How I choose a sweater that's cosy and still looks put together
A letter from Nora
A short letter about necklines, hems and room to move, and four pieces from the shop to start with.
Dear friend,
Most of us have one sweater that does all the work. You pull it on without thinking, and you look like you made a little more effort than you did. If you don't have that sweater yet, this letter is for you.
I grew up in Kingston, Ontario, where January is long and a good knit is part of getting dressed. I watched the women around me layer up for the school run and keep a favourite cardigan for years. Later I spent years helping friends, neighbours and customers find clothes that made them feel like themselves again.
What you want from a sweater is simple. You want to be warm, and you don't want to look like you've given up on getting dressed. Both can be true.
The trouble with buying one online
You can't feel the knit, and you can't try the neckline in a mirror. So the worry is quieter than "will I like it". Will it sit too short? Will the arms be tight, or the whole thing so roomy that it swallows you? Will it go with the jeans and boots you already own?
I can't promise that any sweater will be perfect from a photo, and I won't pretend otherwise. What I can share are the three questions I ask. They take most of the guessing away.
Three questions before you choose
1. Where does the neckline sit? A V-neck opens the space at your neck and lets a necklace show. A round neck is closer and simpler. Choose the one you're comfortable in all day, not the one you think you should wear. If you tend to run warm, a lower neckline is easier than a high one.
2. Where does the hem land? If you like a sweater to cover the hip, look for a longer hem. Then you can stop thinking about it, whether you're wearing leggings or slim trousers.
3. How much room do you want? Some sweaters are cut close and others are cut relaxed on purpose, so decide which you prefer before you look at sizes. Check the size chart on the product page. If you're between two sizes, email us before you order and we'll help you choose.
One more thing, for days that start cold and end warm: add a layer you can take off. A cardigan you can slip off indoors often does more for comfort than a heavier sweater would. And if a knit feels scratchy on your skin, a thin long-sleeved tee underneath is the easy fix.
Four pieces I'd start with
Here are four from the shop. Each one answers one of the questions above.
Faye, the V-neck. CA$74.95
A soft V-neck sweater in a relaxed fit, with an open neckline. Sizes S to 5XL, in pink, black, khaki, burgundy and orange. Try it with a fine chain and straight jeans.
Julianette, the round neck. CA$79.95
A round-neck sweater with three-quarter sleeves and turned-back button cuffs, in white, gray or black. Sizes S to 3XL. Try it with slim trousers and your favourite boots.
Cindy, the roomy one. CA$79.95
Cut roomy, with dropped shoulders and a longer, softly uneven ribbed hem with side slits. If you like a closer fit, this isn't the one. If you like to feel easy, with a hem that falls well past the hip, it is. Sizes S to 4XL, in nine colours. Try it with slim or straight trousers so the shape stays balanced.
Willa, the layer. CA$74.95
A button cardigan in a soft, cosy knit, colour-blocked in cream, tan and cocoa. It goes over a tee or a thin sweater and comes off easily when the room warms up. Sizes S to 4XL.
Before you order
Shipping. Standard shipping across Canada is free, with no minimum. Orders are normally processed within 1 to 3 business days, and delivery is normally estimated at 8 to 12 business days after dispatch. Some pieces ship from international suppliers, so please allow for that.
Returns. You can request a return within 30 days of delivery. Items need to be unused, unworn and unwashed, with their original tags. Return shipping is paid by you, unless the item arrives damaged, defective or different from what you ordered. We give you the return address once the request is approved, and it may be an international fulfilment centre. Refunds are normally processed within 7 business days after the return is received and checked. The full wording is in our Return & Refund Policy and Shipping Policy.
Colour. Colours can look a little lighter or darker on your screen than in person.
Size questions. Email support@norakingston.ca with the style you like and your usual size. We reply within 1 to 2 business days, Monday to Friday.
In short
Look at the neckline first, then the hem, then the room. After that, the choice usually makes itself.
Prefer to browse by cut? The sweater guide sorts them by neckline and shape.
Warmly,
Nora
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