Sweater Buying Guide
Wonderful Ways To Keep Yourself (and Your Wallet) Warm This Winter
Stay Snug in Style!
As fundamentally Canadian as hockey, maple syrup and parliamentary democracy, sweaters are indispensable to your wardrobe. With cool to freezing temperatures dominating the national scene for more than half the year, these items won’t spend much time in mothballs. A stylish alternative to a jacket during the spring or fall (or on a cool summer night), a sweater also can also add a much-needed layer of warmth under your coat during the winter.
There is an incredible assortment of sweaters on the market, suitable to just about any occasion, gender, age or budgetary range. This guide is designed to help you to zero in on exactly the type of sweater you’re looking for, and to locate the best deals in the country on the items you choose to buy. As such, we’ve divided the text into a number of convenient sections that explore the most popular sweater styles (cardigans, hoodies, sweater vests and turtle necks), designs (argyle) and materials (cashmere, cotton and woolen). Each category is further subdivided by age and gender type so that you can quickly get a bead on the best bargains, no matter whom you happen to be shopping for. Okay, that’s enough of a warm-up... Now it’s time for the main event!
1. Cardigan Sweaters
Named for Britain’s 7th Earl of Cardigan (James Brudenell, who played a prominent role in the mid-19th century’s Crimean War), the cardigan sweater is a popular and versatile garment. In contrast with regular pull-over sweaters, cardigans open up at the front, and generally feature zippers, buttons or other devices to keep them fastened. This makes the cardigan ideal for uncertain weather, as it can either do the job of a full sweater or (when worn open) merely provide a little extra warmth in the shoulder and sleeve regions. Cardigans are also popular in layered outfits, and are often worn over dress shirts or t-shirts, with the buttons or zipper mostly undone. They come in an extraordinary variety of colours and styles, and are popular with everyone from conservative seniors to 1950s nostalgia lovers to skateboarding teens!
A. For Women
Women can pick up comfy, semi-fitted acrylic cardigans from Jessica Weekend for as little as $16! Attractively lightweight two-tone colleen cardigans from Royal Robbins sell in a wide variety of colours (with white-stripe seams and shell buttons) for about $16! For an extra-cozy around the house option, try a relaxed fit rayon-spandex Slouchy Cardigan from Nevada (price: about $20). And if you’re looking for something a little more stylish, an L.L. Bean Popcorn knit cardigan (price: about $50), made of a soft and luxurious-looking wool, nylon and angora blend and sold with a removable belt, is guaranteed to earn you kudos this cold-weather season.
B. For Men
Men can pick up gray, black or navy blue 100% thermal cardigans (with a pair of cozy pockets on the sides) from Basic Essentials for as little $11. For just a couple dollars more (about $14), you can purchase stylish two-toned fleece 5-button contrasting-colour cardigans from the same company. If you’re looking to make an impression on the links, a cotton-acrylic knit Arnold Palmer cardigan (price: about $38) will give you an aura of laid-back authority. And for extra warmth in tandem with a classy look that will never go out of style, a 100% cotton six-button double-breasted yachting cardigan from Vince is a bargain at $118.
C. For Girls
Keep your daughter’s shoulders and arms warm in style with a half-torso white cotton cardigan from Jessie Girl for as little as $25. If she’s got a school dress code to conform to, the Gap sells beautiful navy, white and grey 100% cotton uniform cardigans with ribbed trim for less than $30. Meanwhile, L.L. Bean offers a splendid selection (including glorious argyle!) of lightweight cotton cardigans made from soft and comfortable fine-gauge cotton for about $30.
D. For Boys
Blueberry Knitting offers 100% acrylic machine-washable 4-button cardigans with handwarmer pockets for boys for as little as $23. For about $5 more, you can pick up an equally durable – and more intellectual-looking – “Patch Pocket” zip-up cardigan from T.Q. Knits. For an even smarter look, consider the 100% cotton “Genuine Masters” cardigan from Akademiks, which comes with its own distinctive appliqué, logo embroidery on the back of the neck and sturdy snap flap pockets (price: about $36). Or opt for Rocawear’s classy “nineteen IX 9” cardigan – a 100% cotton model that comes with an appliqué of its own, and a unique shawl collar (price: about $40).
