A sweater you wear once and never wear again costs you the price of the garment per wear — but a well-made, long-lasting crew neck could last years and keep you warm every time you put it on. Buying the right materials is key to making your money stretch further. A guide to the best sweater materials will help you find the perfect fit and style that will keep you cosy for seasons to come.
Wool is the natural material of choice for most sweaters, and for good reason. It’s naturally water-resistant, breathable and durable, making it the ideal layer to protect you from cold weather. Wool also has a bit of give to it, meaning it’s more likely to move with you as you work, run or play, rather than feel constricting or rigid. For a range of merino wool sweaters women, go to www.shamrockgift.com/aran-sweaters/womens-aran-sweaters/womens-merino-wool-irish-sweater
Synthetic fibres, like acrylic and polyester, are used in many sweaters as well. While they’re not as soft as the natural stuff, they offer other benefits, including being a lot cheaper to make and easier to care for than some of the more luxurious natural fibres.
When shopping for a sweater, look for one that’s predominantly made of natural materials with a little room in the mix for synthetic fabrics if necessary. Look at the level of detail that a retailer offers in their product description about the fabric composition, and be wary of any that don’t divulge the exact percentage of each material. A ‘cashmere/cotton’ blend might actually only be 30% cashmere, for example, and that will impact your price point and overall quality.