confession: i’m a fabric snob.
my life changed for the better the day that i realized the difference between man-made materials and natural fibers. natural materials, especially for winter, are the coziest, warmest and most chic. however, investing in quality fabrics doesn’t have to break the bank. in this post, i’m sharing the best wool and cashmere sweaters under $200.
first let me say that all man-made fabrics aren’t bad. viscose for example can be a great alternative to wool and cashmere. although it’s man made, it’s created from a natural source and tends to last.
when investing in sweaters ask yourself what matters the most. for me, i care about longevity, feel and sustainability. from that perspective, natural materials like wool and cashmere take priority when i’m shopping for sweaters.
before i dig into my favorite sweaters, let’s get clear on materials:
cashmere: a fiber from cashmere goats. finer, stronger and three times more insulating that sheep’s wool.
wool: a fiber from sheep, goats, rabbits and more. it has a low heat release, making it warmer than cotton.
alpaca: one of the most exclusive types of wool. great quality and doesn’t pill (small balls of fluff).
polyester: synthetic fabric derived from petroleum and made from plastic. it is one of the world’s most popular textiles and can take up to 200 years to break down in landfills.
acrylic: synthetic fabric that is warmer than polyester and feels similar to wool.
viscose: lightweight material that is man-made, but derived from trees.
three tips when selecting cool weather pieces to add to your wardrobe:
1. you don’t have to spend thousands on cashmere and wool out of the gate. i’ve been transitioning my pieces for years and have finally eliminated all the 100% acrylic. it took five years.
2. blends can be a good substitute for 100% wool or cashmere, especially if the majority of the components are a natural fabric.
3. fabric care is key with natural fabrics. avoid the dryer and lay them flat to dry. also, NO WIRE HANGERS! folding sweaters is best, and if you must hang them use padded hangers. also, keep a sweater shaver on deck.
The best wool and cashmere sweaters under $200
She is a GENEROUS queen! TY!