2. Hoodies (Pullover or Zip-Up)
Invented during the 1930s as a garment for workers toiling in poorly heated New York factories, the hoodie has become a very popular style in recent years, particularly with the younger set. These ultra-convenient sweatshirts tend to feature drawstring hoods to keep the head warm and protected during windy or inclement weather. They also generally feature large pockets that perform the same function for your hands, making the hoodie an excellent lightweight alternative to a jacket and gloves, on a brisk autumn day.
A. For Women
For those warmer days, women can pick up a very light ¾ sleeve hoodie from Earth Spirit for as little as $10! If you’re looking for something a lot thicker (and with the traditional pockets in place), a black Chip and Pepper Moon Stone hoodie from Sport Chek sells for as little as $41. For the same price, you can pick up a classically elegant Anytime ½ Zip hoodie from Columbia. And if you’re looking for state-of-the-art protection from the elements, a water-resistant and ultra-durable New Zealand merino wool/polyester blend hoodie from Ibex will work wonders for as little as $155.
B. For Men
Men can pick up a memorably striped Axiom full-zip hoodie from Dragon for as little as $11! For a more regal look, consider the aptly named “Royalty” patterned hoodie from Exo, which sells for about $15. If you’re looking for something to keep you warm while you work out on the track, Adidas’ classic striped Indigo/White model sells for about $34. For cooler conditions, keep calm and cozy with a cotton/fleece blended full-zip hoodie (with zippered, oversized pockets large enough to store all kinds of accessories when your hands aren’t in them) from the North Face (price: about $100). Or expand your hooded horizons with a Kangaroo-pocketed designer 63% wool/37% cotton reversible hoodie from R13 that’ll give you two stunning looks for the price of one (sells for about $400).
C. For Girls
Swaddle your daughter in a “Love”-decaled pink cotton ¾ hoodie from Life Is Good for as little as $17. For more rugged adventures, consider the fast-drying polyester of Mountain Hardwear’s “Wicked Long Sleeve Hoodie” (price: about $21). Swerve back to the girlier side of the wardrobe spectrum with Diadora’s adorable (and autumnally snug!) full-zip dimple print hoodie, which sells for about $30. Or give your sweet little beast the ultimate cozy treat with a black and white eared hoodie from Roxy’s “Party Animal” line for as little as $48.
D. For Boys
Give your basketball-loving boy an official Adidas NBA-themed hoodie (featuring logos for top teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, the L.A. Lakers and the Chicago Bulls) for as little as $10! For the ultimate “Old School” look, consider a 100% cotton, suede lettered full-zip hoodie from Life Is Good (price: as low as $15) Alternately, you could opt for a warm and comfortable 100% recycled polyester Selkirk hoodie from REI for as little as $35. Or get him on track with an Adidas full zip hoodie for kids (with a convenient media pocket to go along with the two regular front pockets and the patented Adidas 3-stripe pattern) for as little as $45.
3. Sweater Vests
As thick as a sweater, but with short sleeves to leave the arms unencumbered, the sweater vest is a stylish and convenient item of apparel that is suitable to many different occasions. It has been particularly popular with golfers, cricketers and other moderate-activity outdoor sports enthusiasts, but can come in handy anywhere, especially during the fall.
A. For Women
You can pick a wonderfully versatile combed cotton “Double L” sweater vest from L.L. Bean for as little as $25! For a beautifully buttoned-up look, try Orvis’s pure Shetland wool (which features two convenient patch pockets), which sells for about $60. Or get into an athletic frame of mind with Fila’s lightweight, stripe rib necked 55% cotton/45% viscose Essenza sweater vest (price: about $70). For the most luxurious torso treat of all, consider a down-filled 100% recycled polyester sweater vest from Patagonia (loaded with exciting features like interior stretch-mesh double pockets, zippered hand-warmer pockets, and elastic-bound arm holes to seal in the warmth), which sells for about $150.
B. For Men
Get that comfy “worn-in” look right away with a light and stretchy charcoal-coloured distressed sweater vest from MG for as little as $29. Go for something a little flashier with a multicoloured horizontal stripe Treasures sweater vest from Coogi (with stylish epaulet straps on the shoulders) for as little as $40. Or tone it down and go for the real class with a chest-pocketed, rib-knitted 50% cotton/50% acrylic pullover sweater vest from Pelle Pelle for about $85.
