Style Answers
A growing library of straight answers to the questions people actually ask about fit, fabric, layering and care. Every question here comes from real search data, and new ones are added each morning. Nothing is padded and nothing is guessed — if an answer depends on the garment, we say which.
Added 9 September 2026 — knitwear and layering
Do sweaters stretch over time?
Yes, and how much depends on the fibre. Wool and cashmere relax with body heat and recover most of their shape when rested flat for a day. Cotton and acrylic stretch more permanently because they have less natural elasticity. The ribbing at the cuff and hem is the first place to lose recovery — if it stays splayed after you stretch it, that garment will not spring back again.
How do you hang a sweater so it doesn't stretch out?
Don't hang it on a hanger by the shoulders — the weight of the knit pulls the shoulder line down and creates two permanent bumps. Fold knitwear and store it flat. If you have no shelf space, fold the sweater in half lengthways and drape it over the bar of a hanger so the weight sits on the fold rather than the shoulders.
Can you layer a cardigan over a sweater?
Only if the gauges differ. A fine-gauge sweater under a heavier cardigan works because the two do not compete for room. Two mid-weight knits together will bunch at the armhole and thicken the whole torso. If you want the layered look with similar weights, leave the cardigan open rather than trying to close it, so the inner knit carries the shape.
What is the three-layer rule for winter?
A base layer that manages moisture, a mid layer that traps warmth, and an outer layer that blocks wind and rain. In practice that is a fine cotton or merino tee, a knit such as The Quarter-Zip Knit, and a jacket over the top. The rule matters less for mild autumn weather, where two well-chosen layers usually beat three mediocre ones.
Are you supposed to wear a layer under a sweater?
With wool or a scratchy blend, yes — a thin cotton tee stops the itch and absorbs body oils, which meaningfully extends how long the knit stays fresh between washes. With a smooth fine-gauge knit such as The Alpine Crewneck you can wear it against the skin. Whatever you choose, it should be thin enough not to show a hem or collar line through the knit.