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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Tomboyx
tomboyx.com › blogs › news › types-of-sweaters
Types of Sweaters - Best Materials & When To Wear | tomboyx
December 9, 2022 - 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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The Mom Edit
themomedit.com › home › holiday › 2020 holiday sales › seriously soft sweaters that aren’t cashmere
Seriously Soft Sweaters That Aren't Cashmere - The Mom Edit
November 23, 2020 - Cute sweaters that are soft, but not cashmere? Found. J.Crew, Anthropologie, EILEEN FISHER...we're trying silk, cotton & wool blends for stylish warmth.
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The Sweater Shop
sweatershop.com › different types of sweaters explained
Different Types of Sweaters Explained | The Sweater Shop
Here are the four most common components of a well-made sweater: ... Wool is a natural fiber known for its exceptional insulation properties. It provides excellent warmth while allowing breathability. Wool sweaters are durable, moisture-wicking, and can retain heat even when damp. Merino wool, in ...
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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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Seam Apparel
seamapparel.com › blog › types-of-sweaters
41 Different Types Of Sweaters With Their Names
October 21, 2025 - One of the fanciest sweater materials isn’t made from sheep. 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.
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SewGuide
sewguide.com › home › fashion designing and style choices › clothing › types of sweaters
Types Of Sweaters - SewGuide
November 23, 2024 - It is very soft and very durable. This sweater is made of branded performance fabrics that have special abilities like moisture-wicking, water resistance, anti-pilling, etc. Related posts: Different jeans styles names; Different types of tops; Your Guide to Different bras; Underwear: Explore various types.
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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

Top answer
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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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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 - Cashmere: Cashmere is considered a luxury fabric and for good reason. It feels buttery soft on your skin, is lightweight and does a great job of keeping you warm.
Find elsewhere
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The Strategist
nymag.com › strategist › article › best-womens-sweaters.html
12 Best Sweaters for Women | The Strategist
November 17, 2025 - It’s made from Gap’s CashSoft material, which I first learned about while working on our guide to the best cardigans. CashSoft is extraordinarily soft and warm because it’s designed to feel like cashmere but without requiring any of the pesky maintenance.
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Tack Apparel
tackapparel.com › types-of-sweaters
53 Types of Sweaters: Styles and Trends Explained
Button-front cardigans, which come in a gorgeous array of materials such as wool, cotton, and blends of synthetic textiles, demonstrate their adaptability by falling elegantly over dresses, matching skirts or slacks, or even teaming with a blazer for an elegant look. Sweaters with boat necks feature a broad neckline that crosses the collarbone. The leotards worn by dancers served as the major source of inspiration for these types of sweaters for ladies.
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MasterClass
masterclass.com › articles › types-of-sweaters
16 Types of Sweaters to Keep You Warm - 2026 - MasterClass
3. Cashmere sweater: Cashmere wool is a super-soft material made from the hair of specific breeds of goat. When a sweater is made out of cashmere, it is knit very finely to create a thin, lightweight sweater that is incredibly soft to the touch, more than cotton, synthetic, or wool sweaters.
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Fashionista
fashionista.com › 2023 › 12 › knitwear-fabric-content-sweater-shopping-guide
Knitwear Fabric Content 101: How to Find Sweaters That Won't Fall Apart - Fashionista
December 8, 2023 - Cashmere can also be broken down into three categories, dictated by the thickness of the fibers. Grade A is the softest, finest layer of hair, while grades B and C are coarser hairs, usually cheaper and not as soft. Some cashmere garments are also less expensive because they're blended with ...
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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 - Wool. Wool is the most common material that is used for sweaters. Of course, there are different types of wool. Merino wool is the softest wool that is used for making sweaters. Have you ever had a sweater that makes you itchy?
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Apparel & Bags
apparelnbags.com › apparelnbags.com official blog › general › purchase guide › small business › 18 different types of sweaters | top sweater types
18 Different Types of Sweaters | Top Sweater Types
March 13, 2025 - Rated For: Give a voluminous appeal, best for festive/parties ... Mock neck sweaters are must-have types of sweaters, made from soft and breathable fabrics like cotton, wool, or acrylic, making them comfortable to wear all day long.
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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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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 - Merino, Shetland, and Lambswool are the maximum commonplace types of wool. Merino gives the softest of sweaters. Lambswool is a near second followed by using Shetland. Maximum sweaters which are itchy are made from coarse wool.
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Mega Sports Apparel
megasportsapparel.com › home › apparel styles › 14 different types of sweaters for men and women explained in 2024
14 Different Types of Sweaters Guide With Names & Visuals
September 17, 2025 - Since this fabric is known for its luxury and softness, it is sometimes called Pashmina, which is a term used for high-quality cashmere.. Cashmere sweaters are renowned for their natural softness and texture. Cashmere wool comes from the hair ...
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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 - Discover the softest sweater material for ultimate comfort. From cashmere and merino wool to bamboo and alpaca, explore super soft sweater materials and what..
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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 - Picture this: You’re getting ... It drapes perfectly, feels like a cloud, and leaves you looking effortlessly chic. Cashmere sweaters aren’t just about warmth; they’re about luxury....