Wool will be most comfortable. It’s ’thermoregulating’ because of its hollow fiber structure, which also helps sequester moisture, and allow it evaporate, without feeling damp or clammy. Wool with 20 or 30 percent nylon or acrylic is also comfortable, and somewhat more durable. A bit of mohair adds a lot of durability and warmth, but is often scratchier than wool. Merino wool is soft and non itchy, but more subject to pilling and wear through abrasion than other wools. Sweaters knitted at a tighter gauge will be less subject to snags and runs. Wool that has shrunk cannot be restored or ‘stretched out.’ Wool does though, readily shed most dirt and stains, so don’t be deterred by grunge or odor. Don’t overlook obviously dated wool sweaters. I recently purchased a 1962 wool letter sweater from Purdue. After a wash, the sweater looked like new despite its age. Cashmere and alpaca sweaters are softer, less durable, less retentive of shape, more pilly, and a bit warmer than wool. All natural fiber sweaters should be washed immediately or sequestered in a freezer until they can be, to avoid a moth infestation of other clothing and carpets. Answer from Voc1Vic2 on reddit.com
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Seam Apparel
seamapparel.com › blog › types-of-sweaters
41 Different Types Of Sweaters With Their Names
October 21, 2025 - Cashmere originates from a goat instead. The velvety undercoat of cashmere goats is used to make it. In the realm of sweater knitting, it is a pricey material. Particularly soft, light, and warm is cashmere. Cotton is the next most popular fabric type of sweater after wool for making sweaters.
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The Sweater Shop
sweatershop.com › different types of sweaters explained
Different Types of Sweaters Explained | The Sweater Shop
Therefore these sweaters are associated with high-end garments and fashion luxury. Despite being quite expensive, cashmere sweaters are a great investment due to their durability. Cashmere and Merino Wool Sweaters both for men and women range from comfy to practical and fashionable
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Primer
primermagazine.com › home › primer’s complete guide to sweater types: fabric, fit, and care
Primer's Complete Guide to Sweater Types: Fabric, Fit, and Care
February 21, 2024 - Cashmere is a super soft, fine wool that’s surprisingly durable and warm, but it’s also one of the most expensive yarns sweaters can be made of. Would you believe me if I told you cashmere is made from the beards of goats? Yep: What the Heck is Cashmere Anyway? ... High-end Merino wool is soft, lightweight, and gentler on the skin, making it perfect for people who normally find wool too itchy to wear. The name Merino refers to the type of sheep it comes from.
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Men's Health
menshealth.com › style › men's wardrobe essentials › the 11 best sweaters for men, tested by style editors
Stylists Found the Best Sweaters for Men to Wear This Fall and Beyond
November 10, 2025 - Look for high-quality materials that ensure warmth, comfort, and longevity. By understanding what each fabric brings to the table, you can select the sweater that fits both your lifestyle and your wardrobe goals. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from the most common options: Cashmere is the gold standard for softness and luxury.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/buyitforlife › how to identify good quality sweaters
r/BuyItForLife on Reddit: How to identify good quality sweaters
October 6, 2023 -

Going to a thrift store soon and wanted to know what should I look for when buying a sweater or hoodie (I’m trying to find good quality pieces) I know nothing about what material is best, what should I keep an eye out for when looking at the tag? Thank you so much

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Wool will be most comfortable. It’s ’thermoregulating’ because of its hollow fiber structure, which also helps sequester moisture, and allow it evaporate, without feeling damp or clammy. Wool with 20 or 30 percent nylon or acrylic is also comfortable, and somewhat more durable. A bit of mohair adds a lot of durability and warmth, but is often scratchier than wool. Merino wool is soft and non itchy, but more subject to pilling and wear through abrasion than other wools. Sweaters knitted at a tighter gauge will be less subject to snags and runs. Wool that has shrunk cannot be restored or ‘stretched out.’ Wool does though, readily shed most dirt and stains, so don’t be deterred by grunge or odor. Don’t overlook obviously dated wool sweaters. I recently purchased a 1962 wool letter sweater from Purdue. After a wash, the sweater looked like new despite its age. Cashmere and alpaca sweaters are softer, less durable, less retentive of shape, more pilly, and a bit warmer than wool. All natural fiber sweaters should be washed immediately or sequestered in a freezer until they can be, to avoid a moth infestation of other clothing and carpets.
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Wool is great. Merino better. Cashmere even better. Alpaca is best. Just about anything made for men that contains mohair or silk is going to be quality. Wool and Merino are more durable. If the tag shows a chest size like say 44R, it's also a sign that it might be quality, most are just marked S, M, L, XL, etc., The UK and Italy make good sweaters, just as with suits and shoes. As far as hoodies are concerned 99% are all the same quality. The only hoodies I have that are double thick with extra durably sewn seams are my Supreme hoodies. They are on steroids compared to the vast majority of hoodies. They are twice as heavy weight, feel like a coat to wear, and the screen printed ones are top quality screenprints, as good as I have done myself with the best equipment and ink. Uniqlo hoodies are slightly above average, the zippered ones have YKK zippers. YKK zippers is another sign of quality.
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Wordans
wordans.com › home › types of sweater: the only guide you’ll need
Types of Sweater: The Only Guide You'll Need - Wordans
September 10, 2024 - It also has the advantage of being a natural fiber. Unlike fleece, wool can be woven fine to make beautiful, formal sweaters. Cashmere, from goats rather than sheep, is one of the best-known examples. This silky fabric is made from natural materials. Makes soft, light clothing that feels great on the skin.
