Sweaters are the ideal winter wear option during the cold months. You also get a great variety to choose from in the sweater market. This post will take you through each type of sweater available in the winter market. Sweaters are a must-have in every winter wardrobe. So it's always nice to be aware of your options. You'll be able to pick some fantastic pieces during the winter season.

Types of Sweaters in the Winter Market

As I said, different types of sweaters are available in the market. Each type of sweater has its characteristics and benefits.

So here are some types of sweaters that you should consider. It applies to both men and women. Have a look and see which sweater suits your wardrobe and style

1. Cardigans

Cardigans are your age-old essentials for a winter wardrobe. This warm and comfy layer is an opinion for both men and women. You might think cardigans are best suited for a woman's winter outfits. But that's not the case with this winter sweater.

You would imagine the usual sweaters to be those you pull over your head. But these are slightly different. They come with an open front or with buttons attached.

This piece looks ultra-stylish and elegant with suitable layers underneath. If you pick the right fit, you'll get a comfortable and laid-back vibe from your winter outfit.

The cardigan sweater is a blessing if you're running late. All you got to do is add this layer to your outfit. You won't have to worry about how it will look on the overall outfit. You're good to go if you've picked a fit and colour that complements the outfit.

You can wear open-fronted cardigans, either buttoned up or buttonless. Both ways, this style sweater can add value to your winter wardrobe.,

This sweater is also pretty versatile. It can fit your needs for a formal outing that calls for a warm layer. You can slip into it very effortlessly.

But it can also look good with a casual tee and jeans. A cardigan can indeed work wonders even in the toughest winter weather conditions.

2. Tunic Sweaters

Tunics are another exciting variety available in the sweater market. They might either come under the category of shirts or dresses. They're not your typical type of winter sweater.

Since sweaters are made with warmer fabrics, tunics can also fit the bill. And so these loose-fit and flatteringly hanging pieces can add to your winter collection.

It can help you enhance your winter fashion sense as well. You won't need to compromise on the amount of warmth and comfort you need.

The length of these sweaters is longer than the typical sweater. This type of sweater can be as dressy as you wish.

These types of sweaters are best suited for a woman's winter collection. But this piece can also be molded to fit the modern-day male.

A tunic sweater adds an interesting dimension to your everyday wintry look. It allows your winter outfits to ooze warmth and style in your fashion choices.

3. Turtleneck Sweaters

  

A turtleneck type of sweater will never go out of fashion. It's so versatile that you'll be able style it with most other pieces from your wardrobe.

A turtleneck has a very unique and characteristic neckline. It covers most parts of the neck and hence saves the need for a scarf.

You could wear them along with jeans, trousers, dresses, skirts, or chinos as well. As for footwear, boots will be very useful along with sneakers too.

This classic style is as striking as it's functional. Turtleneck sweaters are pretty versatile in there, as you've read.

This piece looks great on celebrities and commoners too. Its high collar folds down over itself.

It provides the neck with an extra layer of warmth.

Customize this top as per your needs. Use it as an outer layer or sandwich it between a coat and a t-shirt. Turtleneck types of sweaters can come in handy for a statement look too.

4. Mock Neck Sweaters

It's another sweater type you should consider while shopping for winter. The look is very similar to a turtleneck, But there is a slight difference.

If turtlenecks aren't you're type, look out for a mock neck type of sweater. It's a viable variation of its more high-end sibling.

This piece has a shorter neckline compared to the turtleneck. Find a nice, warm, and snug fit for your winter outfits. If you style it well, this piece, too, has incredible fashion potential.

And as I said, it's also a great alternative to the turtleneck sweater. So if you think the turtleneck covers a bit extra volume, the mock turtleneck is the next best option.

5. Half Zip Sweaters

Other than the pullover type of sweater, you also have zippered versions. The one in focus here is called a half-zip or quarter-zip sweater.

As the name suggests, this type of sweater comes with a zipper. The zipper doesn't run through the middle. It hangs somewhere around the chest area and ends near the neck.

This type of sweater is an excellent option to add some variety to your sweater collection. It has a charm about it that is unlike other types of sweaters. You can use it for some relaxed and casual looks in winter.

Its mock collar in the front is often left open. It's due to the zipper's presence that it's rarely fully done up.

Suppose you leave the sweater half open. It allows you to create a look similar to a V-neck. This sweater is pretty versatile and suits many kinds of winter occasions.

6. Raglan Sweaters

Raglan sweaters are an interesting variety when it comes to types of sweaters. Sweaters are characterized by their make, and their features.

The raglan-sleeved variant comes without shoulder seams. It's the case around the front of the chest as well.

These aspects allow the raglan sweater to be an easily discernible style. It also looks and feels trendy. It's made from a single piece of fabric from the neckline down.

It's a comfortable style incorporating a somewhat looser fit and is most spectacular in its work upon cropped sweater styles.

7. Crewneck Sweaters

   

Crewneck sweaters are a popular type of sweater. It's also an easy-to-wear type of sweater. Today, it has a more casual, sporty look that makes them popular.

A crewneck sweater have a round neckline and no collar. It gives your outfit a more relaxed look without looking completely casual. They're an excellent choice for situations where you want to dress up.

8. V-Neck Sweaters

   

A V-neck type of sweater has a peculiar neckline. As the name suggests, it has a V-shape. It lends itself to being layered over a collared shirt or fitted blouse.

You can dress up your v-neck sweaters with a sharp tie or sport coat for professional looks. You should leave the collar alone for a polished and less formal look. Make sure that you tuck in the shirt under it, though.

