By: Levi Opsatnic
Although winter in State College has been pretty harsh this year, the spring season should be right around the corner, or at least that’s what my calendar seems to tell me. But really, who am I kidding here, t-shirts, days without jackets, and the blooming of all types of flora are still a ways off. And that’s why I want to discuss one of my favorite transitioning pieces from winter into the spring season, and that article of clothing would be sweaters.
In the winter, sweaters are always there to offer you some additional warmth inside of your undershirt, and in the spring, they’re there to keep you toasty on windy days and whenever the sun goes down. With only a few more weeks of true winter weather in our forecast, now’s the best time to make the most out of your ability to layer with cute sweaters, and even better, those same sweaters will be there in the early parts of spring to serve you as a jacket. Oh, and even better than that, the best part of these transitional pieces is that most stores, including Appalachian Outdoors, have already began to mark their pieces down, giving you the ability to pick up some real sweet sweater deals.
1. The North Face Meadowmere Sweater
With their Meadowmere Sweater, The North Face takes that classic sweater look and combines an edgy appeal with some serious comfort to make for a sweater that you’ll want to wear every single day. The North Face gives this sweater a scoop neck for a cute look, but also adds a bit of wool and cashmere into their design; however, just the right amount so you won’t be overheating on a sunny spring day, which grants you the ability to seamlessly transfer right into spring without having to stow this one away.
A real favorite this winter, Prana’s Juliana Sweater is as soft in looks as it is to the touch. A comfy, but durable blend of cotton and acrylic to this sweater leaves you feeling comfy on cold and snowy afternoons. And at the same time, a scoop neck combined with some stylish and fun dyes get you ready to look great on those sunshine filled spring days.
3. Woolrich Bateau Fairisle Mohair Sweater
Okay, I think that it’s safe to say that Woolrich has taken softness and comfort to entirely new levels with their Bateau Fairisle Mohair Sweater. Having a hand in the sweater market for decades now, Woolrich really knows what they’re doing whenever it comes to making a sweater filled with comfort, and the Bateau Fairisle Mohair Sweater is certainly no exception. A construction of mohair, wool, nylon, and acrylic gives this sweater a feel that will have you pawing at it all day, while a colorful, and slightly retro, look lets you look great from the end of winter into the start of spring.
4. Patagonia Synchilla Lightweight Snap-T Pullover
Patagonia takes you back a few years and adds in some super comfy fleece to give you their Synchilla Lightweight Snap-T Pullover. Based off of a wool sweater that Yvon Chouinard (Patagonia’s founder) had owned, this sweater utilizes a polyester construction to offer quicker drying and a bit more durability. Adding in some old-school patterns that are as cool as can be, the Synchilla Lightweight Snap-T Pullover is one heck of a layer in the winter and an even better jacket in the springtime.
5. Toad & Co Merino Shinzo Cardigan
Horny Toad…I mean Toad & Co gives you the perfect sweater for a classy dress up in the winter, and an equally perfect spring overcoat with their Merino Shinzo Cardigan. Made from everybody’s favorite material, merino wool, this cardigan is brimming with benefits like warmth, comfort, breathability, and an ability to hold a fresh smell. And with its cardigan style, the Merino Shinzo Cardigan allows you to feel great, but also show off the shirt that you’re wearing underneath; a win for both seasons at hand here.