How to shop for a quality sweater
It’s the time of the year; discounts are everywhere. It is also a perfect time to buy a high-quality sweater for a fraction of a price.
But you know I say that before you buy something, you really gotta think about it. Why? Because when you buy something, you also want to wear it and not only once but possibly as long as it lasts. Here are a few steps that will help you find the perfect match for you that you will love to show, and with proper care, it will last for many years.
The purpose
Before you start the hunt, it’s good to think about why you need a new sweater. “I want some cute one” just doesn’t cut it. So be your reason that you need an office jumper, oversized thick knit to keep you warm and cozy, or to feel comfortable and warm but still elegant. There can be plenty of reasons, but just giving a little thought to where you will want to wear will provide you with a sense of style.
Your budget
When it comes to sweaters, there is an extensive price range. While polyester and acrylic ones won’t burn a hole in your wallet, cashmere and alpaca wool can be very pricey. Sometimes the brand is the price maker, so set a budget and then choose a material before starting shopping. Just so you eliminate temptation and make an educated choice.
The Material
The most important of all tips is to decide on the material. They all have different characteristics. There are X major categories of materials that are used for knits. The most popular are:
Wool
Wool is the most common material when it comes to sweaters. It’s an excellent insulator, which means it retains heat very well. Thread being a natural material, wicks moisture away from your body, and it can retain a lot of moisture before even feeling wet. That makes it an excellent choice for rainy days or if you tend to sweat. When it comes to maintenance, you should wash it on cold and use a special detergent made specifically for wool. Lay it on the soft towel to dry, so it doesn’t lose shape.
Cashmere
Cashmere is a very soft fiber made out of the hair of a cashmere goat. It’s technically not wool but very fine hair. Cashmere sweaters are great at insulation, warmer than wool, and very soft. It’s also costly, and sometimes it’s tricky to find good quality. Some producers will claim that the sweater is made of cashmere, but it can blend fibers or lower quality cashmere. You have check how the material stretches. If it returns easily to its shape, it’s ok. If there is some breakage in the fibers and not as durable, it’s not worth the money. The care for this type of material can be a nightmare, so either dry clean or wash in cold water with a baby shampoo and dry laid on a towel.
Alpaca
Favorite material in South America. Alpacas are cute camel type animals that can be seen all over South America. Their wool can be either curly or thicker silky type. It is a little bit more expensive and exclusive type of fiber. It’s a bit warmer, lighter and guess what. It’s hypoallergenic! This type of wool is perfect but be willing to put a higher price.
Cotton
Cotton is more of traditional material for thinner strands and lighter knits like t-shirts. Still, when turned into a sweater, it has this very modern look. Sweaters tend to be quite heavy, matted, and don’t really drape nicely, but that stiffness gives it great modern shape. It’s not the warmest option, so I would say it’s an ideal material for the transitional period.
Acrylic
Acrylic is cheap, but it can be very soft, and it doesn’t really itch like traditional wool. Some people do mistake it for the thread. It’s very durable, and usually, it won’t get misshapen. The issue is washing as it released a lot of microplastic when being machine washed. So It’s not obviously the most sustainable choice.
Polyester
Polyester is great for trendy sweaters, but it won’t really keep you warm; it also sheds microplastic fibers, although not as many. The material is very cheap, and sweaters can cost you so little as one dinner. The yarn is not breathable but being a knit kind of saves the situation.
The Care
Every material requires extra care. Natural wools need more shampoo than washing detergent. They need to be washed in cold temperatures, and you need to carefully dry them.
The artificial fibers are easier to care for, and you probably won’t have a shrinking accident. If you care about the planet, consider the pollution from the chemical process of production to shedding fibers.
I hope this gave you a basic idea of what you want to aim for when shopping for some nice and cozy sweater. If you have some other tips, don’t be afraid to share them in the comments.
