I love a good sweater, and in the fall and winter, I wear one almost every day. They’re just so easy and cozy, and they go with all of my favorite denim. Whether it’s a chunky cable knit for my casual everyday looks or a sleek fitted cardigan for a night out, there’s a sweater for almost every occasion, so this year I thought I’d put together a Sweater and Knitwear Guide for Fall! Even if you don’t love sweaters as much as I do, I hope you’ll find this post helpful for updating your knitwear this season.
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5 Knitwear Trends You’ll Love for Fall 2024
Sweaters as a wardrobe category are be a fall wardrobe essential, but styles and trends change season to season. These are some of the top knitwear trends to know for Fall 2024.
1. Cardigans
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After being on the back burner for a while, cardigans are back this season! Shorter styles are most popular, although I’m starting to see sleek longline cardigans and dusters making a comeback, as well. Classic crewneck cardigans are being worn as toppers for dresses and blouses or buttoned-up as a pullover, and sweater jackets are big right now too. The Caslon cardigan I’m wearing above is a great option, with an on-trend point collar and contrasting buttons, and it’s under $100.
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2. Cable Knit Sweaters
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Cable knit is a classic pattern that seems to be having a moment this season. I’m seeing it in all sweater styles, like the crewneck pullover I’m wearing above (size medium), as well as v-neck styles, relaxed cardigans, and sweater jackets.
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3. Fair Isle
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Fair isle patterns are back and hotter than ever this year. The one I’m wearing above is from last season (wearing size 1) and sizes are limited, but I rounded up more current styles that are fully stocked for you below.
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4. Stripes
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Stripes are a huge trend this year across all wardrobe categories, but striped knitwear is especially popular right now. This Rails Geneva Cardigan is one of my favorites, I love how it combines two sweater trends in one. It’s also currently 30% off at Bloomingdale’s!
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5. Sweater Vests
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It’s getting late in the season for these, but since they’re such a big trend this year, and because some of you live in warmer climates where you may not need cozy knits, a sweater vest a great option. They also layer easily under all types of jackets, or you can layer the over a button-up or long sleeve tee. I’m even seeing some layered look tops like this one popping up at my favorite retailers.
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The Best Knitwear Fabrics to Look For
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When you’re on the hunt for the perfect sweater, the fabric composition is key. It’s important to know the pros and cons of each.
Cashmere
Nothing beats the softness of cashmere. It’s incredibly soft and warm, so perfect for those chilly days. While it’s pricier than most, a good cashmere sweater is a worthwhile investment that will last you for years. You do need to take good care of it, though, and it usually requires dry cleaning, which is a deal breaker for some.
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Merino Wool
Merino wool is another fantastic option. It’s soft, breathable, and won’t make you overheat. You can even find t-shirts in merino wool, and they’re nice for layering under chunkier knits. The downside is, some people are allergic, and it can be on the more expensive side.
Cotton
Cotton is always a solid choice for knitwear, especially for warmer weather, because it’s breathable and machine washable.
Acrylic
For a more wallet-friendly option, acrylic blends do a great job of mimicking the feel of natural fibers while being lightweight and easy to care for. It’s also less likely that you will be allergic to this manmade fabric.
Blends
You will often find knitwear blends that combine several of the materials listed above. This helps keep costs down and offers some of the benefits of each.
How to Care for Your Sweaters and Knitwear
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Caring for your sweaters and knitwear is essential to keep them looking fresh and cozy season after season. Many fabrics can be hand-washed or put in the machine on the delicate cycle in cold water, and then laid flat to dry.
If washing at home, use a mild detergent specifically designed for wool or knits, and it’s generally recommended to avoid fabric softeners, as they can damage the fibers. Also, it’s a good idea to turn the sweater inside out to protect the outside from the washing machine.
When it comes to drying, lay your garments flat on a clean towel to maintain their shape—never hang them, as this can lead to stretching.
I always dry-clean my wool and cashmere sweaters to make sure they hold their shape and don’t get fuzzy, but some women hand-wash theirs. It’s a matter of personal preference.
Always clean your sweaters at the end of the season before packing them away. I love these Periea collapsable storage boxes for storing my sweaters during the off-season.
Whether you wash or dry clean, it’s a good idea to regularly brush off lint and pills with a fabric shaver or a lint roller, and store your sweaters folded rather than hanging to avoid misshaping. Cedar blocks can help prevent moths and other creepy-crawlies from eating away at your precious knitwear.
With these simple steps, your knitwear will stay vibrant and cozy for years to come!
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