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Ask Andy About Clothes
askandyaboutclothes.com › home › forums › ask andy's style discussion › timeless style
Sweater Fabrics | Men's Clothing Forums
The only difference I notice is that it does not "play well" with my shirts--for some reason it does not adapt to my shirt shapes, and so feels loose in some places and tight in others, although that may be the weave more than the material. I do not notice any overwhelming difference in softness; in fact, a couple of my wool sweaters are about as soft as anything I've found. Cashmere Blends: The one cashmere blend sweater I purchased sheds like a shorthair dog in spring. I suspect that the appeal of cashmere blends is to put the name "cashmere" in the label, that there is no significant improvement on the majority fiber (be it wool, cotton, etc.), and that, on the contrary, the cashmere fibers (in all likelihood the short, low-quality variety) are likely to migrate out of the garment and onto the shirt sooner rather than later.
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Tomboyx
tomboyx.com › blogs › news › types-of-sweaters
Types of Sweaters - Best Materials & When To Wear | tomboyx
November 10, 2025 - When to wear: If you live in a cooler climate, a warm wool sweater is excellent for keeping the chills at bay. The fiber can sometimes be a bit itchy, though, so you may want to layer it over a long-sleeve shirt or turtleneck. Cashmere is a type of wool that many people consider it in a class all its own. The popular fabric is often put in a different category from wool because it’s one of the softest, most highly sought-after materials for sweaters.
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Kosha
kosha.co › home › the ultimate guide: how to choose the perfect men’s sweater
The Ultimate Guide: How To Choose The Perfect Men’s Sweater
Wool and cashmere are two of the most popular materials for men's sweaters because they are soft, warm, and durable. Cotton is another popular choice for men's sweaters, as it is breathable and comfortable.
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The Sweater Shop
sweatershop.com › what are the best materials for cardigan sweaters?
The Best Materials To Make Cardigan Sweaters | Sweatershop
When it comes to men's cardigan sweaters, cashmere is often considered the best material. Cashmere is made from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats and is known for its incredible softness and warmth.
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The Fashionisto
thefashionisto.com › home › style › guides › clothing › sweater fabric types: explore the various options
Sweater Fabric Types: Explore the Various Options | Types of Sweater Fabrics: A Complete Guide
August 16, 2025 - Common materials include wool, cotton, cashmere, alpaca, and synthetic blends like acrylic or polyester. Wool, particularly merino or lambswool, provides excellent insulation and breathability in cold weather.
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Soma Tech Intl
somatechnology.com › home › types of sweaters – softest sweater material – ugly sweaters
Types of Sweaters - Softest Sweater Material - Ugly Sweaters
December 11, 2023 - Cashmere. Cashmere sweaters are one of the more expensive sweater materials. Cashmere comes from the undercoat of cashmere goats. It’s known for being lightweight, warm, and incredibly soft.
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Dgjiayan
dgjiayan.com › what-are-the-types-of-sweater-materials
What Are The Types Of Sweater Materials? - Dongguan Jiayan Woolens Co., Ltd.
October 8, 2022 - Cashmere is extra soft, lightweight, and warm. After wool, cotton is the next most common type of material used to make sweaters. Cotton, while soft and lightweight, is durable and cool.
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Tack Apparel
tackapparel.com › types-of-sweaters
53 Types of Sweaters: Styles and Trends Explained
Men’s turtleneck sweaters combine warmth and functionality with sophistication and flair. This sweater is made entirely of soft merino wool, so you know it will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
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Prestige Cleaners
prestigecleaners.com › what-fabric-makes-for-the-comfiest-sweater
What Fabric Makes For The Comfiest Sweater? - Prestige Cleaners Scottsdale Dry Cleaning
November 1, 2025 - Wool: Wool may get a bad rap from some as being an itchy fabric, but there are actually many different types of wool and the type makes all the difference. Merino wool is very soft as well as Mohair or Alpaca.
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Hope & Stetson
hopeandstetson.com › home › news › news
The Ultimate Guide to Sweater Fabrics | Which one is Right for You?
September 11, 2024 - Choosing the right sweater fabric is key to staying cozy and stylish all year long. Wool offers unbeatable warmth, while cashmere gives you a luxurious feel. Cotton is your go-to for breathability, and synthetic blends provide affordable durability.
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Effortless Gent
effortlessgent.com › smart casual › which of these men’s sweaters do you have? (12 different types)
12 Popular Types Of Men's Sweaters (An Effortless Guide)
August 17, 2023 - Uniqlo’s Merino Crew Neck Sweater is crazy affordable for how soft it is, and does a great job of keeping its shape wash after wash. Classic gray is a great choice for pairing with just about any outfit. How to Wear a Crew Neck Sweater (5 Fall and Winter Outfit Ideas for Men)
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OLIVIA PAISLEY
oliviapaisley.com › blogs › news › what-is-a-sweater-made-of-guide-to-sweater-materials
What Is a Sweater Made Of? Guide to Sweater Materials – OLIVIA PAISLEY
October 14, 2025 - Merino wool, in particular, is soft, lightweight, and breathable, one of the soft sweater material names that stands out for comfort.
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Fabriclore
fabriclore.com › home › garment wiki › garment wiki
Cardigans & Sweaters Guide: Fabrics, Styles & Winter 2025 Trends
May 15, 2025 - Mohair Sweater: With their soft and lightweight feel, mohair sweaters are stylish and warm. Perfect for elegant winter clothes. Viscose Sweater: Smooth, smooth, and breathable, viscose sweaters drape wonderfully and feel indulgent against the skin.
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OLIVIA PAISLEY
oliviapaisley.com › blogs › news › softest-sweater-material-soft-jumper-fabrics-guide
Softest Sweater Material: Soft Jumper Fabrics Guide – OLIVIA PAISLEY
October 14, 2025 - If you want a soft fabric sweater that balances warmth, breathability, and easy care, merino wool is a perfect choice. Unlike traditional wool, merino is ultra-fine and doesn’t itch.