Sweaters carry an outsized significance in our lives. They’re freighted with complicated feelings and associations. Mr. Rogers, Princess Di, Notorious B.I.G., The Dude, Harry Burns, Freddie Kruger—these folks are not just icons of modern life, but of knitwear. The sweater is a physical manifestation of the maternal hand. It represents the human circannual rhythm. It signifies scholastic spirit, holiday cheer, the superficial luxury of coziness.
Crucially, sweaters aren’t shirts. This is perhaps the most important thing about them. They are shirt-like garments that hold much greater importance in our lives. They’re bigger, more expensive, and worn less often than shirts, so they are inherently more valuable. Also, we tend to have fewer of them in our closets, so choosing the right one is of greater importance.
This is your guide to choosing and wearing sweaters this season. It’s based on a comprehensive survey of the sweater market (not really) and presented in random order.
Buy: Crowning the 2024 Sweater Power Rankings: The V-neck sweater—deep Vs and wide bodies only. The J. Press version is the platonic ideal. Our Legacy’s Stately Wool is another good buy. All crewnecks have been put on notice and are no longer considered the essential pullover.
Sell: Extremely fuzzy and colorful cardigans have taken an alarming drop—one few saw coming—in the rankings for Muppety knitwear this season. For now, these are relegated to the men’s fashion enthusiast starter kit.
Buy: Fuzzy cardigans and non-V-neck knitwear may be down, but classic shaggy sweaters—including crewneck versions—remain way up. They are best in dusty colors with a saddle or raglan sleeve. This guide to Shetland sweaters from Permanent Style is remarkable. For my money, it’s Jamiesons all day.
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