I need to see the pullovers that you keep reaching for in order to suggest an assessment.

THe Amy Herzog book is called Knit to Flatter. Here is the amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod.....nitrepe-20. You can prob get it from your local library too.

I own it and have even knitted something from it. However, while the fitting info is interesting and the info about measuring/altering is very useful, I do think she is very conventional when it comes to recommendations for body types and stuff like that. Like, pears should emphasize their shoulders and not draw attention to hips, etc. I personally find this really limiting and I suspect a lot of long time fabbers will as well. Personally I prefer Angie’s concepts of JFE etc.

Ok, so I have many thoughts on sweaters.

First off, the variables you have to consider:
-shape (neckline, shoulder style, length, shaped vs straight)
-how fitted it is
-fiber (both in terms of itchiness and in terms of drape)
-weight

I’d analyze the sweaters you do like using these parameters and see if there is a common factor. (Or something you universally don’t like about the others.)

In terms of styling, I see a lot of people here saying pullovers can’t be worn as or with a third piece. I’d say this is patently not true. One of my favorite ways to wear pullovers is with a cropped (or just shorter) pullover over a drapey blouse or top. Another way to wear them is over a buttondown with the collar and possibly tails/cuffs showing .
Or pair them with a scarf or long necklace etc.
Or put the third piece on the bottom e.g. skirt over pants or visible knee socks sticking out of your boots.

The other way to add interest without a third piece is to make the pullover itself the statement piece. I realize this is not for everyone but if you like statement pieces it’s definitely an option.

Will try to find some outfit photos for you in a moment.

Here are some ways I wear my pullovers...

3,7, and 9 are store-bought, the rest are handmade.

Lol. I amend my earlier statement that “pullovers are not third pieces” by adding “unless they are styled in a way that includes another piece of clothing around the midsection”.

Dianna, that’s exactly what I was thinking I need to do with those bootcut leggings. I appreciate the photos!

Diana, great photos! I am compelled to tell you again how much I love your handknits. That last photo with the cropped pullover and Liberty-print tunic is to die for.

Yes, I take your point about Amy Herzog's advice being prescriptive and focused on "traditional" figure flattery. Still, I found her system a good jumping off point for analyzing why I do or do not like certain styles on my body. For example, I have broad shoulders and she says that people with broad shoulders shouldn't wear yoked sweaters. Well, I think yoked sweaters look great on me! I suspect it is because the yoke design visually breaks up the breadth of my body across the shoulders, and also the roundness of a yoke is somehow good with my facial features (I also really like scoopneck tops, and shawl collar sweaters). But, working that out stimulated me to figure out that overall, I need a sweater that does not add a lot of bulk to my torso. This means that I need somewhat fitted arms, and I need to avoid that dropped shoulder style that results from a square knitted body (the dropped shoulder line creates a horizontal line exactly where I don't want it -- I need raglan or set-in sleeves). This means that the Nordic sweater of my dreams has proved tragically elusive so far. But it also means that I waste way less money (and closet space!) on a certain style of vintage sweaters that otherwise appeals to me -- I just think to myself, "80s arms!" and move on.

I wear pullover sweaters probably 90% of the winter. Love them. But they are not all created equal, by any means. I am fussy over necklines, fit, and drape. I don't like itchy, although I probably have a higher tolerance than some, based on comments in this thread.

I try to look for ones that have something "interesting" going on. the ones I don't reach for are the standard hip length, v neck, classic pullovers. I look for asymmetry, embellishment, zippers, texture, pattern, something (figuring this out this is part of the challenge goals I've set for myself). If they are plainer, then I wear a scarf or chunky necklace as well. I do NOT like being cut across the hips in a horizontal line. It's a proportion thing, I have wide shoulders, so a line at that point turns me into a square. Semi tucking is one solution, asymmetry another, or they need to be longer.

It would be great if you could photograph and group all the ones you do like, then all the ones you don't reach for, and maybe we can figure out the commonality.

This is a great thread! Being short-waisted with little waist definition, I favor a silhouette with a long (tunic-esque) top with leggings to elongate my figure. A sweater that is oh-so-slightly form fitting that hits below the hips is my sweet spot - particularly if it has a cowl or turtleneck.

I reaaally like the look of a classic pullover though, and also those more modern boxier pullovers that often have a longer hem in the back. But the issue there is a lack of structure for me. So something like the J Crew Tippi sweater works for me if I do a partial tuck to add that missing structure.

Olen also hit upon that other crucial part - the third piece. My blazers aren't quite roomy enough to layer over bulkier sweaters, and thinner sweaters can look lumpy if I layer them over a button down.

Diana, thank you for taking the time to summarize your reading of the Amy Herzog book. I will still check it out though. Also, your collection of knitted sweaters is fabulous. Thank you for the visuals: I think you are the person who best wears a sweater! Also, your list of variables is very helpful in my quest:

Shape: I notice all the ones I don't like have a more square, classic shape, whether tight or loose, it's a square. By contrast, the winners are not. They all have something to brake the squareness.
Neckline: Most of the rejects' necklines are close to the neck (turtle, big crowl, crew). Most of the winners have a wider opening - except for the distressed one.
Length: Here is a revelation: most of the ones I don't like are TOO LONG! I would have never seen this had you not suggested to consider this.
Weight: The ones I like are all relatively light weight. Another revelation!
Thank you for your input!

Sarah, I hope you meet one day the Nordic sweater of your dreams.

I think some of the sweaters you don't like seem too much in terms of visual weight - the big stripes, chunky t-necks and longer styles seem to overwhelm a smaller frame like yours.

Diana's comments about how to make the pullover sweater a third piece were very helpful. Thank you!!!!

I wear pullovers most of the year - I don't wear cardigans. Like La Ped and Suz, I am boyish and narrow, so pullovers give me a nice bit of bulk in the right places.

