Soft & Cozy Jumpers:
The Knitwear Material Guide
A knitted jumper should be one thing above all – soft and snuggly!
But not all yarns feel the same. Some keep you warmer, others are easier to care for, or perfect for sensitive skin. Which knitted jumper is the best? Here’s your ultimate overview of the most popular yarns – from classic cotton to innovative blends – so you can find the knit that suits you best.
Not all knits are created equal. Whether it’s a wool jumper, cardigan or troyer, the material determines how it feels to wear. Learn which yarns are especially soft, durable or sustainable and which ones are perfect for your winter wardrobe.
Soft & Cozy Jumpers:
The Knitwear Material Guide
A knitted jumper should be one thing above all – soft and snuggly!
But not all yarns feel the same. Some keep you warmer, others are easier to care for, or perfect for sensitive skin. Which knitted jumper is the best? Here’s your ultimate overview of the most popular yarns – from classic cotton to innovative blends – so you can find the knit that suits you best.
Not all knits are created equal. Whether it’s a wool jumper, cardigan or troyer, the material determines how it feels to wear. Learn which yarns are especially soft, durable or sustainable and which ones are perfect for your winter wardrobe.
WOOL
Wool is the timeless classic among knitting materials. Usually sourced from sheep, it’s warm, breathable and naturally soft. Wool keeps you cosy even in the coldest months and adapts well to changing temperatures.
However, pure wool can sometimes feel a bit scratchy – so if you have sensitive skin, go for finer types like Merino or Cashmere.
VIRGIN WOOL
Virgin wool is especially elastic and keeps its shape well. It feels pleasant on the skin without making you sweat.
Jumpers made of virgin wool are durable, long-lasting and often need just a quick airing to feel fresh again, thanks to their natural self-cleaning properties.
FINE KNIT MERINO WOOL
Merino wool is considered a premium material. It’s ultra-fine and wonderfully soft – no itching, no overheating, just pure comfort.
Perfect for roll-neck or fine knit jumpers worn directly on the skin, Merino is temperature-regulating – ideal for autumn and winter, and even pleasant on cooler spring days.
MERINO EXTRAFINE
Even finer, even softer! Which wool is particularly high quality? Merino Extrafine offers ultimate comfort with ultra-thin fibres that feel almost silky. Often used for elegant cardigans or V-neck jumpers, it’s lightweight yet warm, easy to care for, and keeps its shape while resisting pilling.
MOHAIR WOOL
Mohair comes from the Angora goat and is known for its fluffy, slightly shiny look. Its soft halo gives chunky jumpers a cosy, stylish appearance.
Mohair is light but strong – perfect for statement knits with a fashionable texture.
ALPACA WOOL
Originating from South America, alpaca wool is a true natural wonder. It’s temperature-regulating, long-lasting and completely itch-free. The hollow fibres trap warmth without causing overheating, making it ideal for winter jumpers or troyers that are both warm and elegant. Plus, it’s a sustainable choice – alpacas are gentle on the environment.
CAMEL HAIR WOOL
Camel hair is both luxurious and durable. It’s as warm as cashmere but with a slightly firmer feel. Its natural sheen gives an elegant touch. Perfect for high-quality cardigans or textured jumpers in natural tones that combine style and longevity.
CASHMERE
Cashmere is the queen of knitwear materials. Made from the fine undercoat of the cashmere goat, it’s famous for being incredibly soft, lightweight and gentle on the skin.
A cashmere jumper feels luxurious, keeps you warm, and looks effortlessly chic.
With the right care (airing instead of frequent washing and gentle de-pilling), cashmere stays beautiful and soft for years.
AIR CASHMERE
Air Cashmere is an innovative technology: wool – in this case, extra-fine merino – and cashmere are combined with a high-tech filament yarn. This dissolves during the production process. The product becomes light, voluminous and very cozy.
COTTON KNITWEAR
Cotton is a favourite among fashion lovers. It’s soft, breathable and perfect for sensitive skin. Cotton jumpers feel natural, stay in shape wash after wash, and are ideal for everyday wear. Sustainable, durable and easy to style – a true wardrobe essential.
COTTONINA
Cottonina is a modern high-volume cotton blend – breathable, soft and easy to maintain. Thanks to added polyacrylic fibres, it stays elastic and shape-retaining without losing its softness. Perfect for lightweight cardigans or V-neck jumpers that keep you comfortable through autumn and winter. It’s gentle on the skin, non-itchy and even suitable for roll-neck styles.
OUI ICONIC YARN BLEND
The Oui Iconic yarn blend combines the best of both worlds – natural fibres like wool with modern fancy yarns (sometimes with a subtle sheen).
The result: soft, stretchy and durable knits that are easy to care for and resistant to pilling. Perfect for everyday wear and travel, and with its colourful tones, a great mix-and-match piece.
ANGEL YARN
Angel yarn is known for its cloud-like softness and fine, fluffy texture – a dreamy mix of cosy wool and mohair.
It feels as light as air on the skin yet remains surprisingly durable when cared for properly – ideal for a feminine, delicate look.
TAPE YARN
Tape yarn is a real must-have, especially in summer: it is super light, modern and comfortable to wear. Tape yarn is often flat woven or round knitted, which makes it slippery and therefore requires a lot of care when knitting. But it's worth the effort: the loose, airy structure is perfect for warm temperatures and modern summer looks!
SYNTHETIC FIBRES FOR DURABILITY
Synthetic fibres like polyacrylic, polyester and polyamide make knitwear easy-care, flexible and long-lasting.
Jumpers with synthetic blends keep their shape, dry quickly and resist pilling – ideal for practical everyday wear.
ELASTANE
Elastane provides stretch and shape retention, especially in cuffs and hems.
A small percentage makes knitwear more flexible and ensures that your jumper keeps its fit even after frequent wear.
MODAL
Modal is as soft as silk and super light. The material impresses with its luxurious feel and comfort against the skin. Perfect for light jumpers or knitted shirts that you can wear all year round.
CARING FOR YOUR KNITWEAR
With the right care, your jumper will stay soft, in shape and beautiful for a long time. Use the delicate or handwash cycle to keep fibres smooth and prevent stretching. Avoid hot water and heavy spinning, as these can damage delicate yarns like wool, cashmere or alpaca. Lay flat to dry and air out between wears to refresh your knit naturally. Handle your knitwear gently, and it will stay cosy and lovely for many seasons.
CONCLUSION
Whether it’s an alpaca winter jumper, a casual cotton sweater or a luxurious cashmere knit – the right material makes all the difference.
Think about what you need: do you prefer extra warmth, softness or a lightweight feel?
With the perfect yarn, your jumper will not only feel amazing but stay beautiful for years to come – ready for many cosy moments in your wardrobe.