7 Things To Look For When Shopping

I love wearing comfy and cozy sweaters so I created a three-part Sweater Solutions series with helpful tips on how to shop, care and store them.

When the weather cools off, it?s the perfect time to pull out your sweaters and shop for a few new ones. They're a wardrobe staple that are readily available in the stores with lots of colors, fabrics and styles to choose from. 

But do you know how to choose the perfect sweater for you? 

Today, I?m sharing 7 things to consider as you shop for sweaters that will be flattering and comfortable. You?ll want to evaluate the color, fit, texture, neckline, hemline, sleeve length and fabric as each has a significant impact on how the sweater will look and feel on you. 

Here?s my shopping checklist for finding a sweater that?s perfect for you.

Color

Don't discount the impact of a great color! Be sure to choose a color that?s flattering on you. As a color consultant, I always shop color first. If you?re not sure what colors look best on you, download my color season guide to determine your best colors.

Fit

Fit matters if you want a sweater that looks good on you. Look for a style that follows the lines of your body that?s not too tight nor too loose. This goes for all body shapes and types. 

If you can?t pinch an inch of fabric on each side, it?s too tight and may look wrinkled and show lumps and bumps. But if you can pinch more than 2 inches on each side, it?s too large which may be adding visual weight to you.

Some of my larger clients try to hide in loose clothing, but they come around when they see how much slimmer they look in a sweater that fits exactly right. 

Texture

In choosing your sweater, consider the texture and thickness of the knit. Choose a weight and thickness that?s fits your body type.

???????????????????????????Those with small, petite, or thin body types look better in smooth thinner knits. Those with larger bodies can handle thicker and chunkier knits. Just be sure that they fit properly so they don?t add extra bulk to you. 

Neckline

Sweaters come in a variety of necklines including turtleneck, crew neck, boat neck, V neck and scoop neck. The list goes on and on with so many different variations. If you think a sweater looks frumpy on you, it may be the neckline to blame.

To choose your best neckline, consider your bust size. Those that are very thin with small busts can rock a high neckline. But those with a larger bust look better in a lower V-neck or scoop neck. V necks and scoop necks are also look better under jackets and cardigans.

Hemline

The length of your sweater is important in how it looks on you. You need to consider your height and body shape when deciding on your sweater length. 

For most, you want to avoid the hemline ending at the widest part of your hips which will make them look larger. For good body proportion, choose a hemline that ends between your hip bones and 2 inches below. Think of this area as the ?sweet spot? that works for most. 

Sleeve Length

There?s nothing as annoying as sleeves that are too short because you are either constantly tugging them or must wear them pushed up. There is no fix for sleeves that are too short.

Your sleeves should cover your wrist, but not your hand. Here?s a trick to find the ideal sleeve length. When you bend your wrist so your palms are facing down, your sleeves should end right below your wrist. 

If your sleeves are too long, you can often fold up the extra fabric for an easy fix.

Fabric 

You want a sweater that?s comfortable against your skin. Avoid knits that are scratchy, make you itch or do not breathe because you?ll not be comfortable wearing them. They will end up being a waste of money.

Always check the tag for the fabric content to choose a fabric that works for you. You?ll find natural fibers like wool, cashmere, angora and cotton or synthetic materials like rayon, acrylic and polyester. 

A sweater that is at least 75% natural fibers is best for quality, function, and durability. Synthetic materials wear out and pill more quickly so your sweater will not last as long.

The tags will also tell you how to care for your sweater, so it keeps looking good. Consider how much effort or expense it will take to wash and care your sweater. 

I hope this sweater shopping checklist helps you find the perfect sweater this season.

For a V-neck classic fit lightweight sweater, you might check out the Amazon Essential and Qualfort sweaters. They are primarily cotton, easy to care for and come in a variety of colors. They are a basic wardrobe essential which can be great for dressing up or down.

Amazon Essential Pullover                          Qualfort Pullover

Be sure to share your favorite sweaters in my Facebook group.   

Other posts in this Sweater Solutions series you might be interested in reading.

Sweater Solutions: Your Complete Care Guide

Sweater Solutions: Sweater Storage 101

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This post contains affiliate links to Amazon to earn a small commission at no cost to you.

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