ISO- simple merino jumper / sweater/ tops - YouLookFab Forum

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ISO- simple merino jumper / sweater/ tops

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Should be easy to find, right? A simple crew, boat, or narrow V jumper in merino in navy/ ink/ white/ winter-white/ grey.

Hmmm....so far, I'm striking out, unless my eyes are playing me tricks. Nothing at J. Crew, nothing at Madewell, nothing at BR, nothing at Boden, nothing at Aritzia...you get the picture. Have I missed anything?

I need to replace several older BR merino sweater/tops -- what I want is simple, tailored to fitted, can be ribbed or not -- a top I can wear on its own or under jackets. These are essentials for me.

I cheer for you earth-tone types. ENJOY it and milk it while you can....for those of us who wear cooler tones and jewel tones, the pickings are slim at the moment!!

Shopping

36 replies

Latest reply was from Suz

CarolS

Veteran

I don't really have advice to offer, but I do know the annoyance of not being able to find "my" colours. I hope somebody out there has some great tips for you!

Runcarla

Veteran

Well, I’m strictly thrift for sweaters after so many pilling disappointments.

Can’t vouch for quality, but Club Monaco? Check the various styles. https://www.clubmonaco.ca/en/w.....4623_color

cat2

Veteran

Brooks Brothers has classic sweaters in cream and grey in their “Italian Merino” wool.

Sloper

Veteran

Ace & Jig?

I did a search for “merino wool” on Bloomingdales website and several items came up. Sorry my computer ate the link!

lozz_oz

Veteran

Have you looked at Uniqlo? The merino knits I have from there are easily washed in the machine. They generally have a wide colour range and different neckline choices.
Like Carla, I have found many great knits at thrift stores....rather than forking out loads of money to find it pilling or worse still, eaten- humid and warm climate here that is silverfish heaven

nuancedream

Veteran

United Colors of Benetton has some simple v-neck merino sweaters that may just be what you're seeking. You know Benetton has great knitwear.

https://us.benetton.com/merino.....ers-women/

kkards

Veteran

On my ipad so sorry no finds, but Uniqlo; they have a creamy white, navy, 2 different grays

https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/w.....43411_colo

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I hear you. I’ll see a promising basic on a retail site, click through and find it available in cream, mustard, blush and pink — none of which I wear!

Lord & Taylor used to do some good basic merino pieces. I’m surprised Boden came up short, but their recent colors are falling into that category I mentioned too. If I see anything I’ll let you know!

Kate

Veteran

I second Uniqlo. I have several of their 100% merino sweaters, and they are great. If you can’t find your colors in the women’s section, look in the men’s. I tend to prefer the men’s version because the straighter cut and broader shoulder line works better for me. I just go down a size. I also prefer the men’s V-neck version, since it is a shallower V, and more flattering on me.

Anonymous

Kettlewell?
https://www.kettlewellcolours......back-tunic

https://www.kettlewellcolours......ped-jumper

Bijou

Veteran

Suz, I am really surprised at how dominant earth tones are for the Northern Hemisphere Fall / Winter clothing too. Whilst I have acquired a few pieces in earth tones, they are not my best colours and I have resolved to not buy any more. I expect that next year I will have a hard time updating my wardrobe for my favourite shades.

Chris987

Veteran

I know you said you looked at BR, but did you see this one in petite sizing? They give the length as 22.5" for the petite sizes. (Regular is 23"). I'm short waisted and that 22.5" length is just barely short enough for me. If that works for you this one comes in several colors incl cream and grey (on your list). The stock is low, but perhaps worth a look. I got the three below a few months ago and have just started wearing them. They are soft, lightweight and so far no signs of pilling. It looks like the regular sizes are more limited in terms of colors.

Banana Republic

Petite Seamless Merino Crew-Neck Sweater in Responsible Wool

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Banana Republic

Petite Seamless Merino Crew-Neck Sweater in Responsible Wool

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Banana Republic

Petite Seamless Merino Crew-Neck Sweater in Responsible Wool

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Inge

(website)

You're right, Suz, slim pickings at the moment indeed, ugh.

I saw one 100% merino sweater at the Gap, and one V-neck merino wool blend (but maybe the V is too wide for you?). I'm adding them below.