C. For Kids
Sweater vests are somewhat less popular with the younger set than hoodies or cardigans, but the market still offers several interesting options in this style. For example, Blue Ocean sells a light, 100% acrylic, V-necked boys’ model for as little as $10! The Blueberry Knitting company sells a splendid unisex V-neck sweater vest that is perfect for a school uniform (price: about $16). For extra core warmth when he or she is out on the trails, consider an insulated baby-down Patagonia sweater vest (price: about $69). And if you’re looking for something just for her, a Roxy “Cuddle Bug” model will keep your 2 to 6 year old warm and wonderfully in style.
4. Turtlenecks
Popular with everyone from the down-to-Earth kids in the “Bazooka Joe” comic strip to the most visionary poets, philosophers and artists, the turtleneck is a beloved and versatile sweater. Known as a “polo neck” in the United Kingdom, the turtleneck is often a tightly-fitted (thanks to its distinctive collar – which is generally elasticized to allow it to either hug the chin or be rolled down) garment that can flatter the physique in a unique way. It can also bolster a casual fall or winter outfit with much-needed warmth in the vulnerable throat area. All told, the turtleneck is an essential item in any stylish individual’s wardrobe, regardless of gender, age or habits.
A. For Women
Royal Robbins sells stylish, soft Chez Nell turtlenecks in a wide range of colours (including red, white and plum) for as little as $16! If stripes are your thing, you can pick up L.L. Bean’s gorgeous, slightly-fitted cotton/cashmere blend turtleneck (designed to hug the hips) for about $20. For an even more luxurious look, try Orvis’ softly sueded cotton interlock turtleneck, which sells for about $30. Or opt for a lovely, folded cowl neck turtleneck from Baby Phat, made with an eye-catching crochet style open weave (price: about $55). And for maximum warmth and bohemian beauty, Orvis’ ribbed two-ply cashmere turtlenecks (sold in a fantastic array of colours, from Camel to Heathered Charcoal), sell for about $70.
B. For Men
If you’re looking to pick up a great high-collared shirt for a fantastically low price, a mock turtleneck from Earth Spirit (price: as low as $8) could be exactly what you need. If you want to get the real thing, on the other hand, a warm merino wool mid-weight turtleneck sweater (perfect for working out in cooler weather) from Minus 33 sells for as little as $19. For a perfectly relaxed fit, a 100% acrylic chocolate brown turtleneck from Retreat sells for about $35. And for the ultimate combination of warmth and a sleek fit, try a pure cotton rib-knit Submariner’s turtleneck from Orvis, which sells for about $90.
C. For Kids
You can pick up a 100% cotton long sleeve turtleneck from Nevada for as little as $7. For more durability and a supple premium cotton knit, try L.L. Bean’s double-stitched turtleneck model for about $16! For the arachnid-loving girl or boy, Spyder sells stylish, distinctive turtlenecks in a variety of colours and 8-legged designs for as little as $22. If you’re looking to keep junior warm, you can’t go wrong with a Boys’ glacier ¼ zip turtleneck from the North Face (price: about $27). And the girls’ counterpart Glacier turtleneck from the same company will cost you just a couple of dollars more (about $30).
5. Argyle Sweaters
Inspired by the clan tartan of western Scotland’s Campbell family (who made their headquarters in the Argyll region), this distinctive diamond/checkerboard pattern dates back to the Middle Ages, but attained worldwide popularity when clothing manufacturer Pringle of Scotland put it into wider circulation after World War One. Since then, Argyle has become particularly closely associated with socks and a variety of casual sweaters – especially those made for lightly strenuous activities such as golf and (more recently) curling.
A. For Women
If you yearn to envelop yourself in Argyle, a Jolie petite relaxed fit Argyle Knit sweater dress (price: about $30) is for you. If you’re looking to play things a closer to the vest, an Argyle fooler (combining a cotton diamond-patterned sweater and cotton-polyester-spandex cuffs and collar in one garment) from Jessica sells for about $33. Jessica also offers a charming narrow-patterned Argyle boat-neck pullover, slightly fitted so that you can show off your curves a bit, without feeling too constrained (price: about $50). And if an Argyle cardigan is what you desire, look no further than ADI’s classic cotton blend model with 7 stylish buttons down the front (price: about $59).
