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A sweater is a type of clothing to stay warm. Originally, they were made of wool and consisted of long sleeves and a round neck. Nowadays, of course, there are variations in the materials and the style.
Sweaters have an interesting history:
This garment is far older than people realize. It originated before the 19th century, possibly as early as the 14th century. The wives of sailors and fishermen knitted these garments from wool. They chose this material because it retained its natural oils and protected the wearer against the cold and damp sea breeze.”
Later, workingmen in Europe liked the idea and wore them as well. In the 1890s, American athletes adopted them. The original garment was called “jerseys”. They now called them “sweaters.”
Now that you appreciate the deep historic roots of this garment, here are five tips to help you pick out a high-quality sweater for yourself or a loved one.
- My Ralph Lauren Hoodie !
Tip #1: What to Look For When Shopping
Since there are so many things to consider when shopping for a sweater for men, it’s helpful to understand the three most important things to look for when shopping.
Find a good fabric
Generally, wool is the best choice for most sweaters because it is warm and breathable.
Size it up
When buying your sweater, size up to an extra-large. This will allow you to wear layers underneath during colder days without it becoming too tight in the chest area. It is also possible that the sweater might shrink a little after a few washes,
Be wary of trends
Trendy labels might seem like a great way to stay fashionable, but they often only last for one season before they go out of style. If you’re looking for a sweater to keep for a long time, don’t buy designer labels. You’ll pay more and you won’t wear it for long. Try some minimalist styles that last forever !
Tip #2: What Questions to Ask When Shopping at a Store
Asking the right questions is especially useful when a store associate is helping you select a sweater in a specialty store. You will give them a better idea of what you are looking for.
Here are some common questions that seasoned sweater shoppers are inclined to ask when scouting for a good sweater to add to their collection.
What type of material is it?
There are two types of material in a sweater: cotton and wool. Cotton is warmer than wool because it’s airier. Wool is thicker and warmer, but it has less airiness. So you can tell the difference by checking how much air passes through the garment.
What type of stitch is used?
Sweaters are knitted using a specific type of stitch known as stocking stitch. (Incidentally, this particular stitch is very easy to learn and requires little effort to complete. It can be completed on a knitting needle or with a crochet hook.)
What does the yarn do?
The yarn in sweaters provides warmth and texture. The cotton, wool, or acrylic fibers used to knit or crochet into yarn decompose when they are exposed to air.
How stretchy is the fabric?
The stretchiness of a sweater is a function of the fabric’s elasticity and composition. The fibers in a knit sweater are surrounded by an elastane, which makes the fabric more elastic. Since cotton threads in a woven sweater have no elastane, they lack elasticity.
How thick does it get after washing?
This phenomenon of sweaters getting thicker after a wash has puzzled many people for generations. The answer, as it turns out, is quite simple: your sweater will get thicker after washing based on its fabrics.
Is there any fragrance added to a sweater?
Many people ask this question. Indeed, there are many clothing items that have an added fragrance to them. However, most sweaters aren’t perfumed.
Does the garment shrink after washing or drying
We all know how important it is to wash and dry our garments properly to preserve their fit and color. A few things that we should keep in mind for successful washing and drying such as: use lukewarm or cold water, avoid wringing or twisting, avoid using fabric softeners, and never throw your garment into the dryer with other laundry.
Tip #3: How to Get Feedback at the Store
When you’re shopping, it’s always nice to balance your intuition on what you want to buy with feedback from other people on how a sweater looks on you. Asking someone for their opinion will give you feedback on if you have found a color that suits you and a size that looks good.
Here are some ways to get a more objective view about a sweater you’re interested in buying:
- Rely on a friend or family member who is shopping with you.
- Get help from a store associate at the store if you’re shopping alone.
- Ask another customer if they think you have found the perfect fit.
- Use a tape measure.
Tip #4: How to Keep Your Favorite Quality Sweater Looking Spiffy
Here are some helpful tips on how to store and maintain a beautiful sweater you found to keep it looking spiffy for the longest time possible:
If you plan to wear your sweater often, put it on a hanger. Hanging your sweater avoids wrinkles or damage.
If you only want to wear them during the coldest seasons, then fold them in a thin cloth bag, store them in a plastic shopping bag, or wrap them in tissue paper.
Follow cleaning instructions on the label exactly. While cleaning your clothes can help keep them looking brand new, cleaning in the wrong way could prove disastrous.
Be aware of the cleaners, you should use and stick to the recommended ones. (Two types of cleaners are used for clothes —detergents and solvents. Detergents clean any dirt or oily residue from your clothes while solvents dissolve stains and dirt into water and chemicals for washing later.)
- Jérome C with his AMI PARIS Sweater
Tip #5: How to Keep Your Favorite Quality Sweater Looking Spiffy
Online shopping is a great way to save money and avoid the hassle of going to stores. But, there are some things to consider before you shop online for your winter sweater.
Here are some tips on buying men’s winter sweaters online:
- Check out online men’s winter sweater stores for free shipping and return policy.
- Consider the price of the sweater you want to buy. Some stores sell knockoffs. They may be cheaper but they won’t last as long. It’s always better to get an authentic article. Also, the same sweater may be available at a cheaper price on another website.
- Read authentic customer reviews before on consumer websites before buying your sweater. There may be problems with the sweater that you can’t discern based on the pictures and product description and testimonials.
Closing Thoughts
Buying a quality sweater isn’t just about what it looks like. There are many things to consider, as when you choose a short length, such as the material, how it feels to wear, and its durability. Quality is important when buying any product, especially clothes.
Avoid impulse purchases. It sometimes takes time to find a good quality sweater. A good-quality sweater is made with high-quality materials. The name of the brand is also important. A clothing company that has been in business for a long time will work hard to protect its reputation.