Cozy Sweaters as the Ultimate Gift Idea

Hot trends for Fall/Winter 2010/2011

Struggling to find a perfect gift idea for someone who has it all? Look no further because sweaters are the ultimate gift for friends and family, for Christmas, Valentine's Day, birthdays, and a million other occasions.

Before settling on a style, it is useful to know a bit about the various fibers sweaters are constructed from. The type of fiber will affect what care it needs, how it feels on the skin, and sometimes even the style.

Although cashmere is considered top of the line, it does come in various levels of quality, which ultimately determines the price point. Some cashmere can be washed by hand and laid flat to dry, but most requires dry cleaning.
Wool often gets a bad rap as being “scratchy” to the touch, but wool blends or certain specialty types like merino and alpaca wools are soft and itch-free. Wool often requires hand washing but some are machine washable.
Although many assume that cotton is reserved for warm weather, new technology and designs make it good for almost any season these days. Most cotton sweaters can be hand- or machine-washed.
Manmade fibers like viscose, polyester and nylon are often blended with natural fibers to improve durability, stretch, and comfort.

Whether you are contemplating a tongue in cheek gift, like a classic Christmas sweater, or something luxurious and lasting, sweaters won't go unworn if chosen wisely. Check out these top trends in sweaters for Winter 2009/2010 to help you make a buying decision that will please even the most difficult to buy for!

Boyfriend Trend
Sweater Coats
Argyle
Xmas Sweaters

Boyfriend Trend for Ladies

Perhaps the hottest fashion look this year is the “Boyfriend Trend”. It first appeared in the spring when Hollywood celebs like Katie Holmes started to wear ultra-relaxed fit boyfriend jeans – rolled at the hem. Since then, the trend has morphed to encompass other items influenced by the 80s and early 90s like the boyfriend blazer, and the boyfriend cardigan and sweater vest.

The boyfriend trend is as simple as it sounds – oversized, comfortable basics inspired by a man's closet. Check out these favourites suitable for teen girls with jeans, or vamped up for working women when styled with a belt and pencil skirt:

Sweater Coats

Luxurious sweater coats are making a big comeback too. They can be short and preppy or long and slouchy. Either way, they provide casual comfort and warmth for blustery fall days.

The Boys Club – Top Styles for Men

Rich argyles and bold stripes top the must have list for guys this season. cardigans and sweater vests have made a quirky comeback and add a style statement to any wardrobe, whether worn casually on weekends or under a suit for work. Crew-necks, V-necks, and turtlenecks haven't lost their popularity though, and are your best bet for the more reserved gentleman.

The Christmas Sweater

The classic Christmas sweater conjures up nightmarish visuals of a flashing reindeer nose or a chest strung with gingerbread men (think Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones' Diary) but thankfully the term is a little less literal this season!

This year's Christmas sweater is distinguished by bright jewel tones, sparkling accents, and classic cardigan sets for women. Men's styles are simple, clean-cut and demure.