19 Things to Know About Your Sweater for Winter Season

The colder months of the year will always feel incomplete without a sweater for winter. It's been a winter staple for ages. And it looks like it will also remain that way in the near future.

Every winter wardrobe should feature a few sweaters. It works in the mildest and the coldest winter weather.

So let's get going right away! I'll take you through some basics regarding your ideal sweater for winter. It will guide you while you buy a few for the upcoming winter season.

Basic Tips to Pick the Right Sweater for Winter

We've all heard and worn a sweater during the winter months. But do you pay careful attention while picking your favourite sweater for winter? Well, for many, that area needs some work.

So here are some tips to help you in the shopping process. Keep an eye out for the pointers as you go around winter shopping.

1. Look Out for Natural Fibres on Priority

Sweaters made of natural fibres are your best option. If you want your sweater to last for longer than a season, stay away from synthetic yarns containing acrylic, rayon, and polyester.

The higher-quality sweaters come with natural fibres, such as merino wool, cashmere and alpaca. At the same time, the commercial sweaters consist of acrylic and acrylic blends.

They're usually easier to care for and washable. But they aren't as breathable and comfortable to wear. These sweaters might lose their charm with time.

Try to stick with one natural fabric per sweater rather than going in for blends.

It won't always be possible, though. One hundred percent cashmere sweaters are pretty luxurious. But the price tags prove the luxury too.

But you could narrow down your options if you buy sweaters with one or two natural fibres. A sweater made of just one fabric also helps prevent pilling and the sweater's eventual degradation.

But while buying your sweater for winter, don't stick to one fabric. Buy a few to increase the variety and options for your wardrobe. It allows you to style different looks for different occasions.

2. Feel the Sweater

This point is also worth noting down. Touching a sweater is an excellent way to assess its quality.

When buying them from a store, run your hands over them first. If the material feels scratchy or cheap, please don't buy it. Even if it's something you can't imagine yourself in, keep it away.

A bad feeling is often a sign. It indicates poor quality and comfort while wearing. Lower-quality fabrics and blends tend to feel stiffer on the body.

But, try it if the fabric feels pliable, tightly woven, and nice against the skin. It's a sign that this sweater for winter is of better quality. It feels good, it will last longer too.

3. Pay Attention to Patterns

A sweater's patterns should look well-aligned. After all, patterned sweaters add variety to your winter collection. You have many interesting and intricate patterns to choose from for your sweater.

Take a good look to ensure any details or accents are cohesive on your sweater. If the pattern looks a little wonky, it could signify potential longevity issues.

Apart from that, you might not want to try the sweater in the first place. The uneven and shabby pattern would be the reason for it.

Sweaters with colourwork or stitched patterns can have issues with continuity at the seams. The best sweaters make sure that the patterns line up correctly. Some good examples of patterns would Fair Isle sweaters and cable-knit sweaters.

When you hand-knit you're sweaters, imperfections might be excused. But if you're wearing a commercially-made sweater, consistency is vital.

4. Inspect the Seams

Here's an important detail you should look out for. The seams can determine whether or not your sweater for winter will last.

Any sweater will have seams of some sort. The seams are usually around the sweater's cuffs, shoulders, and bottom.

If you're looking at a sweater, ensure that the seams are smooth and even. Along with this, they should keep the sweater in a streamlined shape.

The seams should be sewn and sufficient to hold the sweater's weight. This aspect is particularly essential around the shoulder region.

5. Take Good Care of Your Sweaters

You should store your sweaters well to maintain their shape. It's simple. The sweater will do its job of protecting you and creating lovely outfits. But you should do your bit as well. If you take good care of them, they will last longer.

Fold your sweaters and place them in a drawer instead of hanging them. It prevents the fabric from stretching or developing lumps where the shoulders drape over the hanger.

You should also avoid using a dryer machine once you wash them. Instead, you could lay them flat to dry. It will prevent pilling, shrinking, and loss of shape.

Sweater for Winter: FAQs About Caretaking

This bit is crucial to take off from the last point in the previous segment. A sweater will last for as long as you take good care of it. Even after you send it often to a professional for cleaning, your sweaters see a little wear and tear.

Find ways to care for your sweaters during the winter season. Don't let your sweaters lose their shape and charm during the cold months.

Well, here are few frequently asked questions about a sweater's caretaking. The answer could help you out while you're washing a sweater for winter

• How Often Should You Wash Your Sweaters?

The general approach to washing sweaters is approximately after 3-5 years unless your pullover is dirty. You can wash certain fabrics less often due to the durability factor. Woollen sweaters would be a good example.

• Why is the Care Label Important?

Before you wash your sweaters, there's something vital that you need to do. Even if you're washing a regular sweater, you must read the care label. Otherwise, you'll miss a few important details. It will end up ruining your sweater for winter.

If your sweater's label says "Dry Clean Only", you should take it to a professional. If the label mentions that drying cleaning is recommended, hand-washing or machine-washing is fine.

Similarly, if it states "Hand Wash Only", don't dump your pullover into the washing machine.

If you ignore the care instructions, get ready to see your sweater fall apart.

• Should You Wash Sweaters Inside Out?

Here's another important question that needs an answer. You can wash the areas that aren't usually washed if you do it inside-out. An example would be the armpit areas on your body.

