I’m the first to admit, I’m a wool-lover. I wish I could wave my magic wand and make it so everyone could see the beauty of this natural fiber but the truth is - not everyone can wear wool - or cashmere for that matter. Maybe you run hot or maybe you have some reaction to animal fibers. Long story short, cashmere and wool are just not an option for so many people.
In my 5 years of owning and running tea & oranges, I hope I’ve gotten a bit better at serving the needs of sweater lovers who can’t wear wool or cashmere. Here’s a review of brands we trust and some styles we love.
Kinross is of Scottish origins, but I think their strength is their cottons. They wear beautifully with time and love and they have a wide variety of cotton styles. They have the territory covered. Their Notch Collar Cardigan is a personal favorite while their Easy Crew (we currently have it in 2 colors, black and an olive green) is a core style for the brand - always a favorite. We also have a fresh delivery of new arrivals - almost entirely in cotton. There’s a zip-front, bobble stitch cardigan that I loved so much I had to order it in 2 colors while the Plaited Vee feels preppy but relaxed.
Relatively new on the scene at T&O, if you read along on your blog, you know how I feel about Lars Andersson. His knits are subtle, understated and exceptional. Hold tight - we have a delivery that just landed (and hasn’t even been opened) for resort. The Shawl Collar Cardi while the Button Jacket has a bit more zing. When it comes down to it, his yarns are so fine, it’s difficult to distinguish between the cotton, wool & cashmere. His cottons are spectacular.
This Canadian brand’s cotton sweaters are a cozy bang for your buck. The Avery and the Lauren styles are made in a fisherman-style rib (another time I’ll tell you why I love this stitch!) and Paper Label gives you this chic, cozy look for $150 or less. Avery is making a repeat appearance - it’s a proven winner. Lauren is new with its funnel neck and I love its unique shoulder construction.
We don’t have a ton of sweaters from It Is Well, but their cotton sweaters always have a lovely hint of squish and are cozy, easy favorites. Their Easy Cardigan is an open cardigan, another fisherman rib, an easy throw-over style.
I did a double-take when Frank & Eileen debuted their cotton sweaters. With their prices in the $400 - $500 (and more!) range I compared it to its competition and questioned it. The thing is, they are really lovely. Their Italian-spun cotton has beautiful drape. Put it on. You will feel the difference. We just have a couple styles at the moment, but they are very very lovely.
