5 Warmest Women's Sweaters to Brave the Winter Chill
When sweater weather season is here, it can be nice to change up your wardrobe and indulge in the comfort of a nice warm sweater. That's at least before it hits you that winter is coming, and sweaters will likely be a daily essential if you live in a cold climate. While there isn't much to do about the weather, you can control what you wear when it's cold and blustery. There's no reason to get bored with the same old sweater either. There are so many different types of sweaters, that the options can appear endless, though. It can feel easier to simply give up and wear a t-shirt under a women's winter parka all winter-long.
But it doesn't have to be that way. You can pick through the sweater parade and discover which kind of sweater is right for you! Whether you prefer baggy and oversized sweaters or tight and cropped, here are five women's warm winter sweaters to keep in mind if your wardrobe needs an update this winter.
1. Cardigan Sweaters
Wrapping a cardigan sweater around you is like getting a nice warm hug on a chilly winter day. One great thing about cardigans is their versatility. They come in a variety of materials and styles, whether button-up or completely open. Even a lightweight jersey-knit cardigan can give an extra element of warmth as the seasons change, without weighing you down and making you feel too warm. Keep one draped around your office chair for when the cold weather sneaks indoors.
2. Cable-Knit Sweaters
It's a classic that has somehow been able to stand the test of time. Also known as an "Aran" sweater (representing the Aran Islands of Ireland), the cable-knit got its name from the style of knitting that involves crossing of layers over each other repeatedly. These tend to be thicker sweaters than most and can be especially warm as a result. A shorter, cropped cable-knit sweater looks great with jeans, while longer cable-knit sweaters go well with a pair of leggings for ultimate comfort. The detail on them also means you don't need to pair them with jewelry or a scarf to make them look nice; they look great on their own.
3. Cashmere Sweaters
Whether a cardigan or a pullover, you can't go wrong with a cashmere sweater. Its superior quality also makes it a great gift, as cashmere is known worldwide as a superior type of material. It originates in the Himalayas where the Pashmina goat uses its wool to stay warm. Cashmere is made from processing their wool, which is cleaned and then woven into different threads. It is softer, warmer, and less itchy than regular wool. Why is it called cashmere instead of pashmina? Simply because it was first developed in the area known as Kashmir in India. The two names became synonymous, and cashmere stuck. The only downside of cashmere is that it is more expensive than more traditional sweaters. The upside is that a good cashmere sweater will never go out of style. Cashmere is the perfect sweater to wear to the office or for a fancier occasion.
4. V-Neck Sweaters
There are times when you want to be warm but don't want to look like you're trying to be warm. A v-neck sweater gives you warmth but doesn't make you look like you're about to climb Mount Everest. A v-neck is great for nights out with a necklace to dress it up. Plus, they come in a variety of lengths. Pair a longer tunic-length v-neck with a pair of leggings. A thinner v-neck sweater also looks great tucked into a pair of jeans with a belt. V-necks are a great sweater for wearing out or staying warm while curling up with a great book.
5. Pullover Sweaters
Cardigans are great, but they don't really provide as much coverage as a pullover sweater. Technically, a pullover is anything you pull over your head. But they come in a variety of forms and may even have a zipper at the neck, which makes it adjustable. You can get a pullover in a bigger size so that it fits loosely, in a tighter size that's more form-fitting, or somewhere in between. Puffed sleeves and button details are big for 2021 and can make a pullover a little more interesting. Pullover sweaters are also great for all of your fall and winter adventures!
A good sweater can be a closet staple year after year as long as you care for it properly. Some sweaters, like cashmere, need to be hand-washed and rack dried. You don't want to shrink your favorite sweater, after all. It is also important to be careful about how you store your sweaters. If you have to hang a sweater for lack of drawer space, make sure you use thick, rounded hangers instead of thin plastic or wire hangers. Even on the good hangers, however, you risk getting those unsightly indentations on the shoulders of your sweater left by months of hanging. Folding your ladies' warm sweaters in a drawer or closet is ideal so they don't lose their shape.