Besides being essential to the Canadian wardrobe, there’s just something about sweaters. They’re the one piece of clothing that wraps you in warmth and security, whether they’re gossamer-thin spring cardigans or cozy, chunky cable knits worn to keep out winter’s icy bite. They can also be casual or sophisticated. These are some of the sweetest spots in which to find sweaters.
These ain't your grandma's sweaters. I mean, unless you have the coolest grandma on the block, who’s part biker gal, part pin-up girl and has a mouth like a sailor. Here you’ll find sweaters emblazoned with skulls, naughty words, knife-wielding kitties and retro-inspired hearts and snowflakes. You can order online, but it’s way more fun to visit the shop in all its cheeky, slightly disturbing glory.
Designer duds, dahlink. Blu’s is a whole experience in and of itself, if you’re into personalized service, style suggestions and a platinum-level shopping experience – including by-appointment options with pro fashion stylists. Pieces scream luxury, from drapey cape-style Navajo-printed cardigans in neutral tones to unique, distressed, cashmere print sweaters. Blu’s is one of those places where you’ll pick up those quality wardrobe pieces that have staying power.
Ultra-feminine staple pieces in soft fabrics and hues adorn the walls of this Inglewood boutique. Cozy coat sweaters in soft, neutral shades, seed-pearl-studded crewneck sweaters, classic cardigans – it’s all here under various designer labels, and the staff know their stuff when it comes to advice on fashion-forward trends.
Ducks has been around forever. The Glenmore Landing shop has become a neighbourhood staple, and I remember poking at its sales racks out on the sidewalk in the summer 20 years ago. This is a shop with staying power that carries great sweaters and on-point fashion choices that have a cozy, classic, casual sensibility. Such items include waist-length aqua cable knits and soft, loose-knit belted cardis.
Patagonia sweaters have long been a preferred choice for hikers and other assorted granola-crunchers. Designed to withstand the demands of alpine weather, Patagonia products also incorporate green practices and durability as a point of pride and are fashionable enough to carry over to everyday errand running and post-yoga wear. Find fleece-cowl sweaters, floaty wraps, lambswool hoodies and other toasty togs for women, men and children.
The men’s store that screams (or more appropriately, old-timey radio announces) class and sophistication for the suave and debonair of our city carries similarly styled sweaters. Say that five times fast! How about an Italian-knit sweater blazer or hot-hued ribbed Henleys, shawl-collared pullovers, zip-front plaids suited to Bing Crosby? Harry Rosen guys are hot.
Effortless sophistication for guys and gals. Sweaters with staying power. You’ll find designer fine-knits in solids, bold animal and houndstooth prints as well as waffle-woven and chunky-knit classics. There’s an on-site tailor, and I don't know if they can do anything with sweaters, but this fact alone should make you want to sashay in and check them out.
This homegrown Calgary success story ain’t just for Stampede time, folks. Lammle’s carries some great year-round fashions, and not all of it overtly western in style. Take a look at the shop’s fashionable split-back sweaters with chiffon insets, gorgeous Aztec-inspired duster sweaters in vibrant hues and work-sock-style knitted official Calgary Stampede sweaters for him and her. Yeehaw!
You’ll find intricate and colourful fair-trade sweaters made by craftspeople from around the world at Manana Imports. Hand-knit by people living in developing countries, items come from more than 30 nations including Guatemala, Nepal and Afghanistan. Each sweater is unique.