As a personal stylist for women, I spend a whole lot of time in closets. That means I see an extraordinary number of sweaters- and most of them aren’t holding up.

It’s vital that each piece in your collection communicates your personal style, is flattering for your shape and is functional for your lifestyle. Equally important: the pieces in your wardrobe should all show the world that you are successful. When you are wearing a sweater that has pills (little balls of sweater-ness all over), your clothing is not consistent with who YOU really are. You are a successful professional. You are on your way to the top or already there. You are someone who doesn’t feel her best in a pilled sweater.

You are also savvy and don’t like to waste your cash. So, how about we avoid buying sweaters that pill in the first place? Yes, you can do that. It’s not 100%, but this will take you far. Off we go!

(If you have some sweaters that you love and have already started pilling, try my favorite fabric shaver included in the Style Essentials.)

How to Buy a Sweater that Won’t Pill

Sometimes, you just need some guidance and you are good to go. That day is today.

Look for these:

1. Cashmere

   A nice, thick cashmere is best. If you can identify the ply, look for a higher ply for a higher chance of success. 2 ply cashmere is good, 4 ply cashmere is even better.

2. Merino Wool

   Look for the Woolmark logo for the highest quality.

   Merino Wool blends are okay IF they have less than 10% or so of viscose. If it’s a Merino Wool and acrylic blend, you want 40% or less of acrylic.

3. Alpaca Wool

   I’m loving this article about the benefits of alpaca wool including a decreased likelihood for pilling.

Skip these:

1. Acrylic and wool blends

2. Acrylic

3. Cotton

4. Polyester

5. Nylon

6. Options with multiple materials listed.

Proceed, but with caution

1. Wool

Wool will pill but less over time and is easier to manage than synthetic textiles. Fun Fact: “the larger the diameter of the wool fiber, the coarser and more itchy it will be. Some wool fibers can be 25 microns in diameter or more, and your hair is 50-100 microns thick…. In comparison, merino wool fibers are typically 24 microns in diameter or smaller. Fine merino is less than 19.5 microns, superfine is less than 18.5 and ultrafine merino is less than 15.” Read this super interesting blog post from the good people at Pendleton for more info on types of wool.

One more hot tip

You’ll see more info on caring for your garments in this sustainability series on the blog. But, while we are chatting about sweaters, here’s a shout out to the Sweater Spray from The Laundress. Wash your sweaters less often and spray instead.

Some of my favs:

What would this blog post be without some of my very favorites? If you feel like making your own sweaters or just want a reference to the first album I almost bought as a kid which in true 80’s fashion had a heart and a rainbow on the cover (until the self titled Madonna record found its way into my hands), check out Wool and the Gang. I also like to follow Wool and the Gang on Insta for inspiration. If you aren’t looking for a project, here are some options. As always, let me know how it goes!