AUTHOR: Michael Karant
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Luca Huising-Torrese
COPY EDITOR: Shaye-Love Salcedo
1. 3D Knit
There is something inherently special about the 3D sweater. The combination of colours, intertwining knitted textures and intricate details creates a truly special garment. These sweaters are so wonderfully retro, evoking nostalgia of the 1980s and 1990s, often seen on icons like the Notorious B.I.G. or Snoop Dogg. A bold statement piece, these sweaters speak for themselves with their elaborate designs. Styling them with simple pants or a skirt is enough to stand out on a cold day.
Brands/Search Terms: Coogi, Tundra, Portage
Price Range: $70-$300
2. Aran Knits
Their rich history dates back to the Aran Isles of Ireland where they were made of thick, untreated wool intended to keep fishermen warm in the cold Atlantic. This wool also gives them their classic off-white colour. Available in various styles like cardigans, crew necks and turtlenecks, you can choose how you want to wear yours. It’s a fall staple, reemerging in the fashion zeitgeist every few years and being worn by the likes of Marlyn Monroe to Chris Evans in Knives Out.
Brands/Search Terms: Look for sweaters made in Ireland or Scotland, as well as those that contain the Woolmark logo
Price Range: $40-$120
3. Embroidered Golf Sweaters
Though golf might not come to mind as the most stylish sport, embroidered golf sweaters definitely hit the mark for being charming. These sweaters from the 80s and 90s usually feature playful motifs—ponds, hills, flag poles and people golfing. These sweaters are a wearable version of an ad you’d find in an old-school sporting magazine. These sweaters also come in many versions—you can get as subtle as one lonely embroidered golfer to as eccentric as a whole scene.
Search Terms: “Vintage embroidered golf sweaters”
Price range: $30-$100
4. Mohair Sweaters
Unlike the other entries on this list, mohair sweaters doesn’t specifically refer to a style but a material instead. Mohair is a wool sourced from Angora goats. What makes mohair unique is its distinctive fuzzy texture. Much like other sweaters, mohairs can come in all forms, with patterns or without making choices plentiful.This fabric has made iconic appearances within the music industry, worn by legends such as Kurt Cobain, Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols, and my personal favourite; Bjork.
5. Tapestry Sweaters
If you’re looking for a truly unique fall piece, consider getting yourself a tapestry sweater. As the name suggests, thesesweaters are upcycled from one or multiple old tapestries. Tapestries can feature patterns, pictures or even sayings, ensuring that there are no two sweaters are alike. Some are even made of two completely different tapestries, each with a real handmade distinct quality. These most commonly are found in button-up cardigans, hoodies or zip-up form, all offering a gorgeous unique statement piece in your collection.
Brands/Search Words: Tapestry Sweater/Jacket
Price $100-$200
