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Need help filling a hole!

nemosmom

Veteran

Hi all!

I spent some time this weekend doing my semi-annual closet switcheroo, and in passing on a favorite item, I have created a hole for the coming winter season. I could REALLY use some direction on choosing the *right* replacement.

There are two pieces exiting: a fleece zip jacket and a fleece-lined zip hoodie. Both were worn exclusively as indoor toppers throughout most of the winter. Both were bottle green in color. Both synthetic in fabrication. Both very casual in vibe.

I *think* I want to replace the two with a single chunky knit of sorts. Again, as an indoor top layer for winter. Ideally in a natural fabric, and a bit more elevated in vibe. Not as sporty?
And, it needs to be quite warm.

Here are a few I am considering:

1. mid-weight cashmere open cardigan, in bottle green

2. mid-weight merino cardigan, in 'hunter' green with donegal specks of olive and rust

3. mid-weight cashmere turtleneck, petrol blue

My thoughts on them:

1. I like the simple design of the open cardigan (#1), but will I miss having some sort of a closure??

2. I love slouchy-but-not-too-slouchy vibe of the hunter cardi (#2), but it's merino - how warm will that be in winter??

3. I already have a forest green turtleneck, but am totally obsessed with the color of this blue one (#3). If I size up, could it really be a topper, or should I look for something that isn't a pullover?

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29 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

nemosmom

Veteran

Here are the pieces going out:

Men Fleece Long-sleeve Full-zip Jacket

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3

CARHARTT Men's Collinston Brushed Fleece Sherpa Lined Sweatshirt

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3

Helena

Veteran

Hmm ... my vote is for #2. It seems to be an elevated but very cozy version of the two pieces you are replacing, and I like that it buttons. The first piece is lovely but has that 'coatigan' vibe that feels more like an outdoor topper to me, while the turtleneck is also lovely but I think it would bother you to have to pull it on and off over your head as a topper ... although perhaps you ought to add it to the holiday list?!?

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Why are the 2 pieces going? Are they worn out?
I think my winter climate is possibly too different from yours because we don’t have snow in my city. I find merino perfectly warm. Cashmere has not been a thing in my upbringing and I have never owned any. Merino is very much a NZ thing because we have lots of merino sheep here- the wool for international brands Icebreaker and Allbirds comes from here.
Regarding no closure- I have 3 cardigans with none, one bronze, one ink and one olive, and have worn them 32, 25 and 25 times each this autumn/winter just gone, and will still wear them more in cold spring.
All your colours are nice and will suit you so well! I lean towards one of the cardigans as being more different than the turtleneck you already own.

SarahD8

Veteran

I agree with torontogirl that #2 seems like the best functional match for the toppers that are leaving. If the knit is fairly thick it seems like merino would be at least as warm as the fleece?

I have mixed feelings about open cardis, in general. When they are good, they are really quite good, but sometimes they just feel too fussy, flappy, and sloppy. So you would have to try it out. But I do feel like having buttons will be a better duplication of function of the ones you are replacing.

You should absolutely buy the cashmere turtleneck! But don't pretend that it's going to do the job of the fleeces. Find some other way to rationalize the purchase. That's an order!

Minaminu

Veteran

#2 is my favourite as it can be styled in different styles and for its material, merino wool is very light but keeps warm and is very breathable! Nice choice!

Sal

Veteran

I agree with the others. I currently have the attached cardigan that I use in exactly this way. I also have an old navy loose sweater.

I think these types of pieces get A LOT of wear but you don't want to have to wash them every time you wear them, and they go on and off at times.

But if you love the turtleneck colour I would consider it as it would look fab on you but I agree it will fill a different wardrobe hole.

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Brooklyn

Veteran

I think you should swoop on the petrol blue top. That colour is awesome and SO hard to find. (It’s on my list of colours that most women love but retailers refuse to offer. Sigh.)

I think the second cardigan is more likely to be suitable for at home wear than the first. I find merino super warm. I reserve it for mid winter.

I recently ordered a whistles zip up jacket in olive green. It’s cotton so not as warm as wool but has the advantage (for me at least) that I can wear it directly against my skin. Completely different vibe from the cardigans (closer to the jackets you are replacing) but I thought I’d put it out there because I could also see it working as at home wear. I’ll attach a photo in a minute. (Haven’t received it yet.)

