TheSweetLife came up with a fabulous question that is currently being used for a poll on this blog, which is "What is your favorite fabric for a J.Crew sweater?" This question also makes for a great post topic. :)J.Crew offers lots (and lots!) of great sweaters to choose from, and with the holiday season approaching, it would be great to know which kind to purchase and the reasons behind the selection.
For example, I am a huge fan of the cotton-cashmere and merino sweaters. Both are great in different ways. I love how merino sweaters are perfect sweaters that can be worn alone for light fall days, and with a shirt (either a button down or tee) for colder winter days. The cotton-cashmere sweaters are great because you get the best of both worlds (in terms of cotton and cashmere). These sweaters tend to be super soft and can also be super light weight. :)
What is your favorite fabric for a J.Crew sweater? Do you have a particular sweater (e.g. item number) that you highly recommend? What are some of the reasons behind your choice?
Great post!
ReplyDeleteI think I would have to say the Featherweight Merino is my favorite. Its great for layering, it holds up well, and I feel like the styles last from year to year (V Necks, cardigans) so that I can wear last years sweater and it fits with today's line.
Maybe I am just thinking that way because I wore a light pewter featherweight v neck today over my ivory Victoria, and I love the layered look.
Merino vote for me! (Also the price point lower than cashmere!)
I have been enjoying the merino and dream this season. I don't have any J.Crew cashmere, but honestly I find it to be a bit overrated as a material and not worth the price.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have two Gap/BR/Old Navy codes to anyone who wants to use them:
BWG2D3MFDKDD - $20 off your next Gap purchase of $100 or more when you use your Gap/BR/Old Navy credit card. Expires 12/7.
DMWDNYZGDNBD - 10% off yoru next Gap purchase through December 21.
I love any mixture of cotton cashmere and I'd silk. I hate anything with any wool!
ReplyDeleteWhich sweaters do you find pill the most? (my pet peeve) I have a cashmere Lily cardi that pills terribly and I returned a dream sweater last year for the same reason. Is the cotton better with the pilling?
ReplyDeleteFeatherweight Merino Wool. Dream kinda sucks, so does their cashmere. Pills, pills, pills!
ReplyDeleteI am the best!
ReplyDeletealexis,
ReplyDeletefree shipping is again being offered for purchases over $125 on the website with code SHIP125 until 11/20.
Definitely a fan of the merino; been adding these sweaters to my collection for years. They really last and are so versatile. And I agree with others here, this last season of featherweight merino was really superb!
ReplyDeleteI also like the cambridge cables. They are soft, good value, and always come in some many wonderful colors.
The dream is OK -- seems to be on the scratchy side this year though, so definitely only for colder days and layering.
Also, I found a sweater stone to be awesome way for dealing with pilling (especially on the cambridge cables and cashmere -- merino does not pill so much). I just revived some older sweaters using it and they really did look like new again! Here is the one from Laundress, although I think there are some cheaper options out there:
http://store.thelaundress.com/Laundress-store/Laundress-category/STONE-FC.html
SHIP125 is back for free shipping on orders of $125! This code expires on 11/20 at 9:59 pm ET.
ReplyDeleteI like the dream sweaters. The colors are fantastic and they don't feel itchy to me at all. I esp like the longer dream v-neck cardis this year.
I guess I'm in the minority so far. I purchased the shirred featherweight merino sweater from this past Spring, and after 2 wears the armpits are already starting to pill. It is "featherweight" indeed, but feels flimsy to me. I regret this purchase, so I would not consider it my favorite fabric, but I don't own any Jcrew cashmere so maybe I don't know what really bad pilling is! :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite so far is a lightweight merino wool cardigan from 2 years ago. It's the perfect weight for layering. I often wear them indoors during the summer when buildings turn up the AC. People always ask me if they're cashmere. I even had a TA in my class say I must live a pampered life because I wore cashmere to class. That cardigan hasn't been repeated but the Melanie cardi is the closest I've seen.
ReplyDeleteI have a few JC cashmere cardis and I don't like the drape of them. They remind me of a layer of dryer lint. They pill a lot so I don't wear them often.
