Sweaters are an essential item to have in your wardrobe during the colder months. But just what type of sweater should you wear? Sweaters come in so many different styles. Below are 6 of the important factors to consider when choosing a sweater.
Material
Wool is the most traditional material for sweaters and offers some of the best warmth of any material. There are so many different types of wool to choose from – the most luxurious being cashmere and alpaca wool.
You can even knit your wool sweater! If you want to save money, cotton and polyester are other material options. They’re not as warm but are still a cosy and durable option.
Colour
You can buy sweaters in practically any colour. It’s worth having a sweater in a neutral colour like black, grey, white or navy – these sweaters are very versatile and can be more easily paired with other coloured clothing.
That said, if you’re looking for a statement sweater, don’t be afraid to explore bold colours like yellow, orange and pink. Of course, there are many patterns to explore too, including many wild Xmas jumper options.
Size
When finding the perfect sweater fit, it’s useful to know your measurements. In many cases, it’s better to go too big than too small – a baggy sweater can still look stylish, whereas a sweater that’s too small will always look silly.
A tailored sweater is always an option if you want something that’s perfectly fitted (just try not to gain or lose too much weight over Xmas).
Length
Some sweaters are designed to stop at the waist, while others are designed to be much longer. Then there are sweater dresses – most of these stop at the knees, but you can also buy sweater maxi dresses. Think about how long you want to go. Don’t try to pass off an extra large sweater as a sweater dress, as the sleeves will be too long.
Neckline
There are so many neckline styles to choose from when it comes to selecting sweaters. Turtlenecks and cowl necks can keep your neck snug and are a popular option.
On the opposite side of the spectrum are boat neck sweaters and off-shoulder sweaters that keep your neck and shoulders exposed (often more of a fall/spring option). The likes of these solid crewneck sweater options are a safe solution if you’re looking for something versatile. V-necks and scoop necks are also popular and can allow you to display necklaces.
Buttons/zips
Traditional ‘cardigan’ style sweaters have buttons running down the front. Others have a few buttons at the top for a ‘polo’ look, while others have buttons running down the shoulder (largely for an ornamental look rather than any practical reason).
Some sweaters have zippers instead of buttons. For example, sports sweaters typically have a zip running down the front so that they can easily be opened if you get too hot. Others have small zip that runs halfway down to allow ventilation without allowing the sweater to flap open.
