Category Archives: Knitwear

How to Care For Your Cashmere Sweater

Knitwear

Cashmere Sweater

How to Care For Your Cashmere Sweater

A staple that will last for years, cashmere sweaters are a wardrobe essential that’s worth investing in. The fluffy fibers (taken from the hair of cashmere and pashmina goats) feel luxuriously soft to the touch and get even softer with each wear.

For a cozy night in, a fitted cashmere turtleneck like this one from Reformation is great for layering over a shirt and jeans. If you’re a fan of crew necks, this relaxed ribbed option from Lafayette 148 New York is a winner.

Care

As winter temperatures drop, a good cashmere sweater will keep you warm and stylish. It’s a versatile staple that can be dressed up for a night out or worn with jeans for a casual look. However, the delicate fabric requires special care to prevent damage and keep it looking new season after season.

Whether or not your cashmere sweater is machine washable depends on the label. If it’s marked “dry clean only,” you’ll need to visit the dry cleaner, but if you see the words “hand wash” or “machine wash” on the tag, you can wash it at home. Hand-washing your cashmere is a gentler alternative to using the washer’s spinning action, which can put stress on fibers and cause them to stretch or lose their shape.

A few simple gadgets can also help you maintain the condition of your cashmere sweaters, including a sweater comb and steamer. The comb gently gets rid of pills (tiny fibrous build-ups) and smoothes the surface of your sweater, while the steamer provides a controlled way to release wrinkles and deodorize in-between washes.

Also, avoid rubbing your cashmere against rough surfaces like your purse or desk. This can result in snagging and pilling, which can quickly ruin the look of your sweater. Instead, use a lint tape or electric fabric shavers designed specifically for this purpose to remove unwanted fuzzballs.

Washing

No one can resist slipping into a cashmere sweater on a chilly fall day or snuggling into a comfy hoodie on a brisk winter night. But, like any wool garment, the material requires special care, particularly when it comes to washing. Fortunately, it’s not that difficult to keep your cashmere soft and silky.

Before you wash, check the care label on your Cashmere Sweater garment to see if there are any specific instructions. If there are, follow them exactly. For example, the label might instruct you to only wash the piece with cold water and a gentle, cashmere-safe detergent (check out our favorite laundry products here).

If there aren’t any specific instructions, you can simply fill a tub or sink with lukewarm water and add a load’s worth of your chosen laundry liquid. Then, dip your cashmere piece(s) in the mixture and swirl them gently around for a minute or so to ensure they’re soaked through. Next, gently squeeze the excess water from the piece (don’t wring it!), and then roll it in a dry towel to press out any remaining water.

The Laundress recommends using a sweater comb to get rid of any pilling or fuzz, and a steamer to help release any wrinkles from your piece after it’s washed. They also advise to avoid putting your cashmere in the dryer, which can stretch the fibers and cause it to shrink.

Drying

When washing cashmere, it’s important to read the Cashmere Sweater label carefully and follow the instructions. Some sweaters can be machine washed, while others require to be hand washed or even dry cleaned (via John Smedley Blog). You should also avoid using fabric softener, as it damages the natural fibers and slows down the wicking process of the wool.

Fill a sink, tub, or basin with cold water (but not ice cold) and add a small amount of detergent that’s specifically made for wool and cashmere. Let your sweater soak for 30 minutes before dumping out the soapy water and rinsing it in cold, clean water. Do this several times until all the soap is out of your sweater.

The best way to dry your sweater is on a flat drying rack. Avoid hanging it up or putting it in the dryer, as these methods may stretch your cashmere and pull it out of shape. If you don’t have a drying rack, you can roll your sweater up in a towel sleeping bag-style, and gently press out the excess water.

Once your cashmere is dry, it’s important to store it properly. Keeping your sweaters in cotton storage bags will help prevent them from attracting moths, which can eat through the natural fibers and damage your sweater. Adding a cedar block to your sweater drawer is another effective moth-prevention tool.

Styling

Cashmere is a very delicate material, and it can get even softer with each wear. However, it is important to not overwash your sweater or use fabric softeners because this can damage the fibers. Instead, allow your sweater to become softer naturally over time by wearing it throughout the day with minimal wear and tear.

A great way to dress up a cashmere sweater is to pair it with a skirt or pants. This creates a more formal look and is perfect for work or other occasions where you want to dress up. You can also add stylish accessories to this outfit to make it more elegant.

You can also wear a cashmere sweater with jeans or leggings for a more casual look. This is a great option for everyday wear and can be dressed up with a nice pair of shoes. Try wearing a pair of lace-up boots or heels to really make your outfit stand out.

When shopping for a cashmere sweater, it is important to consider the fit. Many brands make their cashmere sweaters in a wide range of sizes, so you should be able to find one that fits well. You can also look for a sweater that is slightly oversized for a more relaxed look. In addition, you should also look for a sweater that is made from high-quality materials.