Free shipping: SHIP150 over $150 purchase valid through 11/20.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post! I have an idea for another question: What is the item you want J.Crew to offer? I'd like J.Crew to make (1) Cape and (2) wool shorts. If J.Crew make those items in neutral color, I will definitely buy them!
ReplyDeletelolo,
ReplyDeleteSomeone else rec. the cambridge cables to me. I will have to try them. the merino is way to thin and the cashmere is too pilly. I will have to try one of those when they get marked down after Christmas.
Website has been updated. A few new items added.
ReplyDeleteJulie
i LOVE featherweight merino sweaters, especially the v-necks! i think they are so soft and the material has a really flattering snug fit. i do think they snag easily though, i just bought a black v-neck 2 weeks ago and snagged the sleeve with my ring, so now it looks weird where i sewed up the hole.
ReplyDeletei also really like the long featherweight merino cardis from this year. i don't know if i've tried any regular merino sweaters, i'm not sure what the diff would be.
I just got the Melanie sweater in dark peony. I find it rather itchy and dont' care for the bracelet length sleeves. I feel like I am wearing a sweater with the sleeves too short and people will think it looks funny (as do I). It is going back. Material is too thin too for MN weather!
ReplyDeleteI received got a dream Stephanie cardigan and found it very itchy. I personally liked the cambridge cables better, and the cashmere is really soft but doesn't hold up that well so it's only worth it to me on super sale.
ReplyDeleteLOTS of new markdowns/promos/whatever you want to call them this morning. Up to 40% off on outerwear, as well. Plus, the Lucido is now marked down to $780.00 (hee hee!). Some of the markdowns don't show up on the main category page, you will only see them if you click on the actual item (ex. wool shift dress shows up in knits as $148, but is $79.99 on the item page).
Also, be careful...some items show sale but when you click on them only certain colors...i.e. cambridge cables...got all excited but only 3 colors are at the sale price and other colors just have a small markdown...bummer.
ReplyDeleteThere is something I want for $99 but not willing to pay shipping. I would have pulled the trigger by now otherwise!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI like the Merino, but, they seem kinda thinnish, but as the previous poster said, the cut and drape is very flattering (this is why I prefer JC, over, say Ann Taylor, or Macy's). I just have one cashmere, and haven't worn it yet, but, love, love, love the softness of it (like being in a blanket). Like price point of Merino too.
ReplyDeleteI agree that J Crew cashmere pills, but I still love the softness. I have a few cashmere cardis and V-necks from previous years that have actually held up quite well. On the other hand I got a beautiful Spearmint colored cardi just last week, and it already looks "old" after just one wearing. Featherweight merino would be my second favorite as I love the way it can be layered and how it fits under a coat when it is cold out. I just got the Melanie in Desert Brown, but haven't had time to try it on yet.
ReplyDeleteMerino all the way. Although a good cashmere is a very close second; I find the merino much more serviceable. Cashmere is more of an splurge and the shetland wool sweaters are my weekend ones.
ReplyDeleteLuckily the J.Crew sweaters have a great fit, all of the above fit the same and are perfect, just like the mens tailored shirts.
I have tons of Wellesley cable sweaters from a few years ago, they are definitely my favorite. My Dream sweaters I like too but are sometimes too itchy. I regrettably bought a few cashmere sweaters that I hardly wear because they look like crap. They are soft but the pilling is awful.
ReplyDeletethis morning the Tartine cardigan got marked down to $29.99 online!!! Finally going to buy one because I love J Crew's merino items.
ReplyDeleteI have been doing a lot of research on cashmere. JCrew cashmere pills b/c it is cheaply made to begin with...I don't care what mill they use or what line they give you...shorter yarns= pills.
ReplyDeleteLonger,thinner yarns= high quality garment.
Yes, all cashmere pills to some degree but the degree it pills is directly related to the quality.
Check out: www.cashmere.org and their FAQ or google Why does cashmere pill
JCrew's new and improved website--NOT--is just awful. I truly don't mean to complain but facts are facts--their sale section does not even show A LOT of sale items. I don't have time to search everything individually...I remember the good ole days! Wish they were back. Last year at this time I averaged a few thousand a month at JCrew...now I purchase 3/4 less!
