What are the best jumpers made from?

[Bahhh]

This might be a stupid question but I've spent my whole life so far just buying based on what they look like and price. Now I actually care about being WARM. But when I look at what jumpers are made of its rarely 100% wool. Do I need to buy 100% wool? If not, what should I be buying? Half wool, or a cashmere mix or...? I can't believe how expensive some nice stylish jumpers are that are still made of polyester! Or is a polyester mix ok?!

Baffled as to how acrylic can be freezing. A cotton shirt isn't freezing. It's warmer than not wearing one. I own a couple of acrylic jumpers (though I prefer the look and feel of natural fibres). They're a bit less warm than my wool ones maybe, but perfectly fine unless it's very cold!

@lazylinguist

Baffled as to how acrylic can be freezing. A cotton shirt isn't freezing. It's warmer than not wearing one. I own a couple of acrylic jumpers (though I prefer the look and feel of natural fibres). They're a bit less warm than my wool ones maybe, but perfectly fine unless it's very cold!

A cotton shirt is freezing when its cold. Acrylic vs Wool Wool wins hands down

Merino wool. It pretty much doesn’t bobble and it always looks sleek.

Wow this has been very informative! Thank you so much

Yes cashmere is warm but its bloody delicate. One moth can wipe out a whole bloody drawer of jumpers (from bitter experience). And no way do I have the funds to replace them. So cashmere isn't always the best if you are on a budget.

I have some fantastic acrylic jumpers that have lasted well over 13 years. They have been washed worn puked over etc etc and still as good as new. At less than £10 at the time I'd consider them awesome. I layer them the same way as i would the cashmere and they are perfectly warm.

I would try and chose natural wool on environmental grounds now. But i tend to go mixed wool or lambswool.

I love wool or cashmere - to the poster who knits - we keep Blue Faced Leicester and occasionally sell their wool direct after shearing as we get a better price for it. I agree they have a great fleece :)

I haven't worn anything alpaca yet but did have my eye on a pair of alpaca socks!

@lazylinguist

I have taken to buying jumpers in the men's department at TKMaxx. Much better choice of good quality lambswool, merino and cashmere or cashmere mix jumpers in nice plain colours than in the women's section (where they are often acrylic or have annoying little design features).

@lazylinguist That is a brilliant idea. I have a few women’s proper wool ones from TKMaxx and they’re good, but looking at men’s would open up more possibilities!

Merino or lambswool for me. I've gone off Cashmere, too high maintenance.

@lazylinguist That is a brilliant idea. I have a few women’s proper wool ones from TKMaxx and they’re good, but looking at men’s would open up more possibilities!

Definitely! It annoys me how much better quality men's clothes are than women's, and often cheaper too. Flimsy synthetic clothes, poorly made and with no pockets vs proper cotton or wool, better made and a more practical design.

@TheSpottedZebra

Ooh, PrincessButtockUp that is very informative! Can I ask, when I see 'Pure New Wool' what does that mean, apart from the obvious?

Pure means not mixed with other fibres though to be fair they might allow a small percentage of something else for eg stability, like nylon which is good for the heels of socks.

New means spun and woven for the first time after it was shorn off the sheep. As opposed to recycled yarn, which is still a viable product and very eco friendly but they target different markets.

I don’t get on with men’s jumpers, unfortunately. The cuts are crap on me.

I love vintage cashmere, and I always look for good brands, made in Scotland. Of course the jumpers need handwashing, but it is worth it!

I wash everything in KnitIQ which is no-rinse, and either do a gentle spin or the towel squeezing procedure. I wouldn't dare use the machine for actual washing. Anything I buy gets put in the freezer for a fortnight, just in case of moth. I have an airtight cedar chest that I keep woollens in.

One of my absolute favourite cardigans got eaten when I forgot to put it away, so I washed it froze it and darned it, and still wear it One bonus of shielding, there's no one judging!

Merino, bamboo, cashmere, lambswool

I can't wear acrylic - they make me sweat buckets and I get a rash on my wrists and neckline.

I buy cheapo jumpers because every time I’ve “invested” in cashmere etc either me or my husband has killed it in the washing machine. I ant be bothered any more!