Easy Steps To Make An Itchy Sweater More Comfortable

The transition from summer to fall is filled with many changes. As the autumn breeze begins to feel nippy and thick clouds start covering the sun, it's time to trade in those bikinis and iced coffees for fuzzy socks and hot lattes. Transforming that summer wardrobe into one that is fit for the colder months might be a bittersweet feeling, but think of all the cute and cozy outfits that await!

There are many staple pieces that you need in your fall wardrobe, one of the more essential items being a sweater. But let's face it — some sweaters are like kittens: soft and adorable at first, but later revealing their true scratchy nature. Just because that sweater is itchy, though, doesn't mean you have to toss it out or donate it. In fact, there are several steps you can take to make an itchy sweater more comfortable just in time for those colder months that are quickly approaching.

It's first important to note that if a particular fabric makes you itch, such as wool or cashmere, you may have a sensitivity to the fibers in the clothing (via WebMD). If certain symptoms like redness, scaling, or extreme itching occurs, it might be best to avoid wearing the garment altogether. However, there is a way to soften the fibers and keep them from sticking out and irritating your skin that you can try if that sweater is just too dang cute to pass up.

Firstly, according to Glamour, add a few tablespoons of white vinegar to a bowl or sink of cold water. Turn the sweater inside out and soak it in the mixture for about 15 minutes, ensuring it is completely saturated. Gently ring the sweater out and massage a few pumps of hair conditioner onto it. (Pro tip: Use a high-quality conditioner for best results, as cheaper conditioners tend to leave a waxy residue.) Both the vinegar and hair conditioner will work together to soften the fibers.

Let the conditioner sit for 30 minutes inside the sweater, then rinse thoroughly with cold water. Be careful not to stretch the sweater too much. Then, lay it flat on a towel to dry. Once dry, fold it, place it in a Ziplock baggie, and freeze it overnight. The freezer will keep the short fibers from sticking out, further irritating the skin.

Sweaters are a classically versatile staple piece. Whether dressing up your sweater with knee-high boots and stockings or incorporating it into a low-key, chill outfit with jeans and sneakers, there are countless ways to style it. This fall, cable knit sweaters, oversized cardigans, graphic knits, and plaid sweaters are incredibly trendy (per Marie Claire). Knit sweaters pair beautifully with denim jeans, trousers, and silk skirts, according to Today, especially when a pair of booties or knee-high boots are added to the look.

Oversized knit sweaters and cardigans, worn as dresses for the "no pants look," are popular fashion trends that have yet to go out of style. Vogue recommends pairing an oversized sweater with tailored trousers to create a classier ensemble, or skirts and tunics work great too. Plaid sweaters are also a classic, versatile item, which can contribute to an outfit looking anywhere from punk to feminine. Styling them with leggings, denim shorts, jeans, and trousers are all great choices (per Seventeen). At the end of the day, styling a sweater all comes down to personal style and preference. So throw one on, grab a PSL, and you're more than ready to take on sweater weather like a pro.