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Finding the perfect sweater is a skill, a craft — an art. Whether you're balls-deep in a thrift shop rack, browsing high-end boutiques, or scrolling through a million mid-priced options, my golden rule is always the same: quality over quantity. Look for the signs—dense knit, substantial weight, zero itch factor. And let’s not forget the stretch test; if it rebounds, it’s a keeper. Consider it your long-term investment piece. One great sweater that doesn’t pill or stretch out is worth 10 that leave you looking like a haggard muppet by season's end. Choose wisely; the sweater life is a serious commitment.

I won’t pretend I've always been a materials snob or that I haven’t chosen trendy synthetics over timeless knits. I was once a willing participant in the decade-long cycle of $700 online Zara hauls, which were thrilling but not exactly built to last. But after some realization, and experimenting, I’ve come to terms with what truly works and what’s better left on the shelf. The devil, as they say, is in the details: fit, fabric, and longevity. Some fast-fashion brands do surprise with quality (I’m a die-hard Mango fan), but I’ve also had those “old money” finds unravel in a single night—literally. Immediate pilling, seams that test the limits of optimism, and fabrics that trap heat instead of insulating? I’ve been there, and I’ve grown out of it, literally AND figuratively. It’s a metaphor, daddy.

• Great brands:

• 525

• Z Supply

• NAADAM

• Madewell

• JCrew

• Anthropologie (check sale!)

Don’t want to invest $300 on a wool sweater? Go to your thrift shop and find something for under $10! My collection is a mixture of both - higher-end brands (that I buy 1-2 times a year - if that) & amazing vintage pieces from our lifeless elders (which adds character to the bit).

(Note - plastic material is hard to avoid - for everyone. Try to stick to material blends rather than FULL on synthetic.)