Women's Cotton Sweaters: Care Tips and Q&A

We all want to keep our favorite women's sweaters in tip-top shape, which is why we go out of our way to ensure we're caring for these beloved garments properly. And, of course, when it comes to our favorite sweaters, comfy cotton is high on anyone's list. The good news is that caring for your women's cotton sweaters is oh-so-easy, as long as you follow a few golden rules.

To learn all there is to know about caring for these comfy cotton tops, we've answered some commonly asked questions about cotton sweaters below. By understanding how to take care of these garments, you can ensure you get to wear your sweaters on repeat, regardless of any potential spills or stains. And trust us, with so many styles available in these truly comfortable tops, wearing them on repeat is exactly what you'll want to do. Read on for a Q&A that breaks down our top cotton sweater care tips, as well as some inspiration on the best ways to style these versatile tops.

Q: Are Cotton Sweaters Warm?

A: Yes they are! Cotton sweaters are breathable yet warm, making them perfect to wear as-is or as a layer over a women's blouse or even a cashmere turtleneck if you want to take the coziness up a notch. These sweaters can keep you feeling warm and fuzzy as the temperature drops and the chill sets in. For any of your sweater weather looks, simply add a cotton pullover sweater layer over any of your cozy tops for some serious added warmth. These are also a bulk-free layering option for rocking under a lightweight fall or a heavy-duty winter parka!

And cotton sweaters also work great year-round, such as for breezy summer nights when you just need a light extra layer. A cotton cardigan is a perfect style if you're looking for something airy yet warm that you can wear over a blouse or t-shirt.

Q: How Do You Wash Cotton Sweaters?

A: As far as caring for certain materials go, cotton (and quality Supima cotton) is pretty simple! Certain cotton sweaters will have specific requirements, but some general rules of thumb for washing your cotton sweaters are:

Turn your sweaters inside out, this will prevent the color from bleeding and will also make your sweaters last longer. Next, put them in the washing machine with similar colored garments and your usual laundry detergent. Set your washing machine to a cool or cold settings to avoid shrinkage and wash your sweaters on the "delicates" cycle. A little shrinkage after your sweater's very first wash can be expected. The best way to keeping your cotton sweaters looking good as new is not washing them every time you wear them. Unless you have gotten your sweater dirty, it is okay to wear them more than once before you wash them!

Q: Can You Put Cotton Sweaters in the Dryer?

A: It's best to avoid the dryer as much as the tag suggests, but to avoid wrinkles, grab a dry bath towel and lay the sweater down on top of it, flat and formed to the sweater's natural shape. You can also use a drying rack or a clothesline if need be, but keep in mind that since cotton is prone to stretching, it's best to dry these on a flat surface. And as a pro tip as far as styling goes, once your sweater is dry and ready to get back out in the world, try layering it over a crisp Oxford button-up with a pair of straight-leg jeans or a thigh-length skirt and tights for a quintessential and flattering fall look!

Q: How Do You Store Cotton Sweaters? Is it Okay to Hang Them Up?

A: As we mentioned above, cotton sweaters are prone to stretching, so while it's best to avoid gravity altogether, it's the method rather than the intent. Rather than hanging your cotton sweaters in the closet, fold them in and store them in a drawer. If you don't have enough drawer space, don't worry. You can also try folding your cotton sweaters in half hamburger style and storing them over the hanger bar.

If you're looking around your room thinking, "there's simply no way," you can find other creative ways to organize your garments. For an extra space saver, grab a few nifty under-bed canvas storage bins to utilize that hidden space. Just keep in mind that if you plan to keep your sweaters outside of your primary living space when not in use, like in a basement or attic, you might want to opt for plastic bins or bins with lids to keep any unwanted bugs from claiming your favorite garments as their own!

Q: Can You Wear Cotton Sweaters Year-Round?

A: We're happy to report that yes, you certainly can wear your cotton sweaters year-round. While we often associate sweaters with sweater weather, so mainly fall and winter, there are certain cotton styles that are perfect for the warmer seasons. As we mentioned above, a lightweight cotton women's cardigan makes a perfect layer for a summer evening. Simply wear it over a sundress or a linen blouse with shorts or a skirt for an ideal summer evening look.

Cotton sweaters are also great for spring since they can provide an added layer on days when the weather isn't exactly sure what it's all about. If it looks like it might drizzle, layer a light cotton sweater or over a short sleeve Supima cotton sweater under a rain shell. That way, you can remove or add layers as needed as the day progresses. Plus, it doesn't hurt that these tops make a perfect option for wearing with cropped chino pants or wide-leg linen pants to a spring picnic.