6 best women's sweaters to shop, according to fashion experts
We consulted designers on how to shop for sweaters right now, and asked for their pro tips for taking care of your new purchase.
Best cashmere sweater: Everlane
2. Oversized Stroopwafel Crew in ReCashmere
Shopping readers are fans of Everlane, a retailer known for creating well-made elevated basics like this top-rated sweater. The effortlessly cool crewneck looks like waffle knit and is made from more than 90 percent recycled cashmere, according to the brand. Typically you’ll need to have cashmere professionally laundered, but this sweater is relatively easy to clean — just throw it into your washing machine on a gentle cycle. Choose from two neutral colors: Bone, a cream and Black.
Best fair isle sweater: L.L. Bean
3. L.L. Bean Women's Cotton Ragg Sweater
Unlike other sweaters on this list, L.L. Bean’s top-rated knitwear is available in both regular and petite sizes. It also looks like bulkier ragg wool, which is known for its two-tone appearance, but instead is made from lightweight cotton. Although fair isle prints can sometimes look overwhelming and cluttered, L.L. Bean’s version sports the chic print along the mock neckline rather than taking up most of the sweater.
Best turtleneck sweater: Uniqlo
4. Uniqlo Turtleneck Sweater
Uniqlo created a clean and classic, 100-percent cashmere turtleneck sweater. Currently, the highly-rated top is on sale and has diverse sizing: XXS to XXL. It’s also available in ten colors, including Pink, Wine and Beige, which looks more like caramel than a light beige. However, unlike the Everlane sweater, you’ll need to commit to having it professionally dry cleaned. If that’s not an issue for you, consider stocking up and gifting your Valentine while the Uniqlo sweaters are still on sale.
Best crewneck sweater: Gap
5. Gap Crewneck Sweater
You can easily rock this pretty cream and pink sweater on casual Fridays and even a laidback Valentine’s Day at home with your partner. It’s made from 30 percent wool and 70 percent acrylic so it’s less likely to pill. The relaxed fit sweater hits at your hips, so you’re unable to rock it as an oversized dress, but consider pairing it with a pair of boyfriend jeans for a laid-back feel.
Best splurge sweater: La Lingne
6. La Lingne Marin Striped Sweater
If you’re into stripes, consider La Lingne, an American women’s clothing line known for its array of striped sweaters and popularity among the fashion set — two former Vogue editors co-founded the brand. The navy and tan striped Marin sweater is made from a cashmere and wool blend to help keep you warm and toasty. It also sports a slightly looser fit, along with ribbed cuffs and a rolled neckline for a faux turtleneck effect.
How should a sweater fit a woman?
The fashion experts we consulted agree: Oversized and fitted sweaters are both great options, but at the end of the day, the best fitting sweater is up to you. That being said, Nielsen and Franco noted oversized sweaters are in style, and nailing the correct fit of your garment is essential if your goal aligns with the current trend.
“If you buy a fitted sweater, then stick to your size as a fitted sweater sized up will make you look frumpy,” he said. Franco added you can pick your usual size when donning an oversized sweater and size up if you’re layering or prefer a looser fit and want to feel comfy.
Nielsen is partial to effortless and cool oversized turtlenecks for Zoom meetings. If you’re heading into the office or have a meeting, he proposed rocking a fitted top underneath “in case you take it off to underline the statement of oversized.” Additionally, he mentioned the importance of sporting an oversized sweater that is draping on you. “If you have a regular shirt underneath, you may look larger as it fills out the sweater,” he said. A quick styling trick from Nielsen is to tuck the sweater rib hem into the front of your pants to elongate the appearance of your legs and make your sweater puffier.
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How to take care of your sweaters
Avoid hanging your sweaters. Doing so stretches out the fabric’s length and the hangars can cause indents in the shoulders and distort their shape, explained Steinbauer. Instead, fold your sweaters, other fashion experts told us.
James Joun, co-founder of laundry and dry cleaning service Rinse, advised hand washing your sweaters in cool water with gentle laundry detergent. You can try Tide Gentle and Free detergent or splurge on Franco’s recommendation: The Laundress, a line of gentle and PH-neutral detergents made from non-toxic, biodegradable and allergen-free ingredients. The company has various detergents for fabrics like cashmere and wool or denim. Joun added to avoid hang drying sweaters, which can stretch out the material when it's wet; instead, flat dry on a mesh rack.
If you’re willing and able to, then Joun also suggested showing your knitwear “a little TLC” by bringing them to a professional cleaning service at the end of the season to get rid of any lingering odors or stubborn stains before storing your sweaters n linen bins lined with acid-free tissue. “The tissue will prevent any dust or dampness from reaching your clothing so your sweater will still look great for the next wear,” he explained.
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