Even if you don’t know your poles from your bindings, or your cross-country from your downhill, the fashion that looks as though you’re hitting the slopes in style can be attained by anyone. Understanding what to look for is what it’s all about when shopping. It’s as easy as seeking out some of winter’s most in-demand knitwear. You needn’t be hanging out at the ski lodge with hot cocoa in hand to show off these warm and cozy beauties. Lots of folks who have never participated in winter sports get the high-end ski look by keeping their eyes open for vintage looking sweaters at Goodwill. We’ll discuss the various styles and how to adapt them into your cold weather outfit rotation.

The most easily recognizable classic sweaters are the ones that feature ski related themes - such as skiers, snowflakes and more. A good vintage sweater will be made of wool and will have tags that name the country of origin. That’s not to say you can’t find a sweater that has a vintage vibe and suits the same style purpose!  Now, of course we shouldn’t confuse a ski sweater with the much maligned holiday sweater that has reached levels of popularity that defy logical explanation. Ski sweaters use more traditional motifs of winter scenes that would relate to sporting activity only.

Cable knit sweaters actually look like wavy cable ropes that wrap around a center vertical line to form the pattern of the sweater. This is a technique of knitting that produces a sweater with more density and weight. Traditional and sturdy, often done in a cream or ivory color, they were worn first by fisherman, and then adopted by stylish sportsmen and women for cavorting on the slopes. Acrylic knits are fine, but they don’t wear quite as well as pure wool, or wool blends.  Wool and wool blends are thought of as the warmest sweater money can buy, and at Goodwill that won’t be a whole lot.

Alpine skiing refers to the sport of downhill skiing. This can be done anywhere with the potent combination of snow, mountain slopes, and tourism. Alpine sweaters of this type often reference the act of skiing itself as well as the surrounding geography and wildlife. Look for snowflakes, a moose, or skiers gliding down the front of your Alpine sweater. Colorful graphics that illustrate the sport in more modern ways can also be found, although this is more rare.  Traditional colors in Alpine wear would include red, white, ivory and navy blue. 

Fair Isle is a reference to the traditional knitting technique used to create the traditional patterns that came from the Shetland Islands just north of Scotland.  Comprised of five or more colors, real Fair Isle knits are easy to spot on the inside because the unused colors for the pattern are stranded across the back of the sweater. The patterns tend to look more complicated and usually do not have recognizable objects or forms on them. They are densely knitted and tend to be on the heavier side of the sweater spectrum. The tags may also reference Scotland if you’re lucky enough to find an authentic one! 

When it comes to fashion, style, warmth and durability during our Midwestern winters, a great high-quality ski sweater just can’t be beat! So get your poles, bindings and boots, and slalom right on over to Goodwill to find some ski-friendly looks for you and your family!