Knit Winter Women’s Gifts

Knitwear

knit winter women

Knit Winter Women’s Gifts

Women can upgrade their sweater ensembles with a cozy knit poncho. This stylish garment is a cross between a jacket and a cardigan. It works well for fall and winter outfits.

Cable knits were originally used to keep fishermen warm, but they are now a fashionable fashion statement. Try a ribbed version that features flattering side slits and oversized buttons.

Hats

A great winter hat can be a stylish accessory that adds to your overall outfit. If you’re looking for something classic, try a fedora or beret, and opt for wool styles that are breathable and comfortable. If you’re on the lookout for something more playful, go with a pom-pom or bobble hat. A plush trapper hat is another option, perfect for cold weather travel and adding the finishing touch to your après-ski outfit.

One of the warmest hats for women is this thick cable-knit beanie with a full ear coverage cuff. Readers love it because it’s cozy, fits well and comes in a variety of colors. Plus, it’s easy to wash, making it an ideal hat for cold climate travel.

The other hat that earned top marks for warmth is this knit winter women oversized knit cap from The North Face. Its high-pile fleece lining keeps you extra cozy, and reviewers also appreciate its stretchiness and lightweight feel. This is a good choice for people who want to pack light, but still need to stay warm.

For travelers who aren’t big on a hat, a pair of mittens can do the trick. These warm mittens are soft, comfortable and come in a variety of colors that complement other winter gear, including your coat or scarf. They also have an adjustable strap, which helps them fit a wide range of head sizes.

Beanies

Beanies are a cold-weather staple for women. They’re not only comfortable but also stylish, with styles ranging from traditional cable knits to pom-pom options.

A wool beanie is the warmest, but it also can be expensive and prone to losing shape over time. Acrylic fabrics can be just as insulating and easier to clean, and they’re often less expensive. This beanie from Coal Headwear is both affordable and stylish, with a classic cuffed design in fall and winter-appropriate hues.

The top hole on this beanie allows you to pull your bun or ponytail through, a feature that multiple style pros — including Keicia Shanta of The Style Edit and Renee Ogaki of Orland, Fla.-based PR firm Ogaki Digital — love. “It solves a big problem: the hump that forms around your hair,” says Shanta. This hat, made with soft acrylic yarn, is also available in other colors and has more than 18,000 five-star reviews.

Another insulated beanie to try is this one from Patagonia, which offers a ribbed pattern and a versatile color palette for the season. The durable, hygroscopic material helps this hat retain its warmth even when it gets wet. It’s available rolled in several colors, so you can match it with your other outdoor gear for your next camping trip or weekend skiing adventure.

Scarves

Scarves are a winter wardrobe staple and a must-have for cold-weather women. They’re not only functional, keeping your neck warm and preventing your hair from getting chilly, but they also can help elevate your look. “Scarves can add a pop of color to your outfit,” says Carla Rockmore, TikTok’s “real-life Carrie Bradshaw.” She recommends looking for a scarf in a bright shade that will instantly liven up your winter grays, like this celadon green one.

Scarfs come in a variety of fabrics and styles, from chunky knits to lightweight shawls. The warmest materials are cashmere (like the White + Warren Cashmere Scarf) and merino wool, which is super soft and insulating. But you can also find plenty of great options made from polyester, acrylic and cotton.

The most versatile winter scarves are the ones that can be worn in a myriad of ways. You can wrap them around your neck, tie them in a knot or simply drape them over your shoulders for extra warmth. If you’re looking for something more stylish, try a woven scarf with tassel fringes or a plaid pattern. These kinds of scarves are timeless and easy to pair with your favorite winter coat.

Puffer scarves are a great addition to your puffer jacket and can really take your layering game to the next level. This down-filled one from Lululemon will keep you toasty in frigid temperatures while the padded loop opening makes it easy to attach to your coat.

Gifts

Women love to knit, and there are a wide variety of fun knit gifts they’ll knit winter women enjoy receiving. Whether they’re a beginner or experienced, there is something for them to enjoy from cozy blankets and stylish hats to cool scarves and comfy shawls. They may also appreciate a nice pair of fingerless gloves or a chic sweater they can wear out to a cool party.

The key is to think of their knitting skill level and favorite types of projects. For example, a newbie would probably be thrilled with some yarn and an easy pattern they can practice with, while someone who prefers more advanced techniques might appreciate a kit that includes the pattern and all of the necessary yarn to make it happen. This beautiful autumn-inspired hat and mittens set is perfect for anyone in your life who loves the outdoors. It’s a great way to show them that you care and that you are thinking about them this holiday season.

If you have a friend or loved one who is a fan of the Outlander TV Series they’re going to go crazy for this beautiful shawl. Featuring gorgeous double-thickness fabric with stranded colorwork, this shawl is sure to be a winner. It’s perfect for a day out on the town or for wearing over a simple dress for work.