which I really prefer. It’s large but not too baggy, so it goes well with my personal style.
Then there’s their basic crewnecks, which are gorgeous in cashmere. They’re wonderful.
If you’re looking for a basic sweater to transition into cashmere or just to have something wonderful that you can wear on a regular basis, I think they’re a terrific place to start.
Grana has been quite successful for me, similar to Everlane. They create things that are both exquisite and affordable.
One of their crewneck cashmere sweaters is my favorite. It’s quite soft and comfortable. The color is fantastic.
Then there’s their turtleneck, which is particularly appealing because it isn’t too tight around the neck. Grana, in my opinion, does petites a little better. Although it isn’t labeled as such, I find that it fits more like petite sizing.
If you’re in the market for something in between, or if you’ve tried Everlane and found them to be a little too big, Grana is a good option. They appeal to me greatly.
Naadam is another good choice. They have a really excellent crew and v-neck cashmere version for $75. It’s a unisex size, so it’ll fit both men and women, and they have a few options.
I’m wearing the smallest size, and it’s big but not ridiculously baggy. It’s a flattering, huge style, and it’s kind of how you want your sweaters to look, but you’re not drowning in them.
I’ve had nice results with the stuff as well. It hasn’t peeled significantly, and it’s also been well-used; it doesn’t appear tattered or worn.
However, I have heard the exact reverse from others. So keep that in mind. Always double-check, not only my own thoughts and reviews, but also those found on the internet. Because you don’t want to buy anything that is cheap but poorly constructed.
L.L. Bean is a great place to go if you prefer the look of a traditional fisherman’s sweater in cotton. My favorite sweater from them is the basic fisherman’s sweater.
It’s quite snug and comfortable, and it’s also quite slim. I purchased it in a smaller size; I believe I scaled down, but the proportions are fairly adjustable.
It gives you that Diane Keaton-style calm, by-the-sea vibe, and I think it’s extremely flattering; it’s a good heavy cotton that’s yet soft and pleasant to wear.
Secondhand, vintage, thrift stores, eEay, and Etsy are also options. All of these stores have excellent sweater selections.
I have a few of my favorite sweaters from locations like that, and they are absolutely stunning. They’re dressed in fine clothes, yet they’ were a steal.
So, if you want to start incorporating more of these materials into your wardrobe, or if you want to start buying things that you can keep for a long time but don’t have $75 to $100 to spend, definitely visit thrift stores, vintage shops, antique malls, and then eBay and Etsy.
You’ll be surprised at what you can find at a fraction of the cost in terms of incredible workmanship and design.
Try dipping your toes in since you can find some fantastic pieces that are not only gorgeous but also quite unique, which may help you add something special to your personal style.
Sweater Care
Now I’d like to share some of my best recommendations for caring for and storing your sweaters so that they endure a long time.
I won’t go into too much depth, but these are some of the most important things to remember.
Hand-washing
My first piece of advice is to wash them by hand.
I understand that it appears to be a laborious task. It can be difficult to adjust to hand washing your clothes if you aren’t used to it.
However, after you’ve gotten used to it, you’ll take pride in looking after your clothes and enjoy the process of ensuring that something lasts a long time.
In some ways, hand washing is almost soothing for me. I know that seems strange, but it’s because I’m sitting there reminding myself of how much work and effort I put into my clothing.
And I truly want that piece to last a long time because of all the work and effort I put into selecting it.
So I hand wash with a very light detergent in a bowl of lukewarm water. I’ll wring it gently once it’s done and all the dirt and grime have been removed. You don’t want to misshape the sweater and cause it to spread out or whatever, so I don’t go wild.
Then I’ll hang it to dry on a towel strung across a clothing rack.
If you’re short on time, you can fold cashmere and wool sweaters, place them in a ziploc bag, and freeze them. They’ll be disinfected in about an hour if you leave them in there.
It’s a great advice, and one that I’ve used in the past when I’ve been in a hurry.
Remove The Pills
Getting rid of the pills is also a crucial component of sweater care.
Frequently, you’ll have a sweater made of cashmere or wool, both of which have a tendency to pill.
Those are the small balls of cloth that can make a sweater appear worn and ancient when it isn’t.
Simply removing those can completely revitalize it and make it look brand new.
For this, I like to use a sweater comb. It’s something that can be found almost anyplace. They’re quite inexpensive, but if you don’t have one, don’t want to get one, or simply want to handle it differently, you can use a dull razor blade. It’s just a razor for shaving your legs.
Check to see whether you can run it against your hand without ripping your skin. You can use it on your sweater as long as you can do it.
It’ll come off any pills if you run it very gently along them, and it’ll be quite straightforward. After that, you simply wipe the razor and the sweater will appear to be fresh new.
It’s also something to bear in mind while purchasing a used sweater. Because sometimes you’ll come across sweaters that are stunning and appear to be brand new, but they’re hiding beneath all of those pills.
If you’re in a store and you’re not sure if a secondhand sweater is salvageable, go through it and try to remove some of the pills with your fingertips. If they come off easily, it’s generally something you can handle.
Fold or Roll
The last point I’d want to make about sweater care is about storing.
You should never hang your sweaters. If you store them in this manner, you risk leaving lasting imprints on your shoulders. So remove them from the hangers, fold them neatly, and store them in a drawer.
If you’re worried about bugs or moths and just want to keep things feeling and smelling fresh, a lavender sachet in your drawer can be a good idea.
