Let's Talk Sweaters
some favorites, what to wear under the itchy ones, menswear inspo, and why natural fibers rule
First off, I want to say an emphatic thank you to everyone who has been reading our past few letters. I am beyond tickled that so many new and old friends have sent me photos or told me in person that you’ve had some fun adding patterns into your wardrobe. It means the world to me. You all have some real cute togs on ya!!!
Our chat is another great place to share what you’re wearing and what you’ve been inspired by. And it’s a perfect way to connect with more members of our budding TOGS community.
This week I’m writing about sweaters. And what to wear under them.
What would winter be without sweaters? Or fall? Spring and Summer evenings too for that matter.
Knitwear has been around since ancient Egypt the internet tells me. Cable knit clad seafarers defined maritime history, I can’t picture vikings or my ancestors on the Irish coast without a thick knit, and of course the heyday of ski culture is simply synonymous with sweater wearing. A good sweater is as timeless as any piece of clothing can be.
We know that well made sweaters last longer and can hold up to more adventures and memories being made. They endure long enough to be passed down to other humans that then weave their own experiences into the fibers.
Sweaters are humble heirlooms in so many lineages- wearable art, tangible family history.
In the past few years, I’ve become more conscientious of wearing natural plant and animal fibers for many reasons.
Natural fibers are honestly miraculous. They are often wavy organic shapes which allow for air pockets that act as insulators or pathways for breathability. Synthetically made fibers are cranked out of a machine and are straight and uniform- no insulating pockets of air. Natural fibers also have components like proteins and lipids, which make them strong. They keep their shape and hold up to more wear.
Synthetic fibers tend to pill and don’t contain the same hygroscopic qualities that natural fibers do. Fibers like wool absorb the humidity in the air or on your body and release water vapor, wicking away from your skin while releasing heat. This little miracle of the natural world keeps you feeling warmer and drier in cold damp conditions. 1
Not to mention plastic fibers are responsible for microplastic shedding at every stage of their lives. Microplastics shed when they're worn on your body, when they're washed, when the fibers are made, and of course when it’s discarded one day.2
One reddit user sums up their experience here- “There are days when I randomly feel overheated, sick, and cranky. On most of those days I realize I am wearing synthetics. I prioritize 100% cotton sweaters as I feel the best in them.”
I realize plastics in our daily lives are virtually unavoidable, but I wonder how much wearing them does really effect us.
And I definitely have some synthetic fibers in my closet, you probably do too. I’m sure I’ll buy something cheap and unfortunately trendy again because ugh, I’m human. But moving forward, I know I’m trying to be more diligent when purchasing new (or new to me) clothing to look for items made with natural fibers. It’s just plain worth it. Especially in the mountains when being in the elements and changing weather is inevitable and half the fun.
Let’s start with best options to wear underneath it all.
My number 1, <3
Intimissi Boat Neck Modal Cashmere Ultralight Top
This top is probably my most worn item in the winter, because its underneath everything. It’s incredibly soft, cute on it’s own, thin, and fitted without feeling tight. The secret under sweater weapon.
If you’re going on a ski trip or spending time in the mountains and the town, this is a great piece to bring along.
It can act as a base layer when needed, as well as a nicer dinner top. (When not worn with a black sport bra, my bad.) It also can be worn off the shoulder for a little peekaboo night time look. It’s versatile like the multi-faceted mountain women it belongs on!
Sleeveless option for sweaters that just need a little buffer
Possibly the most affordable thing at Reformation. I wear this tank top year round, it’s just so good. Similar boat neck silhouette as the long sleeve, and great for sweaters that irritate around the sensitive collarbone area.
The classic white t-shirt layer
I’ll wear any white or cream tee that has a higher neckline. This is not new information, but more of a reminder that the addition of another layer can really make a simple outfit more interesting.
This is my favorite white long sleeve tee option though, damn you Kim.
Pop of color long sleeve
This COS 100% wool top is a great option for under sweaters. It’s another thin, non-bulky choice that is also so cute on it’s own. And thumb-holes for you super fans out there.
Ruffled turtleneck-
Mine is from Free People Movement. Looks like its sold out, but I’m linking a very similar one here- frilled mock-neck
And a sale ruffle-less alternative here- semi sheer mock-neck
The little ruffle mock neck feels like an intentional layer rather than an accident that an under garment is showing.
I think that’s a common theme with these layers- intention. It’s chic when you make any purposeful style choice. Especially chic when your fashion is functional. Pretty sure thats our TOGS slogan?!
