Who makes the best plus-size sweater?
Sweaters are a wardrobe staple but finding the one that’s right for you can be challenging. Choosing the right fit, style and material will make all the difference. Whether you want cozy winter knitwear, a lightweight summer cardigan or a casual pullover, there’s something out there for everyone.
Take this Lands’ End Women’s Crewneck, for example. It’s super soft and perfect for a mild day in spring. However, if this isn’t the style for you, there are plenty more options to choose from.
What to know before you buy a plus-size sweater
Sweater materials
When it comes to buying a new plus-size sweater, there are so many materials to choose from. Which material is best for you will depend primarily on three factors: your style, the climate you want to wear it in and how long you want it to last.
Wool: Many sweaters are made of wool or wool blends. This natural animal fiber is best suited to cold weather due to the warmth it provides. Some people find pure wool a bit itchy, but you can easily overcome this by wearing a thin undershirt.
Cashmere: This material is renowned for its softness. It’s lightweight and breathable enough for a chilly summer evening, yet it provides good heat retention during the winter months. A good-quality cashmere sweater should keep its shape for years, too.
Cotton: A cost-effective pick for summer and fall, cotton is light and allows air to flow through to the body. If you want a warmer sweater, look for a wool-cotton blend.
Bamboo: A relatively new arrival to the clothing industry, bamboo is making a name for itself in sustainable fashion. It’s breathable like cotton but as soft as cashmere.
Synthetic materials: These include acrylic, polyester, nylon and elastane. Sweaters made of these materials are typically cheaper than their natural alternatives, though they generally have a shorter lifespan, too. Acrylic offers good insulation, similar to wool. Polyester is popular because it’s soft. Nylon doesn’t absorb much water, so it’s great in the snow. Elastane is used to provide shape and stretch.
What pairs well with a sweater?
Sweaters are excellent wardrobe essentials as they pair well with so many things. Jeans and leggings match perfectly with sweaters for casual daywear, yet they can be dressed up with nice heels or boots for special occasions.
Pencil and A-line skirts look great with a lovely chunky-knit sweater, while longer skirts often go really well with oversized selections.
Plus-size sweater features
Chunky knit sweaters
These cozy sweaters are perfect for snuggling into in cold weather. For many people their bulkiness is their charm, however, you can find some that taper in at the waist.
Pullover sweaters
A fantastic, versatile option. A simple pullover can be worn by itself, over a shirt or under a jacket. They match well with various types of skirts and jeans.
Buttoned cardigans
A thin, form-fitting choice of sweater, cardigans offer two looks in one, as they can be worn buttoned-up or open. Cardigans are also versatile in that they can just as easily be paired with a T-shirt and jeans as with a pair of dress pants and a formal shirt.
Duster cardigans
These long cardigans fall below the knee. They don’t usually have buttons, but some do have a sash or tie-belt so you can close them. Dusters are an excellent option in lieu of a coat during the spring and fall.
Plus-size sweater cost
Sweaters made of synthetic materials or cotton generally cost less than those made of wool or cashmere. The former cost roughly $30-$60, whereas the latter sell for around $90 or above. Blends of natural and synthetic fibers tend to offer the best quality-to-price ratio.
Plus-size sweater FAQ
Can I put my sweater in the washing machine?
A. To keep your sweater in the best condition, you need to pay close attention to the care instructions. For example, wool and cashmere sweaters are often dry-clean only. Synthetic materials are usually fine to go in the washing machine. However, it’s best to wash them separately or use a laundry bag so they don’t get snagged on other items.
What necklace pairs well with a sweater?
A. This depends on the sweater you choose. Crewnecks look great with long necklaces, such as this Lucky Brand Mother-of-Pearl Tassel Necklace. V-necks pair well with choker necklaces. If you’re wearing a cardigan, think about the neckline of your shirt or blouse to find a good match.
Which plus-size sweater should I get?
Best of the best plus-size sweater
Lands’ End Women’s Cotton Cable Drifter Crewneck: available at Amazon
Our take: An ideal choice for a mild spring or fall day.
What we like: This stylish form-fitting sweater can be worn casually with jeans or over a collared shirt for work. The cable-knit design adds an air of elegance, while the 100% cotton construction is soft against the skin.
What we dislike: As it’s close-fitting, you may need to size up if you want to wear something under it or prefer a loose fit.
Best bang for your buck plus-size sweater
Shiaili Classic Plus-Size Sweater: available at Amazon
Our take: An incredibly comfortable oversized sweater that’s perfect for cold weather.
What we like: This open-fronted cardigan has a chunky-knit weave and two deep pockets. It retains heat well, making it an excellent option for winter. Plus, it’s machine washable.
What we dislike: It’s only available in three colors: black, grey and green.
Honorable mention plus-size sweater
Renee.C Long Duster Cardigan: available at Amazon
Our take: A chic, lightweight duster that can be worn casually or dressed up for an evening out.
What we like: This is a highly versatile selection that pairs well with jeans, leggings, dresses and skirts. As it’s primarily made of bamboo, it is soft and lightweight and makes for a great eco-friendly alternative to man-made fibers.
What we dislike: The sleeves are quite long, as they are designed to bunch up around the wrists.
Catherine Bushen is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