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nemosmom

Veteran

Thanks TG! The turtleneck may have to go on my holiday list!

Jenni- the all fleece jacket has worn through the elbows and one shoulder. It has 28 wears since oct of last year. The zipper on the hoodie ripped out. 22 wears since oct of last year.

Liz

Veteran

For me, an indoor topper like this that I'm wearing to keep warm MUST have a closure - preferably zip. If it's just an open cardigan, I'm constantly clutching at it and wrapping it more tightly around me or wanting to clutch it up close around my neck. I want something that stays closed, all the way up to my neck. I use a zip-up sweater hoodie. I love that blue turtleneck, but I need something less precious for home use. But if you're just wearing it to lounge around, it may be great for you!

Sheryl

I agree that #2 would be the best replacement for your fleeces. Merino wool is only slightly less warm by weight than cashmere, so I think you will find it warm enough. I have last year's version of the Naadam open cardigan, and it is great for around the house, but maybe wait for a sale, as Naadam has sales fairly regularly.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Thanks for the reply. I feel sorry on your behalf that they didn’t even last the 30 wears or the year
I expect mine to last beyond that before they die! Hope whatever the new item turns out being will last longer.

nemosmom

Veteran

SarahD8 - yes, good point about the closure. That was my biggest concern, too. I DO like the zip on the ones leaving... Unfortunately, I can't feel the thickness of #2. It looks chunky (kind of) on the model, but I won't know until I order it. :\

Minaminu - thank you!

Sal - No, they certainly won't require frequent laundering. It's mostly my elevated version of a bathrobe First thing I throw on in the morning, and first thing I reach for if I get cold while working, or I throw it over my sleeping tee to lounge in before bed. I do so love that turtleneck...

Brooklyn - I am obsessed with the blue!! OBSESSED!! I should consider cotton again. Although I do want warmth... but cotton is heavier and I suspect I will miss the heaviness of my fleece hoodie. It's like my personal zip-up weighted blanket

Liz - yes, I think I will need a closure... and good point about the level of preciousness...

Jenni - I am a bit disappointed that I didn't get more wear out of them. The zipper is beyond repair on the hoodie, but I wonder if I should patch the elbows and shoulder on the fleece... I may look too raggedy to leave home in it, but I would still be warm... hmm... *eyes the textile recycle bag*

JAileen

Veteran

I prefer closures on my cardigans. I might wear the item open or closed, but I like having the option. We keep our house very cool in winter, and I often wear a wool sweater.

Merino wool is a softer wool. The softer the fiber, the less strong it is. If you are prone to going through elbows, that is likely with a merino sweater.

nemosmom

Veteran

JAileen - we keep our house cold in the winter - 62-64F. Brr! Do you mind sharing which wool cardigan you wear indoors?

JAileen

Veteran

I have several thrifted hand knit Norwegian sweaters that I wear. I don’t think any are merino. Our house is about the same temperature in winter. I’d rather wear a sweater than pay the power company!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Agree that functionally the second one is the best match. Love the blue color though!

nemosmom

Veteran

Thank you, JAileen! This is the second hoodie/topper I’ve worn through the elbows. I lean a lot...

Thank you, Shevia!

Thank you everyone! I think I will keep hunting for a replacement. The merino may be the closest sub, but I don’t think it is *quite* right... it would be an overseas shipment, so I want to avoid returning if I can.

slim cat

Veteran

Another vote for second cardigan! Hunter green is great color for fall.

Star

Veteran

My merino pullover is not warm enough on it's own mid-winter. House at about 70F.

LaPed

Veteran

As another member of Team Cold House, I definitely prefer toppers that close in the front. I've tried open cardigans, and I always feel like I'm wearing a bathrobe with the belt missing.

I really like the look of that second cardigan, but in all honesty I don't generally use my wool sweaters as around-the-house toppers. For me it's the itch factor; I have to make sure I'm wearing long sleeves and a high neck underneath, which makes anything wool less versatile. On top of that there's the care factor; can't just throw them in the wash with everything else. In my life, there is a place for thick cotton hoodies, and for polyester fleece too; I've tried culling them before and replacing with more refined alternatives, but I always end up adding them back in.

Have you thought about a polished-technical piece, like a hoodie or zip-front cardigan from Icebreaker? That's my husband's go-to layering piece. He tends to wear out the elbows on some merino knits, but the last one I bought him is made of a very sturdy bouclé fabric with some nylon blended in, and it's still going strong after five years.

