HOMEPAGE
TTTHE VISION
ABOUT / SERVICES
TTTHREADS STORE
CONTACT US
M E N U
SWEATER WEATHER IS HERE … IN JANUARY!? JANUARY 22, 2016 / JESSE SHAW / 0 COMMENTS
It May Be Very Late but Sweater Weather is here The infinitely idyllic sweater weather has begun, and thus begins the scavenging for the warmest, and most stylish knitwear.
Hallmark pictures of serene women wearing knitted sweaters and sipping on chamomile tea is flooding most fashion and lifestyle advertisements, it’s sweater weather. The images evoke comforting, safe, warm feelings, which may change behavioral patterns in terms of shopping – some call it knitwear fever. Entering Zara one comes across a vast multitude of synthetics only to find the sweater of that advertisement, that company released, or that sweater that article made you read, even though it wasn’t informative or particularly interesting. Sweaters pull you in with great expectations, but often falter after a wash, or even a wear. It’s not comfortable, it’s not as warm, and the chamomile tea quickly becomes a cup of coffee flowing from your cup, onto the sweater leaving a stain not even Ariel could wash out. The difference between the very idyllic hallmark woman, and the dystopian reality we live in, is the fabric of the knitwear. Acrylic, Polyester, Cotton, Wool and Cashmere are the most common fabrics used to create the sweater weather items sported at Zara, and all other boutiques taking advantage of our sweater cravings. But what is the difference, and why do sweater wearers need to take the fabric into consideration to combat knitwear fever? It can make or break the winter wonderland fantasy and here is why. Acrylic is made from acrylic fibers creating a lightweight soft feel. The downside is that after a few washes it will look like a dehydrated plant. The fabric is warm, a man made sort of wool, but doesn’t breathe well. If you sweat a lot, and wash it a lot, it will quickly look horrendous. A great sweater weather knit is not going to be 100% acrylic, although the properties do make sweaters feel soft, so
converted by Web2PDFConvert.com
don’t be turning your backs on a little acrylic! Polyester is made from synthetic polymers. It doesn’t wrinkle which is why it’s often mixed with cotton, a fabric that does wrinkle, much like a great aunt’s face. It is a good option to keep warm during winter, but is not the softest or best-looking material. Polyester is often mixed with cotton, a definite viable option come sweater weather. Cotton is breathable, great for sensitive skin, as well as soft and strong. It repels water and sweat and is breathable. A sweater weather garment with polyester and cotton blend should have more cotton than polyester, as it will not able to breathe and keep you as warm with a greater usage of polyester. The obvious con of cashmere is the price, and the crystal clear pro is the excellent quality. Cashmere is a soft, lightweight fabric is a type of wool made from cashmere goats. The insulation of cashmere is approximately three times that of sheep wool. It’s a no brainer why cashmere is sweater weather royalty. What may be considered to be the God of sweater weather knits is wool, or at least a mix containing more wool than the other types of fabrics. Wool is a natural material, it’s a resilient fabric and excellent for winter wear as it absorbs 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp. Don’t wash it too often, hand wash your wool garments where possible and it shouldn't lose shape after a wash. A sweater weather shopping spree is a fun yearly scavenge, but make it a semi-yearly one by reading the tags. Ensure that there is not too much polyester or acrylic, and a greater portion of wool, cashmere or even cotton. The key is to let your skin breathe, as it keeps you warm as a mutton. Let knitwear fever begin! Article Written by Henrietta Hedberg 2
TRENDS, WOMENS CLOTHING
2015, 2016 FASHION TRENDS, FASHION WEEK 2016, STYLE TRENDS 2016, STYLING, UK FASHION, WINTER FASHION, WOMEN'S FASHION
PREVIOUS ARTICLE UPCOMING ARTIST: RICHARD READEY – RISING YOUTUBE TALENT
NEXT ARTICLE TTTOP PICKS: BRANDS TO WATCH 2016
converted by Web2PDFConvert.com