Best Sweaters to Wear While Cooking
Cooking dinner is largely considered one of the more loving activities we can participate in, and we're here to tell you it can be just as comfortable as it is comforting. So much of life is spent around food — we might as well look and feel good while we're at it.
Your outfit will probably take on different forms depending on the kind of dinner you're preparing. If it's simple and silly family time, you might just throw on that sweater you love but never wear anymore. Give it new life and purpose by becoming your "cooking sweater" and never look back. Should outdoor grilling with friends be on the menu, grab a denim jacket while hanging out. And if you're cooking for a true blue dinner party, find a nice three-quarter length sleeved cashmere sweater to wear over a women's short sleeve blouse for some easy elegance.
The Basics
An easy route regardless of the type of sweater you wear is choosing something in dark colors, like black or navy. Surprisingly, we also recommend cooking in white sweaters. If the idea of splatters on sweaters sends you into an existential crisis, we understand. The benefit of wearing white, even if you do get a stain, is that you can easily bleach it out. If you end up staining a red or blue top, the cleaning process becomes much more involved. Oil stains are another story, and we're here to let you in on a secret: dish soap is tough enough for all your dinner plates, and it's a great place to start when trying to lift a grease stain on your favorite sweater.
No matter what you're wearing, we always suggest grabbing a cute apron to throw over your outfit. While there are options that help you avoid the mess, there's nothing quite like not having to worry about it at all. Whenever possible, wear short sleeves or a sweater with sleeves you can push or roll up with ease so you don't even have to think about accidentally dipping into the sauce or getting too close to the flames. Along the same lines, try to avoid wearing a super baggy sweater that might get in the way or get snagged on cabinet handles.
Win With Wool
Though you may not think of cooking in women's wool sweaters, they are actually ideal for a number of reasons. First, wool is a great regulator of body heat. Since wool doesn't actually insulate but rather heats through its fibers, it's a natural and breathable option for any occasion. The fibers wick away moisture, so if you start to get a little warm while you're moving around in the kitchen, you won't need to fan your sweater out to stay dry. Equally as helpful is that wool is fairly fire-resistant, as well as being water-resistant. Even if a little something boils over, you may not need to give it a second thought. Stylish, smart, and safe — what more could you ask for?
Choose Cotton
Cotton cardigans are simple and sophisticated for any dinner party, so why not cook in them too? You can wear them with almost anything, from a cotton sundress to a custom-tailored little black dress. If you find that you love one of your cotton cardigans, buy a few in different colors. That way there's always one on hand, whether you're cooking for the family or going out for an anniversary dinner. Hot tip if you're not sure if your white- and red-striped cardigan should go with the whites or colors, always default to colors. The white fabric has been treated to withstand a color wash if there are other colors woven into the item.
Cuddle With Cashmere
Cashmere always adds a level of luxe to any evening. It offers a layer of cozy but chic warmth that is absolutely unbeatable. Even in the cold of winter, you can keep the kitchen windows open and feel snug and sophisticated all at the same time. Our only word of caution is this: you really do need to be quite thoughtful and careful when washing your cashmere clothing, so try to wear your cashmere sweater only while cooking the kind of dinner that doesn't splash or spill.
Most importantly, wear something you can easily put on and take off. It's up to you whether you choose an open cardigan, a button-up sweater, or a zippered jacket, just as long as you can slip your sweater off with little effort when the heat starts to rise. Just remember to always wash your hands before touching your clothes — wiping on the apron doesn't count!