ReplyDeleteDidn't someone on this blog mention the ruffles on the Tartine cardi don't stand up and are droopy? Please advise if so. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI would love to also to hear someone's opinion on the Tartine. I have loved them in the pictures, but waited until they were more affordable.
ReplyDeleteAlso, does anyone own and like the LuLu flats. I have heard mixed reviews about Jcrew's shoes in general, but was wondering if anyone has an opinion on these. They are also too cute in the pictures.
My faves are the wellesley cables of yore..Is it me, or are they much thicker than the new cambridge cables? The cambridge sweaters seem thin for their price, imo
ReplyDeleteThe cashmere does pill; I have not experienced it with the merino. (The merino, along with the Egyptian cotton that I don't think they carried recently, are my favorite fabrics.) I dislike the Dream; it makes me itch.
ReplyDeleteLeaderboys, there was an entry about the Lulu flats. If you search "sincere flattery" (the heading was titled, J Crew Email: Sincere flattery), then you will see the post.
Anon @ 2:15-
ReplyDeleteI have had issues w/ my Melanie cardi pilling.
I really love the Aplaca fabric. I got the Alpaca shawl-collar cardigan and love how soft it is.
I agree with others about the Dream being scratchy.
I am partial to Cambridge Cables--love the colors and do find they hold up. BTW-the plum color on sale is TDF gorgeous with many other basics-gotta have! Cables: I would actually pay a bit more for a bit more cashmere/softness or even cotton if that did the trick without raising the price--just enough to make them that "smidge softer" that J Crew touts each season. I do not find itchy a problem with the cardis due to layering but the T-necks can sometimes get itchy at the neck.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had experience with plain Dream other than a couple tie front cardigans from this season that I haven't yet worn enough to see how it might ball up as others have mentioned.
I have never been a Merino fan (cardis)because of thinness and because I love to layer. I find the material so thin and fitted that it is tough to put a long sleeve under those cardis without the bunching/uncomfortable feeling. Bracelet sleeves are also an issue for me come winter--with all sweaters! I am COLD and find I don't like my arms exposed yet cannot fit even a tissue tee under those merinos...which are getting thinner and thinner IMO. I don't mind them when wearing a cami silk top or something thin underneath though.
I did get two of the glass button merino cardis this season as they can be layered over long sleeves and are kinda fun and a different look for me:)
I haven't had a great deal of experience with J Crew cashmere. I stopped buying cashmere before coming back to J Crew for all my shopping as I was completely SPOILED by Ralph Lauren when I worked there and I still have many unbelievable looking classic cashmere sweaters that have stood the test of time (this was 20 years ago!) I paid dearly for them though too-even with a 50% discount the thickest ones were still $300-I think I was crazy! I moved away from it thereafter though I still love the softness. BTW-I find it funny that cashmere is winning the poll when so many people on here complain of pilling--maybe they are referring to years past when they felt it was a better product? J Crew does IMO have the BEST colors and AWESOME styles in cashmere so maybe they can find a better quality product that doesn't pill so much and people will be thrilled again;)
LOVE the COTTON Jackies but wear them Spring/Summer/early Fall with sleeveless underneath as they are super fitted, 3/4 sleeves and would not work with shirt under for me come winter.
Overall, I find a nice blend is often my favorite sweater these days. One that has softness and warmth with just the right thickness yet doesn't pill~is perfection.
My fav is the merino. It never pills and always looks new. I do, however, own a LOT of J Crew cashmere. I buy them for the fantastic colors they offer. Having said that, the quality of their cashmere is really POOR! It pills, stretches out of shape and looks worn out after about 2 times wearing them. I try to only buy them on sale. I still have cashmere that I have bought from Ann Taylor 10 to 12 yrs ago that never pills, stretches out and is a softer and thicker cashmere than JC! They all looks new too. Now if only they could offer the colors J Crew does... :0)
ReplyDeleteBTW-here is another crazy website thing. Tartines don't even show up when I just search womens sweaters so I had to do a search. The search brings up the cardi for $49.99 but when you click it--it is $29.99. Oh boy. When will it end? Poor J Crew--missing out on customer sales to be sure.
