Where To Buy Unique Sweaters

I’m a big sweater gal! They are one of my absolute wardrobe staples and probably the item I own the most of other than dresses. I wear sweaters in Charleston autumn through spring. In the summer, so many of the places I usually visit (California, Nantucket, Sag Harbor, and Jackson Hole) require sweaters in the evenings… at least for me because I’m always cold!

I love my classic cream, camel, navy, and black sweaters but I also really gravitate toward colorful, patterned, and embroidered sweaters. I also love everything from knit sweaters to cashmere sweaters to lightweight cotton sweaters. I’m telling you, I love sweaters. Now more than ever, there are so many places to pick up inspired sweaters. I’m always discovering new sweater sources so I thought it would be fun to share a post on the topic for all my other sweater fanatics out there. While there’s nothing wrong with the chain stores, there are a few unique spots to pick up more one-of-a-kind sweaters than Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, and Madewell. Here goes! Where to buy unique sweaters…

Where To Buy Unique Sweaters

Lingua Franca

Lingua Franca started by accident really. The founder needed to burn off anxiety so she turned to embroidery, which was a craft her grandma taught her growing up. She picked up an old cashmere sweater, a needle and thread, and started riffing on hip hop lyrics. Thus, Lingua Franca was born. The sweaters by Lingua Franca all have cheeky, clever, or activist phrases on them so, when you wear them, you can really make a statement. The “apres is best” sweater I’m wearing in this post was a Lingua Franca purchase I made in Jackson Hole in January (from Terra). Overall, Lingua Franca is a line of sustainably-sourced, fair trade luxury cashmere sweaters, all hand-stitched by women in NYC. Quite unique if you ask me! Below are a few Lingua Franca sweaters I love! Shop all Lingua Franca sweaters here.

01Lingua Franca Love Rules Sweater

This sweater is hand sewn with a beaded patchwork heart. Each patchwork heart is a little work of art created by hand. This sweater gives back! $100 from every “love rules” sweater purchased helps to support The Center – NYC’s LGBT community center.

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02Lingua Franca Educate Sweater

As a former elementary school teacher, I love this “educate” sweater. Each sweater is hand sewn with a button heart and, as such, is a little work of art.

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03Lingua Franca I Heart NY Sweater

A chic update on the timeless I Heart NY t-shirts. This is another sweater that gives back! 20% of the sales from each sweater purchased supports the National Domestic Workers Alliance, an organization working to slow the spread of Coronavirus by providing emergency assistance for domestic workers that enables them to stay home and healthy.

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04Lingua Franca Après All Day Sweater

The cutest post-skiing sweater out there! This is a sweater I’d reach for year after year to bring on my snowy getaways. (P.S. I know I’m wearing an après sweater in non-snowy Charleston – we were planning to see snow again this spring but, you know, Coronavirus.)

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05Lingua Franca Personalized Cardigan

Rock your own monogram with this customized personalized cardigan! You can do two or three letters. So cute.

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06Lingua Franca Personalized Sweetheart Cardigan

Customize your Sweetheart Cardigan with a heart and Cupid’s arrow, and include your sweetheart’s initial!

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Le Lion

Between Le Lion’s lovely sweater designs and wonderful mission as a company, there’s nothing not to love! As an alternative to fast-fashion, Le Lion only uses the finest Italian yarn to knit their classic, wearable silhouettes. Le Lion was born out of a passion for personalization reminiscent of a bygone era and the desire to reestablish what it means to dress with individual sparkle. Think: embroidered interpretations of traditional heraldry and personalization with whimsical monograms and zodiac constellations. I think Le Lion sweaters are so unique, playful, and inspiring! Shop all Le Lion sweaters here. Plus, shop all the Le Lion zodiac sweaters here.

01Le Lion Spring Petite Crew with Heart

The signature sequin heart sweater is Le Lion’s most-loved design ever! Designed to feature the initials of a loved one or loved ones! Smitten? Add the monogram of your love. For another take on a modern heirloom, try combining the first initials of your children’s names (grandkids or even BFFs). Still looking? Add an acronym (OMG, BAE, TTYL)!

