Boys Sweaters

Get ready to pull boys' sweaters out of storage once summer weather moves out and cooler temperatures move in. A boy may have a few sweaters or he may have a huge collection, depending on the climate he lives in. Whether he prefers pullovers or cardigans, there's sure to be a number of sweaters he'll reach for again and again through fall and winter.

Traditionally made of durable, hard-wearing wool, boys' sweaters are available in various fabrics and designs. Wool has long been a favorite because it's hardy and incredibly warm. The itchy wool of yesteryear is almost unheard of today. Soft wools and other materials such as acrylic and even cotton make up many of the boys' sweaters parents will find.

When buying sweaters for boys, keep in mind that you'll typically see basic colors, as with most boys' clothing. Blues, blacks and grays dominate boys' apparel. With some searching, however, you'll come across brighter, more cheery colors perfect for keeping the winter doldrums away. Other shades that work with a boy's wardrobe include:

• Bright red
• Yellow
• Green
• Deep purple
• Cream

Solid sweaters can be enhanced with textural interest like cables and ribbing.

Besides solid colored sweaters, you'll find many patterned designs, especially for the holidays. Christmas sweaters may feature prints like reindeer, snowflakes, candy canes and Christmas trees. Stripes are always popular when it comes to boys' clothing, so look for traditional stripe patterns (for instance, navy blue and white), as well as whimsical patterns that incorporate many colors.

Pullover sweaters are a staple of many winter wardrobes. Easy to wear and accessorize, they can be worn alone or over other shirts for added warmth. Pullovers are available in solid and patterned varieties, and work well with all kinds of pants.

Not just for boarding school boys and kids who love preppy clothing, cardigans are a wonderful way to add versatility to a child's wardrobe. Find them with button or zipper closures. They're a perfect way to dress up khakis and an oxford shirt, or to add some flair to jeans.

Vests can add an extra layer of warmth without adding too much. These sleeveless sweaters are perfect for slipping over long-sleeved tee shirts, button-down shirts and turtlenecks. They can be casual or more dressy, depending on whether a boy wears them with khakis, dress slacks or jeans.

Once stores bring out fall and winter merchandise, expect to see a variety of boys' sweaters of all sizes. These retailers offer an abundance of stylish boys' sweaters in all price points:

• Gap
• CWD Kids
• Sears
• JCPenney
• Land's End
• Old Navy
• Rugged Bear
• Marshall's
• Abercrombie Kids

Wool sweaters should be stored either in cedar chests, with cedar balls or lavender sachets when they aren't worn. A moth infestation can ruin 100 percent wool sweaters, so store them properly during spring and summer to avoid finding holes in them the next time they're pulled out to wear. Because sweaters aren't usually worn year-round, they hold up well for passing along to younger siblings. Proper storage will help them last through one boy after another.

Give a boy a variety of sweaters to wear, but don't be surprised if he's partial to pullovers in one basic color. Whether he prefers cabled sweaters, argyle prints or holiday patterns, there's enough variety in boys' sweaters to keep the pickiest boys warm.

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