The detergent and water will deal with stains that a spot treatment can't reach completely. Also, any graphic designs or embellishments on the sweater stay intact. All you need is to turn the sweater inside out.

• How to Treat Stains on Sweaters

If you've spotted a stain on your sweater for winter, don't worry! Your sweater won't get ruined. All you need to do is, treat the stain.

Try to flush out the stain with some water. But if it's more stubborn, you'll have to blot the patch with some white vinegar. Then, let the vinegar seep in for a few minutes. Then you can wash the stain away with clean water.

If the stain is lifted, grab 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit on the stain for a few minutes. Then wash the area with some water. Later, use whichever washing method you prefer. The stain should go away or shouldn't be as noticeable as before.

• Can You Put Your Sweater in the Dryer?

Putting a sweater in a dryer is usually not recommended. The dryer's heat can damage the material or cause shrinking, pilling, or wear and tear. Hence, please resort to air-drying instead. It's the best way to dry a sweater for winter.

Once you have finished hand-washing or machine-washing, as mentioned, please don't wring it out. The fibres could be stretched and get damaged that way.

The safer option is to lay it flat on an absorbent towel. You can roll the sweater with the towel and gently squeeze out the water. The excess water will go away.

Secondly, please don't hang your sweaters to dry them. Hanging a wet sweater can stretch out the material, which isn't ideal.

Styling a Woman's Sweater for Winter

Ladies, you can make the most of your sweater for winter. What's best is that you won't need to go over the top for it. You can follow some basic methods and still look the part.

So here are some outfit ideas for you to style your sweater for winter:

1. Go Monochrome

A monochrome outfit look is one of the easiest and best ways to look fashionable. You won't need much effort to put together an outfit of the same colour. But yes, you should choose the right colour for the look. Or else it could go either way.

Once you know what colour you want, play around with textures. You could go in for knitted sweaters paired with your joggers. As for the colour, you can trust pink to give you good results.

2. Think About the Colours

Bright colours can make a statement. It could become a habit if you like picking bright colours. If you're new to the styling game, neutral hues are a go-to.

But you can think bright for an occasional experiment. And if you know what works for you, create different looks each time. Also, colour-blocking can be a fun way to play around with your colours in the wardrobe.

Along with this, you can use the regular jeans-sneaker combo for an outfit too. All you need is to pair the correct colours.

3. Style It With Skirts

Sweaters can be a part of some pretty outfits too. While the top is taken care of, think about the bottom. Make the most of the fashionable items you've hoarded in your winter collection.

Pick a gorgeous skirt to contrast the knitted sweater. And always remember, mixing plush fabrics with bulky ones can make you look good!

4. Use It As a Layer

When it's wintertime, the cool parts of the world like layers on their clothes. Layering over a bulky sweater is not a good idea. You can work with a turtleneck, though.

Also, play around with jackets and overcoats that are winter-friendly. It can be a fun way to use your simple, casual jackets even in the cold. You could layer your sweater for winter with denims, puffers or leather jackets too.

Styling a Man's Sweater for Winter

All you guys should add some sweaters to your winter collection. As you've seen for the ladies, a sweater for winter has a lot to offer. Guys, too, can make the most of a sweater during cold days.

Here are some basic outfit ideas that should work when you're out facing the chills:

1. Solid Coloured Sweater for Winter

Solid-coloured sweaters are a classic piece for winter. Hence, it becomes an essential part of a guy's cold-weather wardrobe too. Solid-coloured sweaters are the best ones to wear for versatility and comfort.

Some solid colours keep you warm and add elegance to the winter outfit. Try a white sweater for winter if you're planning to wear a bright solid. You can team it up with many items from your wardrobe.

2. Sleeveless Sweater for Winter

A sleeveless sweater is another must-have in your winter collection. You can wear this as one of the layers under your jacket. You could also wear it as the only layer over a full-sleeved outfit. It's an excellent option for layering purposes.

It's a great choice for warmth against the chilly winds without feeling suffocated. You can wear some neutral colours like black or grey for this piece.

3. Turtle Neck Sweaters

A turtleneck is something you cannot do without during the winter season. It looks good with practically anything in the wardrobe. If you want to remain warm and trendy, opt for a charcoal grey turtleneck and enjoy winters in style.

There are many other shades you should try for this style. You can start with darker shades and then try some bright colours.

4. Striped Sweaters

Stripes are a great idea to add variety to your winter wear. A striped sweater for winter is perfect for a retro vibe on another simple look.

Choose a sweater with contrasting horizontal or vertical stripes on it. The contrasting colours on the stripes make a statement. It's a classic that might never go out of fashion. You can also opt for a single colour on the stripes if you prefer.

5. Black Sweater for Winter

Your winter wardrobe is incomplete without a black sweater for winter. You can assemble some casual and classy winter looks with this colour.

Black is a multifaceted colour twitch you can wear with most outfits. The colour absorbs the maximum heat, a necessity during the winter season. Hence it's among the must-have winter sweaters for men.

Conclusion

So what are your plans with a sweater for winter this season? Whatever you choose, ensure that you have options not only for the current season.

Also, don't compromise on warmth for style. Bring in pieces that will give you the best of both worlds.

I hope this guide gave you an idea about a few basics that work for a cold-weather sweater. And I hope you enjoy your winter outings with your favourite sweater for winter.

This post was written by Kosha team member - Shawn Mathias