One of the most versatile, functional and beloved garments in your closet, sweaters come in all shapes and sizes. In fact, there are so many styles of sweaters that it can be challenging to know where to start. But, with the right knowledge you’ll be on your way to picking out a wardrobe staple that is perfect for work or play.
The most popular fabric for sweaters is wool, which comes in several grades that impact the softness and warmth of the final product. One simple way to evaluate the quality of a sweater is to look at how much detail the retailer provides about the material used; lower-quality examples will typically read simply “wool” while more detailed pieces will note the yarn’s ply or country of origin.
Cotton is a popular choice for sweaters, too. This natural plant-based fiber is resilient and cool, making it a great option for summer or spring sweaters. However, cotton doesn’t perform as well as wool in colder temperatures, so it is best to use this sweater type for transitional weather.
Another sweater style is a shawl collar, which looks like the turtleneck but stands up instead of folding over. This style of sweater can be worn with the front closed, buttoned up or left unfastened. Finally, there is the crew neck sweater, which is a great option for work because it provides good coverage without being too bulky.