Silk Kerchief
This is my real #1 itchy sweater tip.
Tying a little silk scarf around your neck and tucking it underneath the collar of your sweater is often the simple answer to your itchy jumper dilemma. This ‘trick’ has saved me from getting rid of countless amazing sweaters. It’s easy enough to put a long sleeve under a scratchy knit, but the neckline seems to always be the problem.
Silk can also be incredibly warm and you might find this is a functional accessory in winter sports as well.
Second hand silk scarves are out there in abundance! Here are some Ebay/Depop/Poshmark search words worth looking for:
silk…square scarf, kerchief, neckerchief, handkerchief, bandana, silk-blend, wild-rag, necktie
And here are just a few sweaters in my wardrobe that I love and why I love them.
Low Profile Sweaters:
James St. Co.
I love this sweater because it has a slight crop, only a bit of a bat wing arm, and rolled edges. It’s a merino wool blend and soft enough to wear on its own.
At the time that I’m writing this, this one has yet to be restocked. But in the meantime here are some similar ones:
Sonderhaus Gwendolyn Sweater & Pant Set
This set is 100% merino wool and so soft. And you know I’m on a cobalt kick so this set really does it for me. I love these pieces because of the wool composition, as well as it’s simplicity. A solid color, no frills, and so fun to accessorize and layer with. It’s hard to come by great knit pants that don’t get saggy knees. The wool helps these maintain their structure. Big fan.
Mid-Weight Sweaters:
This Sézane sweater was a gift from my love, a cherished piece that I’ll have forever. Because of its feminine delicate pattern, it’s such a fun top to pair with more masculine items. I love to style this one with cargo pants, five panel hats, men’s vests, etc.
It’s mohair and merino wool, so its incredibly warm and functional despite its delicate appearance. Sézane sweaters are all-time. Here’s some really similar ones from the same brand-
Finisterre makes amazing cold weather gear, originally for hardy British surfers in Cornwall. Their knitwear is 100% merino wool and so warm without being very thick or heavy at all. I am always surprised by how light it really is. This sweater with the Intimissi layer underneath has been my go-to combo this winter after cold plunges.
Heavy-Weight Sweaters:
James St. Co. makes such incredible quality sweaters- this one is a perfect example of a thicker knit that doesn’t feel stiff or rigid. I love the detailing around the shoulders and fisherman rib.
THE perfect cable knit. The quality is unmatched- 20% of the wool in this sweater is from a regenerative farm. (100% of Peregrine’s wool will be from regenerative farms by 2026.) This is one of those heirloom pass-down pieces. I often add the little silk necktie with this one, or layer a micro-puff underneath if I’m outside.
And finally, my most worn and very beloved Devold of Norway sweater. This is an example of wool doing what wool does best. Incredibly warm and dry in wet conditions and wonderfully insulating.
Pretty cool to own this sweater nearly a decade long before visiting Norway and taking it back to it’s own country- felt like I was completing some sort of quest.
I want to also say that shopping secondhand for any of these types of sweaters is a phenomenal option. Good quality knitwear lasts a long time and there are gems out there. Here are some search words fro online thrifting:
Nordic, fair isle, wool, merino wool, lambswool, alpaca, mohair, linen, cotton, cashmere, cable knit, fisherman, guernsey, sportswear sweaters. And brands like vintage Dale of Norway, Devold, Misha and Puff, Paloma Wool, Babaa, LL bean, J crew.
Finally, I want to include some menswear sweater inspo boards-
Some takeaways- a classic button up underneath a sweater can be done in so many ways. The silk scarf accessory is gender-less! When in doubt, tuck the sweater in.
Again with the button ups underneath. A knit cardigan is also gender-less. Layers layer layers!
Phew. I think I need a part two. I didn’t even get to talk about what kinds of wool and layers I wear while skiing! Ok next time.
Thank you for reading. Please continue sending any topic ideas, questions, or critiques you may have- the community aspect of all of this is what excites me most.
Love,
Kellyn
TOGS stems from our mutual love of expression through clothing. We weren’t sure if anyone would join us here-and have been overwhelmed by how many did! With your support, we’d love to keep TOGS going through paid subscriptions starting February 12th. 5 dollars a month or 50 dollars a year helps us put in the work to make TOGS what it is. -Hadley and Kellyn
http://sff.arts.ac.uk/Fibre%20Properties/woolproperties.html
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-017-0528-7
This was a phenomenal summary
Agree with the menswear inspo!
Andddd a “how to” on layering hats!