Collection: White Sweaters

Fine white knit (high Nm yarn, tight knit like jersey knit) can show the underwear underneath if the fabric is not dense. A bra with visible straps or underwires under a fine white sweater is one of the most common faux pas. Solutions: nude underwear (not white: white under white creates a visible bright contrast) or a bralette without underwires in smooth fabric, or choose a thick knit (garter stitch, wide ribs, chunky knit) that completely covers. Test before purchase: hold the white sweater up to a light source: if the weave is visible through transparency, the underwear will be too. A thick cashmere or chunky wool white sweater does not have this problem: the sufficient thickness of the knit completely opacifies.

The yellowing of a white sweater has two origins: sweat stains (acid) that oxidize the fibers over time, and the natural yellowing of certain fibers due to aging. Wool: slightly yellows over time (oxidation of keratin proteins): white wool naturally becomes "off-white." Cotton: remains white but yellows in sweat areas (armpits). Acrylic: yellows faster than wool due to polymer oxidation: white acrylic sweaters lose their whiteness in 2-3 seasons. Cashmere and merino: yellow less quickly than standard wool due to the fineness of the fibers. Prevention: wash the white sweater after every 2-3 wears (do not store with unwashed sweat stains), store away from light and in tissue paper (UV yellows protein fibers). Treatment: soak in cold water with baking soda (1 tablespoon per liter, 30 minutes) before normal washing: effective on light yellowing.

Makeup (foundation, mascara): treat immediately with cold water and neutral soap, do not rub (spreads the stain). Coffee or tea: cold water immediately, then enzymatic stain remover. Never hot water first (sets the stain). White deodorant (armpit marks): pure white vinegar dabbed dry before washing: dissolves deodorant salts. Lipstick: 70% alcohol or makeup remover milk on the stain before washing. General rule for a white sweater: treat stains immediately, always cold first, never rub in circles (stretches and damages the knit): dab from the outside inwards.

In white, the weave creates plays of shadow and light that are particularly visible because white reflects all wavelengths. A white rib stitch creates fine shadows between the columns: the effect is graphic and elegant. White cables are the most expressive: the three-dimensional relief captures light on the tops of the cables and creates shadows in the hollows: a very visible sculptural effect on white. A smooth white jersey reflects light evenly: clean and minimal appearance. The chunky white knit is the most trendy and easiest to wear because its thickness solves the transparency problem.

Optical white (pure, bright white) is obtained by fluorescent agents in washing or dyeing: it reflects UV into visible light, making it "shine." It is very visible and bright but can appear cold or clinical. Off-white (ivory, ecru, milk) has no fluorescent agent: its hue is warm, close to cream. It flatters medium and dark skin tones more than optical white, which can create a harsh contrast with tanned or bronzed skin. Optical white is spectacular under ultraviolet light (club, event with blacklight). For everyday wear: off-white is more universally flattering.

For a white cashmere sweater: cashmere sweaters. For a white mohair sweater (white halo): mohair sweaters. For high-end white basics: sweaters and cardigans. For a white shirt (alternative to the sweater): white shirts.