B. For Men
For the ultimate in laidback masculinity, an Argyle sweater is tough to beat. You can pick up a fine 100% acrylic V-neck rib knitted model from Southpole for as little as $16. If you prefer the crew-neck look (and a little extra warmth), try Retreat’s cotton/nylon/wool blend Argyle sweater (with inside-of-neck twill taping for extra comfort), which sells for about $40. Point Zero offers an interesting and stylish twist on the classic Argyle pattern with a simple one-column grey/charcoal/red zip-neck sweater (price: about $49). And for extra luxuriance on the links or elsewhere, opt for L.L. Bean’s thick, English spun lambswool V-neck Argyle sweater (price: about $79).
C. For Kids
Southpole offers a classic 100% acrylic Argyle V-neck pullover for as little as $12! If you’re looking for a sweater vest in the Argyle style, you can pick up a unisex 100% cotton V-neck model from Sean John for about $14. Throw a touch of pink into the navy and grey mix and you’ve got a beautiful fine-gauge cotton cardigan that any girl will be proud to wear to school this year (price: about $30). Meanwhile, the finest grey, white and black V-neck, ribbed trim 100% acrylic model with embroidered logo from Southpole sells for about $44.
6. Cashmere Sweaters
Derived from an archaic spelling of Asia’s Kashmir region, cashmere is the last word in luxury quality wool. The fiber is culled from specially-raised goats who produce a matchless double fleece whose silky underdown can be spun into one of the most coveted fabrics in the world! Cashmere is renowned for its matchless combination of insulating warmth and light, soft texture. It can be used to make many types of garments, but it is perhaps most ideally suited to the manufacture of sweaters that are equally classy and cozy. Cashmere is, of course, a notoriously fine fabric that requires great care on the owner’s part, and, for this reason, it is rarely used to manufacture children’s clothing.
A. For Women
For a taste of the material’s elegance and warmth, without paying the kinds of prices fetched by pure cashmere garments, try a cotton/cashmere blend long sleeve pullover from Orvis for as little as $39. You can get the real thing, in a feminine-fitted pullover model made of two-ply cashmere (also from Orvis) for the absurdly low price of $50. L.L. Bean offers a slightly-fitted cowlneck cashmere sweater, with an enveloping waffle-knit texture for about $70. Meanwhile, if you’re ready to enter the “dry-clean only” echelon, you can pick up semi-fitted 100% cashmere turtlenecks in a variety of vibrant colours from Jones and Co. for about $119, or supremely soft rib-trimmed imported cashmere turtlenecks from L.L. Bean’s signature collection for about $149.
B. For Men
For the look of cashmere at a cottony soft price, you can pick up a soft blended V-Neck sweater vest from L.L. Bean for as little as $30. Orvis offers an even more luxurious cotton/silk/cashmere blended turtleneck for about $39. If you want the real thing, a two-ply, 100% Mongolian cashmere V-Neck sweater vest from L.L. Bean will work wonders for your wardrobe (price: about $99) – and a long-sleeved pullover cashmere model from the same company will cost you about $139. For an outstandingly lightweight outer garment that is warmer than most bulky jackets, consider an amazing zip neck pullover from Orvis (price: about $191). And if you yearn for the ultimate in Italian craftsmanship, Forzieri’s beautiful signature cashmere sweaters are available in a wide range of colours and neck styles for about $380.
7. Cotton Sweaters
Spun from the fibers of a plant now grown across the planet (but especially in Asia and in the United States), cotton is the world’s most popular natural fiber, and is essential for the manufacture of lightweight, breathable clothing. Cotton sweaters might not be as warm as their cashmere or woolen counterparts, but they are perfect for mild fall or spring days, when overheating is just as much of a concern as catching a chill.
A. For Women
You can pick up a short-sleeved, rib-knit V-neck sweater with three buttons from Tradition for as little as $15! Meanwhile, an easygoing long sleeved ribbed cotton crewneck from Orvis will set you back about $19. If you’re the athletic type, an 80% cotton/20% polyester runner’s hoodie from Russell (with sturdy outer drawstrings and kangaroo pouch in the front) sells for about $22. For a great combination of coziness and casual style, check out Tradition’s relaxed fit 100% cotton Mockneck cable-pattern sweater (price: about $25). And if you’re looking for a great cotton cardigan that will conform more naturally to your body’s shape, try L.L. Bean’s fitted V-neck cotton/lycra model for about $50.