ReplyDeleteTo those interested about Tartine-
ReplyDeleteI have mixed feelings. I bought the bright rhubarb and heather mushroom. The rhubarb's ruffle stays up and look great. The heather mushroom's ruffles fall down and look bad. I returned the one with bad ruffles, and kept one. I like the sweater, but wouldn't buy more than one, I'm not in love with it. But be prepared that you might get a Tartine with floppy ruffles.
My tartine cardi's ruffles (heather mushroom) stand up quite nicely. I guess I got lucky. I really love this sweater and I'm wearing it today! I wish I had waited for the $29.99 price though. For the price right now I think it's definitely worth it.
ReplyDeleteanyone own the alpalca lofty shawl-collar cardigan from last year? i washed mine with cold water and woolite- like i do with all sweaters in between dry cleaning- and the button holes disappeared! it is so strange. i can't button it anymore! anyone know what to do for this?
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is probably the wool. :) I like it for its versatility! Also, I never wear sweaters without layering so it doesn't really matter to me if it's too soft / scratchy, just as long as I stay warm. :)
ReplyDeleteI like their cashmere for softness, but it does pill. In general, it seems the thinner the fabric - the more it pills. It happens with merino too.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is the heavy-duty merino, like the alice sweater last year. I like sweaters that works more like a jacket, which is to say more structured.
BTW, did anyone notice that some shoe prices seems to have dropped? Alessa peeptoe is now $150 ($115 with the extra 25% off today). The price in the catalog is $215. The gayle's price seems to dropped too.
I really love the current crop of merino sweaters, particularly the colors. They're thin, which is fine for a mild fall or spring. Hopefully J. Crew will add a thicker merino for winter.
ReplyDeleteI also like the Jackie line. Great sweaters in great colors! Now, I love my J. Crew cashmere, but I too have had some pilling. I have a Lands End cashmere sweater, and it's held up really well with no pilling.
i LOVE jcrew's merino sweaters. always well made, fit well and last forever. for those asking about the tartine i just bought the tartine in chocolate (at 49.99 last week, doh!) and love it...esp the color. the ruffles in front of the neck are more floppy than those on the back of the neck because of the way they are sewn in and also b/c i think it was a bit squished when it was folded. i'm going to try to lightly iron them back up somehow ;). for me, overall i really like the look b/c the ruffles are a bit more subtle around the neck but they do show up really well around the bottom...hope that helps! :)
ReplyDeletei would definitely buy it at 29.99 now...i was even OK with paying 49 for it last week since the chocolate is now on backorder :)
Glad to know it is hit or miss with the tartine ruffle collar...I can't deal with a possible floppy ruffle and hate returns...definitely a pass...Thanks so much for the heads up!
ReplyDeleteI love my j Crew cashmere, and I have have many sweaters that I've collected over the years.
ReplyDeleteI have noticed a decline in the quality, and therefore have only bought one sweater this year. I was shocked at its' thinness, but kept it because I love the style. I have touched some of the current cashmere in the store, and I have to say, the quality is all over the map....some is fine.
Cashmere is so light relative to the warmth it provides. I can't stand Merino, and have completely sworn off of it. I have enough sweaters collected over the years, that I can be really picky about what I add to the collection.
I love love love the Men's cotton cashmere sweaters. I have a theory that they don't make them for women because it would cut down on cashmere sales. It's so nice and so soft. I like it as much as 100% cashmere.
I have a product review - didn't know where else to put it.
ReplyDeleteMetallic Herringbone Clea Jacket.
Wow, I have such mixed feelings First of all, I git it for around $100.00, which does factor into my decision. That's basically the price of a sweater.
The cut is spectacular on this Jacket-just perfection. It is true to size, and fits me perfectly. (FYI-I'm tall with long limbs, small waist, broad shoulders.) The fabric is thick, textured and meaty-very fall/winter. I love it.
The color......sigh.... That is the issue. In some lights it looks dreamsicle orange, and slightly neonish-not too bad, but a little. In some lights it looks bright red, which I like. It looks AMAZING with my premium indigo matchsticks and cole haan carma pumps...in low lighting, lol. For the price I'll probably keep it, but it's uses are limited.