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02Le Lion Striped Petite Crew with Rainbow Heart

Le Lion’s most-loved style earned it’s stripes! The fit is slightly boxy and easy to wear adorned with a rainbow sequin heart. Leave the inside of the heart blank, add a short word, or initials!

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03Le Lion Short Sleeve Laursie Cardigan

Bring on the warmer days with Le Lion’s short sleeve cardigan! Complete with darling puff sleeves and iridescent faceted vintage buttons. Tradition meets whimsy with an antiqued gold heart topped with a rhinestone bow.

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04Le Lion Alexandra Belted Cardigan

Adorned with a pearl, sequin, and ostrich feather dandelion, this cardigan is everything you wish for… complete with vintage mother of pearl buttons and a matching removable belt.

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05Le Lion Spring Petite Crew with Pet

Okay, is this not the cutest concept ever!? Create a lasting homage to your precious pets by adding a hand-embroidered portrait of their face(s) and name(s) to the classic crew. Upload an image of their face to be reimagined by an artist and embroidered by hand. Options available are: Dog, 2 Dogs, Cat, 2 Cats, or Cat AND dog!

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06Le Lion Boucle Petite Crew with Zodiac

My heart skips a beat over the pearl beaded astrological symbols on this sweater. Choose one of the twelve signs to show off your individual sparkle! The incredibly soft boucle material is a dream too.

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Kiel James Patrick

Kiel James Patrick, KJP, is a classic, New England-based, all-American brand that designs timeless American-made fashion and accessories. I first discovered the brand years ago when I started following Kiel and his wife, Sarah, on Instagram. I simply love their content and the way everything they do makes me feel nostalgic for the the first day or fall, summer, or the holidays. When I ever get myself to Newport, RI, I’m definitely visiting their flagship store there! Shop all Kiel James Patrick sweaters here.

01Kiel James Patrick Fresh Catch Sweater

I mean, how cute is this sweater!? Be the freshest catch this spring and summer with KJP’s limited edition embroidered lobster sweater. You’re my lobster!

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02Kiel James Patrick Old Salt Sweater

I’m definitely one of those girls that always needs a sweater for a day on the water, even in the summer. The KJP New England Donegal Collection of sweaters are designed with beach bonfires and sailing trips in mind. Made from the perfect lightweight, 100% marled wool and in a relaxed but feminine fit. I love the slightly rolled neck collar too!

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03Kiel James Patrick Newport Tennis Club Sweater

Ha, I laughed out loud when I read KJP’s description of this sweater (can you name the movie!?)… Born out of nostalgia, it’s a Cinderella story crafted for all your favorite club activities. Trusty like your seven iron, bold like your net game and classic like your back-stroke, it’s prep meets purpose meets the Dalai Lama aboard his graceful yacht. But don’t worry if your swing has a slice, at the KJP clubhouse, style points count twice! Gunga galunga! P.S. This sweater also comes in cream.

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04Kiel James Patrick American Yacht Club Sweater

This Yacht Club sweater is part of the same “Coast and Country Club” collection as the Tennis Club sweater. If you’re the ultimate prep, then consider adding this monogrammed sweater to your summer wardrobe! P.S. This sweater also comes in navy.

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05Kiel James Patrick Old Glory Sweater

One if by land and two if by sea, the KJP Old Glory sweaters fly flags of three. Proudly designed in New England, a stone’s throw from where Paul Revere made his midnight ride in 1775. The three flags all symbolize the uniqueness of the American experience and our freedom to pursue the American Dream. P.S. This sweater also comes in navy!

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06Kiel James Patrick The Original Wool Anchor Sweater

New England’s spin on the classic Norwegian Sweater, KJP’s Original Anchor Sweater is a testament to the nautical spirit. American made from the perfect seafaring wool blend, this cozy sweater can be dressed up or down, lending a dash of duality to your coastal style.

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Hampden

Hampden is without a doubt the best women’s fashion and accessories boutique in Charleston! In fact, it’s one of the very best in the whole country. The owner, Stacy, does such a fantastic job buying and sourcing interesting, creative, and up-and-coming brands so you can always find a unique sweater here! Below are a few unique sweaters I’m loving from Hampden’s current inventory. Shop all Hampden sweaters here.

I hope you discovered a new brand or sweater to love! Thanks for reading! xx

Photography by Edwin Eversole