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Sweaters Worth Keeping | Italian Style, Quality & Elegance
- Elinor Salter
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
It has been bitterly cold here in the UK over the last few weeks, and I’ve found myself reaching again and again for my trusty sweaters. They come out every winter looking almost as good as new (apart from one unfortunate victim of a moth infestation 😒), and there’s a very simple reason for that:
They’re made from good-quality, natural fabrics — and I look after them.
Recently, I’ve been shopping with clients and paying close attention to the knitwear available on the high street. And honestly? Much of it doesn’t look like it would survive a wash, let alone a season. Many sweaters feel synthetic to the touch — almost plasticky — and you instinctively know they’ll bobble, stretch out of shape, and lose their integrity after one or two wears.
I remember seeing a video a few years ago that made a lasting impression. A wool jumper and a synthetic one were buried in the ground side by side. When they were dug up months later, the wool jumper had almost completely disintegrated — returning to the earth as nature intended — while the synthetic one was still entirely intact.
That tells you everything.
Why Natural Fibres Matter
Wool, cashmere, merino and cotton aren’t just better for the environment — they’re better for you.
They breathe.They keep you warm without overheating.They hold their shape when stored and washed properly.
And perhaps just as importantly, they look better.
There’s something about a cheaply made sweater that looks, well… cheap. No matter how fashionable the cut or colour, poor-quality knitwear never quite sits right on the body.
What’s interesting is that many of the sweaters I was looking at with clients weren’t even inexpensive — they just looked it. Price doesn’t always equal quality, and this is where a more Italian way of thinking comes in.
The Italian View: Quality First, Always
I was speaking recently with one of my Italian styling colleagues, and she said something that perfectly sums it up:
“We don’t care much about brands. The first thing we look for is quality — then feel and movement.”
Italian women will always touch a garment before buying it. If it feels synthetic, crumples in the hand, or already seems prone to stretching out of shape, it’s left behind — regardless of the label.
A good sweater should feel soft but substantial. It should move with the body, not cling or sag. And it should retain that “new” feeling for years, not weeks.
Sweaters Worth Keeping - Italian Style, Quality & Elegance
Invest Once, Wear for Years
You don’t need to buy super-expensive designer brands, but knitwear is worth investing in. Buy the best quality you can afford, and you’ll be rewarded with pieces that last for many winters.
And if budget is a concern, look second-hand. Platforms like eBay and Vinted are excellent places to find beautiful cashmere, merino wool, and high-quality cotton sweaters at a fraction of the original price.
A well-made sweater is never just for one season. Treated with care, it becomes a trusted companion — warm, elegant, and quietly stylish year after year.
And that, in true Italian fashion, is always better than chasing something new.
Sweaters Worth Keeping | Italian Style, Quality & Elegance
Here’s a curated pick of beautiful sweaters that reflect the Italian emphasis on quality, natural fibres and timeless style — from more accessible pieces to true investment knits. Many are made (or inspired) by Italian craftsmanship and fabrics.
Elevated Everyday Knitwear
Falconeri Crew Neck Ultrafine Cashmere Jumper Woman – Luxurious Italian cashmere at a more approachable price point — soft, timeless and perfect for everyday winter elegance.
Intimissimi Boat Neck Modal Cashmere Ultralight Jumper Woman – Great everyday piece with a cosy yet refined feel — modal-cashmere blends are soft on the skin and versatile for layering.
Classic Italian Craftsmanship
Boggi Milano Crew Neck Cashmere Jumper – From a classic Italian brand that focuses on understated wardrobe staples.
Missoni Wool & Cashmere‑Blend Turtleneck Sweater – A touch of Italian flair with Missoni’s signature striking knit patterns and rich palette.
Investment Pieces
LORO Piana Girocollo Vicuna – A true quiet luxury investment knit from one of Italy’s most revered heritage brands known for cashmere and vicuña — timeless and heirloom quality.
Traforo Women's Cashmere Cardigan – Cashmere cardigan with Italian finesse — ideal as a chic layer in transitional weather.
Stylish Layering & Seasonal Picks
Firenze Women's Rib Knit Turtleneck Jumper – Elegant ribbed knit, perfect for cooler days when you want structure and warmth.
Lona Cashmere Sweater – A lovely cashmere option if you want classic softness without breaking the bank.
Carry on your reading - https://www.theitalianessence.com/post/italian-style-confidence-after-50
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