B. For Men
You can pick up a cozy classic cotton cardigan in a white range of solid colours from Basic Essentials for as little as $16! Meanwhile, Retreat offers an equally impressive array of supple, ribbed V-neck sweaters that are perfect all year round (even on cool summer nights) for as little as $30. If you’re looking for a V-neck with a little extra button detail for pizzazz, try Point Zero’s 100% cotton striped sweater (price: about $38). For cooler outings, the Double L, full-zip premium combed cotton sweater from L.L. Bean is guaranteed to keep you comfortable in style (price: about $50). To take things up a notch further, consider Orvis’ amazing 9-pattern cable cotton sweater, which brings together all of the company’s great Irish knits in one extra-warm 5-colour crew-neck sweater (price: about $129). Or opt for a spectacular badlands cotton zip cardigan (also from Orvis) that’s ideal for those chilly spring mornings after Old Man Winter has begun to loosen his grip (price: about $150).
C. For Kids
100% cotton clothes are less popular for youngsters, who tend to need the stretchy and easy-wash qualities of synthetic fibers, but the market does offer several attractive cotton options for your son or daughter. Jessie Girl makes a beautifully detailed cotton cardigan/shawl that works marvelously with a dress on a chilly day for as little as $25. Or peruse L.L. Bean’s line of lightweight full cardigans (in solid colours or Argyle), each of which sells for about $30. And to keep your boy safe and warm, consider a reinforced 80% cotton/20% polyester Storm Fleece Hoodie from Under Armour, which sells for about $50.
8. Wool Sweaters
Derived mainly from the coats of domesticated sheep around the world, wool is perhaps the warmest of the natural fibers, thanks to a crimp in its makeup which causes it to absorb pockets of warm air into its bulky folds. This makes wool the go-to fabric during the frigid winter months – but keep in mind that a wool sweater might be too warm for a mild fall or spring day (especially because the fabric does not “breathe” as well as, say, 100% cotton). Despite its less impressive versatility, wool is still a much sought-after fabric, and is used in the manufacture of a wide variety of sweater types. However, like its cousin cashmere, wool isn’t particularly popular as the base fabric for children’s clothing, as it is heavier, more expensive and harder to keep clean than synthetic fibers or cotton.
A. For Women
You can pick up a warm and machine washable merino wool/acrylic blend zip-front cardigan (designed to fit your hips) from L.L. Bean for as little as $30! For an even softer, more luxurious fit, a 53% merino wool/47% cotton blended sweater with sassy raglan sleeves from L.L. Bean’s signature collection sells for about $79. And if nothing but pure wool will do, why not opt for Orvis’ premium (and ultra-warm) boiled wool, rib-knit, rounded neck cardigan with 4 stylish buttons up the front (price: about $129). Or, for a sleeker wool look and feel, go for a 100% worsted wool (a process that creates a far thinner, more breathable fabric) patch pull-over from Comme Des Garcons for about $395.
B. For Men
You can pick up a pure lamb’s wool roll neck sweater from Orvis for the remarkably low price of $34! Ultra casual 100% Shetland wool crewneck styles from L.L. Bean will cost you about $40. For maximum torso warmth in a garment that leaves your arms free to move and breathe, try a striped wool vest from Distinction (price: about $55). Go for the outdoor gusto with a Tashi Wool Mock Neck wool-blend sweater (with polyester to add water-resistance to the warm wool base) from Sherpa Adventure Gear (price: about $65). Or opt for the simple, classy look of a supremely warm Patagonia V-Neck wool cask sweater (blended with 5% cashmere to give the fabric a little added sheen), which sells for about $129.
Shopping For Sweaters is No Sweat!
Now that you’re in the know about where to go for great deals on all sorts of sweater styles and fabric options, you should be all set for the coziest fall and winter on record. It’s best to buy a range of items that will keep you covered through a variety of climatic conditions, from a mild spring evening to a viciously cold night at the ski lodge (with the power off and the fire running down). So stock up on everything from the lightest cotton-blend vest to the thickest cable sweater to the most luxurious cashmere and worsted wool garments. Just remember that to every sweater there is a season, and you’ll never go far wrong!
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