Favorite Fit Chinos
These have really changed. I have a pair from last year, and they have a flared, casual cut. These new ones are wide leg. Pressed with a crease you could wear these to work. They can make your rear look wide or make it disappear into the fabric with certain shoes, and they look best with heels. I'm keeping them, but have my eye on the other cuts for the next pair.
"Got" not 'git', lol.
ReplyDeleteMerino all the way for me! Mainly because I live in Southern California, and the cashmere is just too warm. I also really love the texture and flatness of the merino. It slides effortless over shirts and tees or under a jacket. Right now I am loving the Lea cardi - have it in melon, avocado and pewter and it's my "go to" wardrobe item. I also have the Lili which is a tad silly - but it's fun.
ReplyDeleteAlso love the Jackie.
My favorite all time cashmere sweater was Banana Republic - but sadly a moth got it. I have never been able to replace it. Last year I got an amazing cashmere wrap at BR on a huge sale - and I love that versus a sweater because you can take it off if it gets too hot. I wish the J Crew cashmere wrap came in the same selection of colors that the sweaters do. Now that would be fun!!
--lucegirl
I am usually the one with all the pills on my sweater. Since I have a large bust, but am short and petite otherwise, usually the chest/underarm area pills like crazy.
ReplyDeleteI buy JC cashmere sweaters because they DO NOT
pill on me! I never hand wash them, always dry clean them. I'm so surprised to see all the complaints!
How are you all wearing your Merino Lea cardigans? I find them to bit a bit short lengthwise in the body.
ReplyDeleteI saw the tartines (not in my size) in a B&M last week. The wool is very soft, not itchy. I just got one for myself and one for a gift, 29.99 each. Deal!
ReplyDeletesteph
ReplyDeleteI am wearing my Leas over the solid wash favorite tanks and perfect fit tanks. I button the sweater and leave the tank sticking out on the bottom. This looks very cute - and for my body type (curvy) it's more flattering than the longer sweaters that hit at the hip. The Lea colors really pop off a white tank - but also look cute with opposing color tanks underneath - kind of like how they double up crazy colors of the t-shirts in the catalog.
I had the melon Lea on yesterday with the pink perfect fit flower tank with the little flower sticking out. I paired it with khaki clair chinos and the sherbert crackle pumps. It was pretty darn cute I must say!
I also plan to wear Leas over tissue T-necks if the weather in southern california **ever** dips below 70.
I tried the Leas with my ivory Victoria cami - and it was just too much. Since the Lea has those sparkly buttons - it really needs to be dressed "down" instead of "up" IMO.
I did order a hammered cami on sale and am going to try that with the Leas....HTH!
--lucegirl
I think the shape of the Lea pairs well with dresses. I tried to pair the cornsilk Lea with the Giverny dress but the fabric on the sweater was too thin and the dark blue of the dress shows through. So disappointing, as the shape fits well together.
ReplyDeletelucegirl,
ReplyDeleteHow do you wear the light colored flower tank without a bra? I was trying to figure that one out.....that is why I ordered the navy but I really wanted the light pink....
Thanks.
Deb
Deb -
ReplyDeleteNo way I can wear the tanks without a bra - that is for sure! I am a "C". I wore the pink flower tank with a pink bra - straps stick out a little - but I had the Lea over the tank so you didn't see the bra straps. Initially I thought it would be hard to wear the flower tank under a sweater but the merino is so light that it's pretty easy to just tuck the flower out and it stays out.
--lucegirl
I adore the Cambridge cable-knit sweaters. Classic pattern, great colors, a few shapes to choose from, each with a perfect fit. I've been known to branch out, but always add a few colors each season.
ReplyDeleteI love all JCrew Merino sweaters..I have about 30 vneck sweaters in a variety of colors. I wear these under my suits in the fall and winter..either layered with a shirt or alone. The v is not too low (on me anyways.) I'm not the biggest fan of the merino turtleneck sweaters (I have 3 of these)...they have a rather odd fit...I will only wear them layered under a suit jacket that I do not take off. I'm not the biggest fan of JCrew's cashmere...I prefer Nordstrom cashmere and Banana Republics.
ReplyDeleteDoes the tartine run true to sz--how does it compare to jackie?
