It’s sweater weather!

Find the perfect cozy winter knit.

If I’m picky about anything, it’s sweaters. The worst feeling is when the sweater you get is too bulky, too warm, too rough, or too uncomfortable. And the biggest problem of all – what should you look for to find a sweater that truly lasts over the years? 

These concerns are why I’ve gotten really picky with knitwear; the stakes are high. With the right piece, all other outfits can come together more easily, you have cover against the warmer days, or days where you’re not too sure about what to wear. I’ve found that hammering down on your knit preference, neckline type and materials will yield the best, longest lasting find. We searched through the web to find sweaters for this winter HERE. So, let’s dive in!

To knit or not to knit

The way the fabric of the sweater is constructed is its knit type; the most common ones are ribbed, cable, plain and brushed. Keep these in mind as you look for your perfect cozy sweater. While some knits offer more warmth, others are for stretch and style.

Plain Knit: A smooth, flat knit with a uniform texture. Think regular, plain sweater. 

Cable Knit: A textured knit pattern with raised, twisted rope design. Typically adds warmth and dimension.

Brushed Knit: A soft, fuzzy end fabric due to the brushing fibers. Adds cuteness and warmth.

Ribbed Knit: A stretchy, elastic knit with raised vertical lines. Adds stretch.

Polo necklines are popular this season

Searches for sweaters usually go up every October - December; but this year in particular, polos are a lot more popular. Polo searches in December are up 25% relative to the first few weeks in December last year! Personally, I love the look of Polos for their more formal, more professional vibe in an outfit. They’re great picks for office or business gatherings.

If you’re not a polo gal, look for a crew neck for a more classic look, or a mock/turtle neck for an elevated neckline and a cozier feel. You can find top sweater picks by neckline type HERE.

Cashmere or Wool? What’s the difference?

Cashmere is a natural fiber obtained from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats, valued for its softness and warmth. What used to be a luxurious fabric, is now more massively produced, leading to some very low quality dupes by brands using the cashmere as a marketing tactic. Look for long threads, with fabric that should stretch and return to form lightly.

Cashmere is not meant for repeat everyday wear; give it time to rest to return to its shape. It doesn’t like to be overwashed; when you do wash it, use delicate mode or wash by hand. It has a lot of rules — so why do we go through all the trouble? The cashmere warmth and softness. Cashmere fibers are very fine, meaning they can trap more air, leading to extra warmth in a lightweight, soft delicate garment.

It’s important to note that with cheaper productions it may not be as ethically made. If you go with cashmere, be picky – use it for a dressy investment piece sweater that you will gladly take care of. 

Wool is a natural fiber obtained from the fleece of sheep, goats, alpacas, and llamas, valued for its warmth and durability. It is, in fact, a lot more durable than cashmere, but can be slightly less soft and less warmer than cashmere.

On the production front, wool is a sustainable, renewable resource, as sheep produce a new fleece every year. It’s biodegradable, decomposing naturally when disposed of. Wool is a good pick for an everyday, comfort sweater or a frequent office sweater.

A perfect wardrobe has a mix of both practical wool and elegant cashmere. Elastane may be added to both for stretch; I’d avoid polyester or acetate blends altogether.

Happy styling! Remember, the best sweater is the one you already own; but if you’re looking for extra inspiration, check out the sweater InStock Finder HERE. Let me know if there is something else you’d like to know more about in the comments below.

Pro tips to feel your best

• Know what type of neckline and style type makes you feel most comfortable and stylish

• Look for Merino Wool or sustainable Cashmere. Cashmere is a commitment, so use it for a dressy piece

• Consider different knit patterns and pick cable and brushed for extra warmth and style, ribbed for stretch, or plain for a classic look

• Keep in mind combos with other pieces – coats, bags and shoes. 

Author Favorites <3

I looked through 100s of sweaters to put together this piece. My favorites are saved in my profile HERE.