FWIW, my faves on you are: #6, 8, 13, 15 and 18.

Krish,I like the fine gauge fitted pieces, and the unstructured cropped pieces best. The bulky fitted pieces are the least fab to my eye.

Krish:
6 (stripes) is beautiful on you. Highlights your curves. But I think it needs a more polished hairdo and some makeup because it’s so bold. What do you think?

I am loving anything witha cowl neck on you. And the blue cornflower-coloured piece is gorgeous.

I think you might be too curvy for the thick structured pieces. Not sure though.

Thank you for modelling these and yes! I see the issues and you know what, even though I am more boyish and straight in my shape I would probably struggle in the same way with some of these. I will show you a Find of mine -- I don't have a photo of it on me, and there is a reason! I bought it last year and wore it maybe twice for ice skating but I hate how it looks on me and how it feels! Similar to those that are doing you no favours. It seemed like it would be good...good colours, I wear turtlenecks well, etc. but no!

See that lack of fluidity, that square boxy cut? And it is shetland, too.

Anyway, I'm completely with Angie on this. The ones that look great on you either showcase your curves or are oversized and cropped or shaped in an interesting way. I like the same ones she does. 6, 8, 13, 15, 18. The necklines also play a role.

I actually agree with your assessment of which sweaters look good and which don’t. The factors here might be, among others, open vs high neckline, and a bit of structure some of the sweaters have.
My absolute favorites are 10-11 (skimming fit, flattering neckline and right length) and 14 ( again, flattering neckline, great color and a bit of structure)

I really like #8 which is in your not working category. Then I started liking so many I lost track. The key to sweater comfort for me is not itchy, long enough not to ride up and warm.

Fit and comfort ( non-itch ) are EVERYTHING re sweaters.

I own 20 ( 12 turtlenecks, 4 crew necks and 4 v-necks ). Each fits me and is non-irritating on my skin. Some I've owned in the past that were a bit itchy were comfortable enough with either a long sleeve shirt or skivvy ( that's a long sleeve cotton T-shirt, usually with a turtleneck collar ) underneath to prevent the scratchies

Thank you all for your valuable input! I am grateful for helping me a ton right now in seeing this through.

Angie, you had me look up "fine fitted gauge" but now I think I get it: 1) fine gauge = tighter knit, often smaller stictch/yarn 2) to try to select future purchase with this in mind.
You say the bulky fitted pieces are least fab and now I know why i can't love 4-5.
Your preference towards unstructured cropped pieces tell me that if there is no close-to-body shape, to keep it on the short side ather than long.

Elizabeth, like you, I don't like to be cut hirizontally across the hips and lower tummy, but a line above can offset too much detail around the neck. I am inspired by your words and tempted to take some of those sweaters and ty embellishing them to see if I would wear them more. I'm thinking ruched side seems, cropping, sparkly details at top of the shoulders and around the cuffs.

Sarah, strangely in my case having wider shoulders and a somewhat mesomorphic body type, the yoke thing is hard for me. I suspect it is part of the reason # 4-5 is difficult for me. I find the black horizontal line at the waist is helpful in balancing the shoulder design, but it's not enough. You seem to have identified a problen in the arm width in terms of adding bulk. But may I suggest this: sweater 1 below (dark) has bulky wool, but extra lean arms, very fitted with relatively high armholes. It doesn't work on me. It feels very bulky. Sweater 2 (cream) has almost bat wings but a very fine stitch and is cropped, with a defined waist. It's a worhorse in my wardrobe.

JuniperGreen, have you tried the shirt under sweater look, where collar and cuffs pop out? Or a thin leather belt over the sweater? Or sweaters with sleeves of a different colour thant the torso?

Texstyle, You are correct in your assessment. One of my main problems with knits is overwhelmment. Thank you for reminding my this. The first sweater, in particulr, may very well just be too big.

Smittie, You put it so kindly, but yes, I agree that my blah-winter undone look is not the best to showcase the pieces!

Suz, Thanks for the visual. I think the problem with those is the lack of shape AND the length, hitting us at the wrong spot, not quite covering the backside nor revealing any waist. Could it have to do with our long rise?

Olen, your feedback is much appreciated. Necklines play a big part in all of my tops and they generally must be open.

Shevia, I too loved 8 and that's why I got it. Except I found out that when wearing it more often than not it looks me like pics 3-4 below. I find itmakes me look huge. But your input prompts me to go try it with more maxi skirts and pants.

Cee, thank you for the reminder. In this case, Non-working sweater one is now a goner.

You all: Thank you so much for lending me your profressional eyes for a moment, and for this much appreciated feedback.

Good point re the rise, Krish -- I think that is totally true.

Re the oversized one...I don't think it makes you look huge. IT looks huge, and there's a difference. For me, as long as there is some drape, that's okay. But I'm happy with JFE looks and like an oversized vibe on those whose shoulders are broad enough to "carry" it (as yours are). Worn with slim pants/ leggings is of course the easiest styling, esp. tucked into knee high boots.

This has been a great read! Clearly, I am a pullover sweater fan, with an unusually large collection of cashmere. The necklines echo the styles worn by Suz and Angie because I also have a straight narrow frame, a small chest, and I have a long neck. However, I just hit the age of hot flashes, and I am finding that I want cardigans more than pullovers. A hot flash hits and I am suddenly trying to strip off my clothes! Its more graceful to slip off a cardigan than to rip off a turtleneck! I am also partial to merino wool and cashmere. I dislike mohair, angora and Shetland wool. I always wear some sort of cotton or silk base layer under my sweater. Like Diana, I knit. Unlike Diana, I’ve been working on the same sweater for the past three years! LOL! I need to pull that sweater out of the closet and finish it up!