Sweaters are a BIG part of our wardrobe, but would you say your purchases are always wise? Make sure to check these 3 things to take into consideration when buying a sweater this upcoming season.
The never-lasting trends come and go, but such a timeless piece as a sweater will never go out of style and will always be practical and elegant. However, finding a good, high-quality sweater can be really hard. Nowadays there are a bunch of options, from cheap sweaters that will most likely only last for a season or two, to very costly, hand-knitted clothing made of premium materials that are far beyond the budget for most of us.
If you are looking for the right sweater for you, the one that you will enjoy every time you will put it on, you should pay attention to a number of things. Here are 3 things you should take into consideration when trying to make a wise purchase decision:
THE MATERIAL
When purchasing a sweater, the first thing to consider is the material it is made from. Sweaters are designed to keep keep you warm and comfortable in cold weather, so choosing one that is of good quality is really important. Wool is the best fabric for these purposes, since it has the natural property of retaining heat, that will be perfect for snowy winter days.
However, because wool fiber is thick and rough, and thus it can be too itchy, unpleasant for the skin, and also very difficult to care for, since most of the time it requires to be washed by hand in cold water. Overall, traditional wool is not the best choice, especially right now, considering the wide range of options that there are on the market.
Merino wool is an excellent substitute. These fibers are much thinner and softer, making the clothing made of them comfortable and lightweight. Sweaters made of Merino are not only heat retaining, but also water and odor resistant, they do not stain easily and are much easier to care for than the ones made of standard wool.
Merino wool can indeed be pricey, but when you consider how often you are going to wear a sweater and how many years a wool one will last you, there is no doubt that it is well worth the investment. If you are looking for a qualitative Irish wool sweater that will suit you perfectly and serve you a lifetime, check out online stores such as Tara Irish Clothing where you will find a wide selection of Irish sweaters with beautiful patterns made of Merino wool.
THE SIZE
Another important factor to consider when shopping for a sweater is its size, since this is the factor that will determine how well the jumper will look on you. For it to fit you well, you will need to take some essential measurements: the chest, the length, and the sleeve.
Without knowing your exact measurements, you risk buying a sweater that will be either too big or too tight. For a perfect fit, you also need to understand how the companies measure their sweaters. For example, for the first one, the sweater needs to be laid down and measured on the chest. This is really important, because when wearing the right item, you should not feel restricted in any way, especially around your chest area.
For the length, the sweater is measured from the back of the collar all the way to the bottom, and this measurement is much needed for choosing a sweater that is neither too long nor too short, since it has a major impact on the visual line of your body.
As for the sleeve size, it is usually measured from your shoulder blade to your wrist bone. The sleeve is often a tricky part to get right, specifically for taller men, since the sweater can suit perfectly, but the sleeves may be too short, making the final outfit look less preppy and elegant.
THE STYLE
As we have previously mentioned, these days there is a wide range of sweaters available, all in different sizes, colors, patterns, and styles. A well-chosen sweater can be universal, but it is better to have a couple of them for different occasions, such as a day in the office, a dinner date on a cold winter night, a vacation in the mountains, or even more official occasions, such as weddings.
The most formal sweater styles are the V-neck and the crew neck. They are usually the ones that can be layered with something lightweight underneath and if the tone is right, they can even be worn with a suit or a trench. However, it is recommended to avoid wearing them with a tie, since the outfit will risk to seem too messy. These sweaters look minimalistic, formal, but not as imposing as other styles that will be discussed later, and can also be a perfect choice for a casual or business casual look.
A turtleneck is also formal, but more practical, because it provides a better protection against the natural elements and keeps you warm. They may look heavy and bulky, and some may even consider them too imposing, but overall turtlenecks are great, especially for those who live in harsher climates.
The rollneck sweater is a less formal version of a turtleneck: it has a round collar that does not go all the way to the neck, and it is usually baggier and more casual than the other sweater styles. If you are planning a trip to the countryside, this sweater might be an excellent choice for you.
–
