Don’t Sweat the Technique!

Gentleman, the Holiday season saw retailers putting everything up for sale including sweaters and the likes.  Off Saks 5th is still having 60% off all cashmere sweaters (it’s worth a run through) but what if you’re not the sweater kinda fella?  No worries — you are and just don’t know it yet!

You just need to find the right one for you…..here are some insights to get you started:

• Think material: cotton, cashmere, wool (merino, worsted, etc). Cashmere will be the lightest and most expensive
• Think fit: look for the seams of the sleeves to hit your shoulder bone; the sleeve should come to your wrist bone (enough to display your watch or the long-sleeve shirt you’re wearing underneath)
• Think styling: cardigan, zipper-front, crewneck, v-neck, pullover…. V-necks are the most flattering especially if you’re huskier because it gives you room to breathe; cardigans can transform you to Mr. Rogers if you don’t consider outfit; where possible, stick with sweaters that are not fitted at the bottom
• Think print: argyle, plain, checkered, striped, patterns — argyle is preppy; those big sweaters with the snowflakes or Fair Isles are best on the Abercrombie & Fitch types and for cold weather sports; stripes work in small doses (no one wants to look at you and think they’re on acid…); for argyles, the nicer the sweater, the more distinct and precise the argyle patterning
• Think cost: a decent cashmere sweater should run you about $90, cotton (for summer only) about $50, and mid-tier wool about $70…when you start to add extras like epaulets, leather detailing, the cost goes up; the best sweaters will be light in weight and have no signs of peeling,; every man should own at least three sweaters (plain lightweight cashmere v-neck, heavier wool crewneck or partial zipper-front, and a cardigan)