ReplyDeleteWOW, Rosie!!
ReplyDeleteTHANKS SO MUCH for the info about the tartine sale! LOVE these! I ordered more at this great price! I had previously bought my heather mushroom color for full price, argh! The ruffles at the neck and hip lie perfectly on mine! It does not have the lycra in it like the jackie cardigan however, I wear the same size both the jackie and tartine! These styles are definitely my two favorites because they are lightweight. I cannot stand it when it is warm indoors in the fall/winter, and I feel stifled in wool!
Thank you aficionados for helping others find the best options for good prices!
Athena
WOW--what happened the sale section just BOOMED with new merch this early evening! Go check it out!
ReplyDeleteanon at 11:10 google it and you can find a thread with a long discussion and explanation. let's not take up with blog with another discussion of it!
ReplyDeleteAnon@1110 and all: www.jcrewchatter.com was a private blog that no longer exists.
ReplyDeleteCan somone please help with the Tartine colors that has seen them in person?
ReplyDeleteThe two "red/orange" colors look almost the same online and I don't know??
Also, any help with the maize color? (I got in big trouble with final sale and the awful sour lemon this summer:(
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I like the featherweight merino a lot, but I love the cashmere. Any soft cashmere will pill. I have a couple of the Ralph Lauren Black Label $400 sweaters and they don't pill any less than the J Crew Cashmere. I got a couple of the J Crew cashmere cardigans this season and they are SO SOFT. Definitely softer than last season in my opinion. They'll probably pill more, but I think it's worth it.
ReplyDeleteWhatever happened to the Shetland wool sweaters? Sure, they were kind of oversized and boxy, but they were warm and relatively inexpensive. The more recent versions (4 years ago?) were more form fitting, but then they just disappeared. :( I guess the Dream Wool has taken its place? I like those, I have several of the button shoulder sweaters from last season.
ReplyDeleteJCrew cashmere is ok insofar as fit and color selection, but the regular (non-collection, non- $300+ sweaters) could be more substantial. They (like the bateau-neck, for example) pill easily.
the shetland wool for men are still around and now just called lambswool. Those are nice, I'm getting my bf another this year for xmas. :)
ReplyDeleteoh, I like the cambridge cableknits, too. I don't mind wool, but I also always wear a tee under my sweaters (I'm always layered up!)
ReplyDeletei love the lightweight merino wool and merino cardigans. so much so that i've been stalking last years styles online (violet, ocelot, paris etc) i miss when jcrew used to have very good sales in the AM.
ReplyDeletere: tartine colors... the maize is a gorgeous bright yellow. i think it is more true yellow than the sour lemon or citron from the summer. it is bright, but IMO beautiful. the persimmon is an orangey-red, and the rhubarb is a pinky-red, closer on the pink side i think. HTH!
ReplyDeletemelissa,
ReplyDeleteThanks....I just ordered some of the Tartines. I feel better with the info. you gave me:) I wasn't even interested in this sweater at all earlier this fall but for the price (and no final sale) I decided to get a couple and see...if I don't like them maybe my sister will get them for Christmas:)
wow, the shetland wool sweaters. my first jcrew purchase was a shetland wool sweater! it was a men's sweater, back in high school when that was all the rage. i wore it (and about 4 other shetland wool sweaters from jcrew) religiously all through college, and it was so warm. my mom finally stole them from me, and now 10 years later, she wears them. oh the memories.
ReplyDeletekitchy7,
ReplyDeleteI still have 4 (though I only wear one of them now... one from maybe 5 years ago, that shrunk a bit when I hand washed it, so it fits better)! They are still in really good condition. I was thinking of bringing 3 to buffalo exchange or another shop where I could get some money for them, but they are hard to part with! They are snuggly and warm, great to wear when shoveling snow or just hanging out around the house.
Something no one has mentioned: J. Crew suggests dry cleaning several of its merino wool items. Has anyone ever hand washed them?
ReplyDeleteLisa: I hand wash all my merino sweaters (cashmere, too). Dry flat. I even steam press with an iron because they do come out a little wrinkly after washing. Have never had a problem; they look good as new.
ReplyDelete