9. Shawl Collar Sweaters

The shawl collar or shawl sweaters are a stylish-looking type of sweater. It's yet another assertion of what a simple collar can do to a sweater. The sweater's design is an attention-grabber.

The shawl collars can also be referred to as the foldover style. This is true when it hoards extra material, much like the turtleneck.

It's a piece that can seamlessly cater to your functional and fashion requirements. The distinct shape of the shawl collar lends warmth to the wearer.

It also helps to frame the neck, face, and chest areas. It also allows you to dress this piece up or down as you wish. So please assemble an outfit that suits your occasion and style.

10. Christmas Sweaters

   

Winter is also a time to bring in the Christmas vibes. You can reflect that in all the winter clothing you wear.

And one such option is a Christmas-themed sweater. Everyone must have this type of sweater in their winter wardrobe.

It might not be among the most fashionable sweaters out there. Also, it isn't something you should wear everywhere. But it's great to have a few in your wardrobe for the festive days.

Wear these sweaters for your Christmas function and stand out from the crowd. It shows you're in the Christmas mood with the sweater's colours and designs.

As for the sweater's designs, you get to see some beautiful Christmas motifs. It ranges from reindeer and snowmen to candy canes as well.

Christmas sweaters come across as a reflection of the festive vibes. They might not look very attractive, but they do look different than usual.

It's one type of sweater you need in your wardrobe for every winter. This type of sweater can make for decent outfits on most casual outings.

Types of Sweaters with Patterns

   

Sweaters aren't only meant for practical purposes. You can make your sweater collection look interesting. One way to make every type of sweater interesting is with patterns.

There are such interesting patterned types of sweaters in the winter market. You must try them out sometime during winter. Here's a list of some popular kinds of patterned sweaters:

1. Cable Knit Sweater

A cable-knit sweater is among the most popular types of sweaters with patterns. It deserves popularity as well. The designs and patterns on this sweater are pretty interesting and intricate.

These types of sweaters are usually thicker than other kinds of sweaters. They're called cable knit because they have cross-cable patterns in the front.

But they can be patterned on the back and arms as well. So you must get hold of some cable-knit types of sweaters this winter.

2. Fair Isle Sweater

Here's another patterned sweater for your winter wear options. The fair isle type of sweater is bright-colored with horizontal patterns.

This sweater's origins are in Scotland. You can use them as an outer layer for a casual outfit.

3. Argyle Sweater

Let's now move on to the Argyle type of sweater. Argyle sweaters have several coloured patterns that are capable of drawing attention. These sweater patterns look great with clothes that are simple in style and design.

4. Aran Sweater

The traditional Aran sweater usually is off-white in color, with cable patterns on the body and sleeves. The knit is usually wider, thicker patterns to create a more three-dimensional texture.

How to Care for Different Type of Sweater

We've looked at the variety available in the sweater market. Now it's time to learn ways to care for sweaters. In this segment, let's look at three kinds of fabrics and how to maintain them:

Wool

Wool is the most popular fabric when you think of winter wear. But wool doesn't need to be washed often anyways, so don't worry.

Let your woollen items air-dry after wearing them. Wool has antimicrobial and anti-dour properties, so you're sweaters are safe in winter.

For small stains, blot them with cold water or treat them with a wool-specific shampoo. Wearing something under your sweater can lengthen the time between washes.

Hand washing is your safest option for a woollen sweater. Use lukewarm water with a wool-specific detergent while you sit to hand-wash.

Gently agitate and then soak it for 10 minutes. Then, rinse the sweater in cool water until the water is no longer soapy. Instead of using the dryer or ringing excess water out, roll the sweater inside a towel. Lay it flat to dry and reshape it while it's damp.

Turn your sweater inside out and place it inside a mesh bag. If you want to machine wash, choose a gentle cycle. Along with that, the water temperature should be lukewarm. And the machine should have a low spin speed.

Here again, use wool-specific detergent to wash the sweater. Dry flat and reshape it in the same manner as described above. Use a steamer instead of an iron to get rid of the wrinkles. The steam will sanitize the wool at the same time.

Cashmere

Cashmere is another valuable sweater fabric. The care for this type of sweater is fairly similar to wool care. Just like wool, you can wear cashmere a few times before washing it.

Once again, wearing an undershirt could help. A dry wash spray to refresh the smell will also be useful. Most people recommend dry cleaning cashmere.

But the harsh solvents break down the fabric's delicate fibres over time. So opt for hand-washing.

Gently wash it and soak it in cool or lukewarm water for a while. You can use a cashmere-specific detergent for this. You should rinse until the water isn't soapy anymore.

Avoid a fabric softener as cashmere becomes softer over time. You can roll up the sweater in a towel instead of wringing out the excess water. Then lay it flat to dry. Opt for a steamer instead of using an iron to get it back into shape.

Synthetic

Synthetic fabrics are also used in the making of different types of sweaters. They include acrylic, polyester, rayon, nylon, and man-made materials.

Hand-washing is usually the safest method for these types of sweaters. You could do so with a gentle detergent and lukewarm water. Rinse it with cool water and don't wring it. To machine-wash, turn your type of sweater inside and place it inside a mesh bag.

Then, use a gentle cycle at a low temperature and a low spin speed. The plastic fibers are very susceptible to heat, so skip the dryer and iron. Thankfully, synthetic fabrics usually dry quickly, so just lay flat to dry. Use a re-wear spray to refresh between washes.

Conclusion

So sweaters are a versatile piece of winter wear. Each type of sweater has its value in your winter collection. You can create different looks with different kinds of sweaters. So, look to add variety to your wardrobe.

I hope this post was a bit helpful to you. So get hold of some lovely sweaters this winter season.  

This post was written by Kosha team member - Shawn Mathias