Which Material Should You Choose for Your Sweater? Tips

Which Material Should You Choose for Your Sweater?

When you’re looking to buy a sweater to keep you warm throughout the winter, the question of material becomes essential. From cashmere to synthetics to wool, there’s certainly no shortage of options!

At Nénés, our passion lies in creating eco-friendly knitwear for women, as well as sweaters made from recycled or natural fibers.

Let’s explore the different materials available, their advantages, their drawbacks, and—most importantly—the key questions to ask yourself to choose the right one!

1. Natural Materials

Wool, cashmere, merino…

Wool, cashmere, alpaca, merino, mohair, or even yak… These natural fibers have been winter wardrobe essentials for decades.

They embody both refinement and authenticity, while meeting your everyday need for comfort. Thanks to their animal origin, they generally offer great breathability and excellent insulation.

Each fiber has its own unique feel and specific properties—worth knowing before making your choice.

Benefits of Natural Materials
Wool provides better protection against penetrating cold than any other material. It naturally regulates temperature, wicks away moisture without retaining odors, and remains durable over time.
Depending on their origin, different wools offer distinct benefits:

provides hypoallergenic and very strong fibers, ideal for sensitive skin.

is incredibly soft and lightweight, making it perfect for layering without adding bulk.

, on the other hand, stands out for its luxurious feel and unmatched comfort.
Another significant advantage: natural fibers are generally biodegradable. Choosing a sweater made of wool, alpaca, or cashmere from an ethical brand like Nénés contributes to more planet-friendly consumption.
Drawbacks of Natural Materials
However, a word of caution: natural fibers require careful maintenance. Sweaters made of cashmere or wool may shrink or felt during washing if the cycle is not suitable.

Also worth reading: our special wool care guide.
Their cost can obviously be higher, especially for cashmere, alpaca, or mohair, whose harvesting remains artisanal and seasonal. Nevertheless, considering their high quality and long-lasting durability, the price can be justified!
Finally, traceability of farms and animal welfare are not always guaranteed in the textile industry. This is where the concept of responsible production becomes essential for brands. At Nénés, we focus on eco-friendly knitwear sourced from controlled supply chains, and we also produce our garments locally or within Europe.

2. Recycled Materials

The textile industry is increasingly responding to ecological challenges by developing solutions based on recycled fibers.

Recycled polyamide has become a key component in sustainable collections, and we use it in the composition of our knits at Nénés.

Sweaters made from recycled materials appeal for their obvious eco-friendly commitment within the sustainable fashion sector. Whether through the upcycling of old textiles or the reuse of plastic bottles, every step helps reduce the environmental impact of the finished garment.

This approach promotes circular fashion, where nothing is wasted and everything is transformed.

Benefits of Recycled Fibers
A sweater made from recycled fibers helps break the vicious cycle of textile waste. It saves virgin resources while reducing the waste generated by fast fashion.
Moreover, this process requires less water, less energy, and emits less CO₂ than conventional manufacturing, promoting a tangible form of sustainability.
Drawbacks of Recycled Fibers
The durability of recycled materials is generally excellent, but the feel can still differ slightly from pure natural fibers.
That’s why, at Nénés, we choose a blend of fibers in our knits—a preferred solution to maintain both quality and longevity.

3. Synthetic Materials

Polyester, acrylic, and other synthetic materials are everywhere, whether in fast fashion stores or from major brands. Their affordable price and easy maintenance often make them appealing.

However, they raise serious questions about the durability and ethics of fast fashion…

Benefits of Synthetic Materials
Quite simply, their price! In some stores, you can find “wool” sweaters made entirely of synthetic fibers for less than €20.
While this may seem perfect for smaller budgets, the question remains: is it better to buy a 100% synthetic sweater every 1–2 years, or a sweater made mostly of natural fibers that will last 10, even 20 years?
Drawbacks of Synthetic Materials
Synthetic materials are derived from petrochemicals and, once in your wardrobe, release microplastics during washing. Additionally, they generally fall short in terms of ecological impact and quality.
Here’s a quick overview of their main drawbacks:
- pill quickly and retain odors easily.
- breathability makes long winter days uncomfortable.
- not biodegradable, which has a long-term negative impact on the planet.

4. Key Criteria for Choosing a Sweater

The choice of material obviously depends on your preferences, intended use, and values.

To navigate the many options, ask yourself a few key questions:

warmth or lightness;
softness or durability;
easy care outweigh the noble quality of the material;
origin and traceability of the fibers matter to you;

Durability remains an important guiding principle, as consuming less but better brings real purchasing satisfaction while supporting a positive collective approach.

Choosing the best material for your sweater means weighing tangible benefits against your personal values. At Nénés, we believe in eco-friendly knits, thoughtfully produced, accessible, and stylish—designed to celebrate all forms of femininity!