Runcarla

Veteran

A very different profile, but what I use as a sweater alternative - a micro puffer! Light weight, soft, warm, durable, and yes, washable. No green atm, but uniqlo once had a teal version.

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Chris987

Veteran

I have no input to give on your possible replacements, but you might want to consider getting one fleece replacement. I don't know where you live, but in my cold New England winters, on a cloudy frigid day, in my runs-cold body, in a house we tend to slightly under-heat, nothing is warmer than fleece. If you buy it from one of the outdoorsy-gear companies that has been around for a while, like LLbean, Lands End, Eddie Bauer etc, it will last a LONG time. I have a 25-year old black fleece jacket from LLBean that I wear as an outdoor layer, and it's still going strong. It seems every company makes fleece these days but a lot of it does not last. I find merino and cashmere, even in mid-weights, are nowhere near as warm as fleece for the really cold days.

unfrumped

Veteran

Well there is lightweight merino and heavier weight, as you say. Kind of what torontogirl said- I like the look of the button cardigan better as shown, and if I went outside I’d want to button.

I wear fleece items a LOT in winter and find them very warm and comfortable. I also like the washable factor ( meaning EASY machine wash) since I’m wearing the jackets or half- zips while cooking, eating.
This year will be a test of use of some woolen EF pieces I had for workwear but will now try as at- home. Plus a LOT of cashmere pullovers.
So I struggle with how much to “ elevate” my at- home deep winter items, as to what I I’ll actually wear. ( as in my comment on Angie’s blog post today).
The drawback of cashmere and merino for me is moth prevention. I store these items about 6 mos a year. That’s huge!
Fleece is of course out of rotation for similar time, but can be kept in any drawer, bin or closet year - round. And, I can keep some of it easily available for transitional weather or freaky spells.
The laundering issue come up because moths gravitate to hint of body oils, not just whether an item is noticeably ready for laundering.
I appreciate desire to elevate and have been thinking of that in view of my own large woolens collection but nre lifestyle.
What items might be as durable as my Columbia ( and others) fleece jacket, and as comfortable and cozy, but more stylish, or a nice change?
Just saying you may want to keep eye out for another favorite fleece as well!

nemosmom

Veteran

Slimcat and Star - thank you!

LaPed - Ha! A bathrobe with a missing belt - yes, exactly. That was my hesitation. I will check Icebreaker. I once had a tech merino hoodie from Kuhl, but DH shrank it with a load of towels. Now, my 8yo can wear it... sigh.

Carla - Yes! A puffer! That could be an option...

Chris - I am in Chicago, so long, cold, windy winters... I had a pile-lined hoodie from LLBean that was well-loved for about 4 years. Maybe I will try there again.

Unfrumped - I am too familiar with moths! I make a conscious effort to launder all knits before storing them in May, but they only stay boxed until September/Oct. I keep any knits I've worn during the season in a separate closet until they have been washed, and only then do they go back on the shelf with the others. An elevated version of my fleece is my HEWI!

cindysmith

Veteran

#2. Merino wool is quite warm

unfrumped

Veteran

It will be interesting to see how much I wear my existing merino and cashmere sweaters at HOME this year. I can’t really see putting them all into circulation at once, either, but I would like to try them all on for any obvious y/n editing ( and moth assessment!). Then maybe wearing them I’ll figure out some more( best and worst comfort, for example).

But I also think that “ fleece is my future “ ( unless I move somewhere very warm) - including in that concept, the fleece of tomorrow, as that evolves- and so a goal should be to find the best versions for me and best winter outfit combinations.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Nemosmom, you live in Chicago, right? Maybe get a cardigan and a pullover. You will wear BOTH!

SW prof

I live in a not-very-cold climate but feel cold about 8 months of the year, and fleece is my answer. For the kind of purpose you're describing, I really think a jacket / cardigan / big shirt is more convenient than a pullover, although I like my fleece pullovers too! REI often has good choices, and Patagonia is excellent quality, but I'll echo Chris and say LL Bean is good value for this kind of garment. I'm waiting on a back-ordered jacket from them to be this winter's evening cover-up.

Women's Trail Fleece Full-Zip Jacket, Print

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rachylou

Veteran

#2, because it buttons up. I frankly wear two cardigans at the same time, a thin one and a chunky one. A little crazy, but one never cuts it.