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Sweaters are a fall- and winter wardrobe staple. The right one will keep you warm and cozy without weighing you down or restricting movement, while also adding a touch of personality to your look. Whether you’re headed to brunch with friends, the office, or a quiet night at home, there’s a sweater for every occasion.
A sweater’s most important attribute is its warmth, and the fabric it’s crafted from will determine how well it performs. Traditional cotton may be cheap and easy to find, but it’s not the best option for top-level performance because it doesn’t dry quickly, odors easily, and shrinks easily. Synthetic yarns are a common substitute for cotton, but they have their own issues with sustainability and performance. For a high-performing sweater, opt for wool or cashmere.
For optimal results, always check a sweater’s care instructions for washing and storing suggestions. For example, many cashmere pieces need to be hand-washed while others can go in the machine as long as you skip the spin cycle. In addition, avoid wringing out your sweaters as they could stretch and become misshapen. If you must wring out your sweater, lay it flat on a clean towel and roll it into a jelly-roll-like spiral to squeeze out the excess water. This method can also prevent pilling, and it’s a good idea for any knitwear that you plan to store.