Women's Sweaters

Gauge settles a sweater before the fibre does. Fine 12-gauge knits sit flat under a coat and follow the body; mid-weight 7-gauge holds a shape of its own; chunky 3- to 5-gauge knits build volume and are worn as the outer layer. Necklines carry the rest, as crew and mock necks close high, V-necks open the chest, roll and turtlenecks fold over, and boat and off-shoulder cuts widen the line.

Cardigans button, zip or hang open in cropped, hip-length and longline cuts, while sleeveless vests and tank knits layer over a shirt. Cashmere is the softest, and the lightest for the warmth it gives; merino and lambswool are more resilient and hold their shape; cotton and linen knits carry the warmer months. Cable, rib and open-stitch constructions add texture, intarsia sets pattern in blocks of colour, and ribbed cuffs and hems set the fit.