Will continue looking for more options

Merino Crewneck Sweater

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Merino Crewneck Sweater

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Textured V-Neck Sweater

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Inge

(website)

This one at The Bay is a merino wool cashmere blend...

https://www.thebay.com/product.....html?dwvar

I'm also noticing that some stores (e.g. Mango, see links below) have merino sweaters for men but not for women. And the men's usually come in grey and/or ink. Would it be worth trying the smallest size in menswear?

https://shop.mango.com/us/sear.....a-busqueda

SarahD8

Veteran

Woolovers? Not sure what the shipping cost is to Canada though.

Inge

(website)

Two more

https://www.clubmonaco.com/en/.....var562581_

Puff Sleeve Merino Pullover

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Inge

(website)

And COS has two as well, more lightweight tops than cosy sweater But could be good for layering?

Long-sleeved Merino Wool Top

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Long-sleeve Wool Top

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Long-sleeve Wool Top

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Inge

(website)

Two pricier options at Nordstrom:

Rag & Bone Emory Merino Wool Crewneck Sweater

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Theory 'Mirzi' Rib Knit Merino Wool Sweater

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Helena

Veteran

Joe Fresh believe it or not! Gray for sure. And softer than the Uniqlo ones I think.

Chris987

Veteran

... and I have this one from LLBean although it's more sporty, with a slightly rougher finish and long sleeves/thumb holes. LLB and Eddie Bauer (and others) have options for merino "base layers" that are most likely not refined/polished enough for what you want, but maybe ...

Cresta Wool Midweight 250 Base Layer, Crew

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Have you tried M&S?

Tanya

Veteran

Theory outlet has a nice silver grey crewneck:
https://outlet.theory.com/crew....._color=001

Quince has both crewnecks and v-necks in all the neutrals you mention, at vey affordable price points:
https://www.onequince.com/wome.....ker=collec
https://www.onequince.com/wome.....=collectio

I got a black silk skirt from them earlier this year and the quality was good.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thank you all so much! I'm checking them out. My thought last night was M&S, Angie, so I started a search. They have a few items but the reviews are not positive. So I'm debating. On the plus side, I did find the new PJs I also need at M&S!

Uniglo is a great idea....I will check it out. I always forget that we can order online from them now in Canada (that's relatively recent). Ditto Joe Fresh -- thanks, Helena! I'll look there, too.

Chris, I don't think the Canadian BR site has those sweaters, but I'll check. Will also follow up on some of the other options. Inge, "lightweight top" is really more what I want than cozy sweater -- these are more for layering over than for wearing on their own or layering under, IFKWWM. So Cos might work! I'll also check to see if Benetton is do-able in Canada.

Will report back, and thank you!

Teresa

Pendleton has nice merino, it may be worth a look.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Uniqlo has the colour and styles you are looking for in the UK, I'm unsure about Canada though.

ETA https://www.uniqlo.com/ca/en/p.....Code=COL12

Windchime

Veteran

I don’t have any suggestions to add to all the helpful ones here, but I am empathizing with you on the lack of jewel tones and pure whites this season! Walking through retail looking at all those beautiful earth tones is a feast for the eyes, but I can’t wear them.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I've just ordered this from M&S in the pink and will report back. I know that it's not what you are looking for, but the quality assurance might be:

https://www.marksandspencer.co.....07419.html

Ditto what Jules said about Uniqlo - my next suggestion.

Gaylene

Veteran

Here’s a slate blue crew neck from Simon’s:
https://www.simons.ca/en/women.....l-crew-nec

My go to sources for basic merino wool sweaters are Uniqlo, Everlane (warning: good service but Vic shipping takes about 3 weeks!), and Icebreaker.

ETA: Not merino wool, but I’ve been eyeing this cashmere sweater from Everlane as an alternative to my basic crewnecks:
https://www.everlane.com/produ.....s-sweaters

LaPed

Veteran

Gaylene took the words right out of my mouth: Uniqlo, Everlane, Icebreaker. Uniqlo is definitely worth a look! And keep an eye on Everlane, too. I think they mostly have cashmere right now, but I bet they will release more merino at some point during the season. DH's best-wearing wool sweater is a merino knit from Everlane that he's had for 4 or 5 years now. Still looks like new and drapes beautifully. Icebreaker does more and more non-sporty styles and tends to focus on neutrals.

Not sure what shipping is like to Canada, but I think Woolovers and Pure Collection (both British) might have some good options for you. They tend to do classic styles in a wide range of colours. DH's second best sweater is a merino-cashmere crew from Woolovers. Gorgeously soft and wears like iron. I can't vouch for them, but newer brands like Naadam and Quince might also be worth a look. They built their reputation on cashmere, but I *think* they do merino too. I suspect that as cashmere comes down in price it'll keep cutting into the merino market...

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