Overview
Ah, the sweaters! Who doesn't have one in their wardrobe ? These warm and comforting clothes are essential when it comes to protecting yourself from the cold. But how do you know if a pretty sweater is of good quality ? Don't panic, this is where our complete guide comes in to help you identify the essential criteria for judging the quality of a beautiful sweater. You will also discover the influences of material, texture and finishes on the quality of your precious garment.
The essential criteria for judging the quality of a sweater
Clothing label
One of the first criteria to take into account when evaluating the quality of a sweater is its label. Indeed, this provides information on the composition and the origin of the sweater. A quality garment will generally be made from natural fibers such as wool, cashmere, cotton or mohair.
Material
To be sure to buy a good quality sweater, it is best to favor natural fabrics. Indeed, synthetic fibers such as nylon or acrylic tend to reduce the lifespan of the sweater and do not offer the same warmth and comfort as natural materials.
The material also conditions the appearance of bad odors in the long term, particularly during the summer season. A thick sweater or a thin sweater do not retain heat in the same way so keep in mind that buying the perfect sweater requires paying attention to the material to avoid too much great perspiration.
The texture
The visual appearance and the texture of a sweater also play an essential role in its quality. For example, a sheep's wool sweater with regular and tight stitching will be more durable and warm than a poor quality model with loose and irregular stitches. The examples of textures and their influences on the quality of the sweater will be discussed later in the article.
Finishes
The quality finishes and exemplars often testify to a sweater made with care and attention to detail. To do this, pay special attentionto the edges, seams, buttons and zipper when purchasing your sweater, as they can say a lot about the aesthetic and quality of the sweater. resistance of the garment.
The types of textures and stitches of a good quality sweater
Presentation of the different textures and meshes
The choice of textures and knits for a sweater depends on several criteria, such as the desired thickness, the visual appearance and the pattern of the garment. Some of the most common types of textures and stitches include stockinette stitch, rib, cable, and decorative stitches.
Influence of textures on the quality of the sweater
The texture of a sweater, in particular the regularity and finesse of the stitching, partly testifies to its quality. A sweater made with tight knits and regular will generally offer better resistance, a neater visual appearance and better thermal insulation. In addition, it is important that the designs remain in good shape even after several washes .
What material to choose for a high-end sweater ?
Merino wool
The merino wool sweater offers excellent thermal comfort and a pleasant touch thanks to the fine and soft wool fibers. This natural material is also appreciated for its resistance and its ability to regulate humidity.
Kid Mohair
Kid Mohair is considered a luxurious and refined material due to its exceptional softness. Kid mohair sweaters are particularly appreciated for their silky feel and fluffy appearance.
Virgin wool
virgin wool is a particularly resistant and insulating natural material. It is frequently used to make winter sweaters thanks to its warmth and comfort properties.
Finishing details for a beautiful sweater or cardigan
Importance of finishes in the quality of a sweater
The finishing of a sweater, such as ribbed edges, seams or buttons, contribute not only to the aesthetics of the garment, but also to its quality and durability. Finishes carried out with precision and know-how testify to a good quality sweater.
Details to look for
To identify quality finishes, here are some tips:
- Examine the seams: they must be even and well aligned.
- Check the ribbing: they should be soft and well adjusted.
- Take a look at the buttons: those on a cardigan should be strong and well sewn.
Which sweaters do not pill ?
Sweaters that don't pill are usually made from high-quality natural fibers, such as merino wool, cashmere or Pima cotton. A tight knit and a good finish to the sweater also help to reduce pilling.
If your sweater already has pilling or lint, find out here how to remove pilling.
Reference brands and brands for a pretty sweater
Presentation of some reference brands
Among the reference brands for quality sweaters, we find in particular Uniqlo, a Japanese brand which offers cotton, wool and cashmere sweaters at affordable prices. Other French brands, such as Saint James or Armor Lux, are also recognized for the quality of their wool sweaters.
The Oversized Hoodie, French leader in Hoodie Blanket
In terms of Hoodie Blanket, The Oversized Hoodie, a French brand based in Paris and Toulouse, is now offering the best quality models with higher fabric density (up to 320 grams per m²p) for better softness and durability, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification offered exclusively by the brand as well as a length of 126 to 130 cm, to cover your body effectively up to the knees.
The brand therefore offers you timeless pieces to offer to yourself or to your loved ones for the winter. A great thing to give and a great addition to the tree base for Christmas.
Discover our articles how to choose a snuggle hoodie and which snuggle hoodie to choose in 2023 to learn more.
Also find the 2023 comparison of snuggle hoodie to help you choose the rare gem.
Influence of brand reputation on sweater quality
It is important to keep in mind that the reputation of the brand and the aesthetic quality of the seams, finishes, and material are not everything. The quality of a garment also depends on the company's policy regarding production costs and customer returns. Therefore, it is wise to obtain information and consult consumer reviews before making a purchase.
Are you wondering what is the average price of a sweatshirt ? Find the answer in our guide.
How to maintain your sweater for maximum lifespan ?
Tips for sweater care
Caring for a quality sweater involves a few essential steps:
- Follow the directions on the garment label.
- Use a mild detergent suitable for delicate materials.
- Avoid the dryer.
- Do not hang the sweater, but dry it flat.
Influence of maintenance on the lifespan of the sweater
Maintenance is crucial to preserve the lifespan and avoid premature wear of your sweaters. A well-maintained sweater will in fact be more resistant and will retain its qualities longer.
An important factor in sweater maintenance is obviously the drying method after washing. We recommend drying outdoors in the open air. Find out here why avoid drying laundry inside the house.
Conclusion
You are now equipped to determine the quality of a sweater and make the best choice during your next shopping appointment. Don't forget that the material, texture, finishes, as well as maintenance play a role in the quality and durability of your garment. So, ready to find the ideal sweater ?
FAQ
What material to choose for a good quality sweater ?
Favour natural materials such as wool, cashmere, cotton and mohair.
Which sweater does not pill ?
A sweater made from natural, high-quality fibers, such as merino wool or cashmere, will reduce the risk of pilling.
What type of sweater to choose ?
The choice of type of sweater will depend on your tastes, the temperature, the occasion and your budget.
What are the different types of sweater ?
We notably distinguish wool, cashmere, cotton, mohair sweaters, oversized sweaters, turtleneck sweaters, V-neck sweaters, snuggle hoodie and vests or cardigans.
How to recognize a good cashmere sweater ?
To recognize a good cashmere sweater, here are some tips:
- Check the label: a good cashmere sweater should be made from at least 75% cashmere fibers.
- Touch the material: quality cashmere has a softness and a smooth, silky feel.
- Examine the knit density: A quality cashmere sweater should have a tight, even knit to ensure warmth and durability.
- Pull lightly on the stitch: good cashmere should quickly return to its initial shape after being stretched.
- Observe the finishes: the seams and edges must be clean and the stand-up collar well made, if it exists.
Updated October 19, 2023
