The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Ask BB: Where Can I Buy Non-Itchy, Chunky Sweaters on the Cheap?




I absolutely adore chunky sweaters, but I am allergic to wool (even cashmere!). Do you have any suggestions or ideas of where to look for non-itchy chunky sweaters? —Meg

I have trouble finding chunky sweaters in general, too, so when I got your question, I headed to the mall to see what I could find. After an extensive search, I found the best selection of chunky and cozy sweaters under $30 at Forever 21. Yup, that's right, Forever 21! You wouldn't think they'd deliver substantial winter knits, but they do. I ended up buying three sweaters that I've practically been living in. Personally, I prefer a blend of wool/angora/cashmere and cotton/acrylic for warmth but I totally understand your need for synthetics that won't irritate the skin. I'm super sensitive to wool as well and always layer any wool over a long sleeve tee or button-down collared shirt. Having said that, Forever 21 had a great selection of sweaters made from acrylic, which is surprisingly warm and can be very soft to the touch.

Another place you'll want to check is ASOS.com - a blogger whose style I really admire, love Maegan, gets a lot of her chunky sweaters there at amazing prices (under $30!). See this post for inspiration.

Okay, now for some online finds!
Here's a chunky 100% acrylic sweater in a fun polka-dot print for $32.80 at forever21.com:



Here's another fab option in cotton/acrylic for $22.80, available in ivory, gray or navy blue. Forever 21 makes cable knit look cool, not frumpy. You can always size up to get a more relaxed, oversized fit:



Another place I've come across chunky sweaters is Target, of all places. Some are chunkier than others so shop in person if possible. Here's one that's 99% acrylic in rose, gray or ivory for $19.58:



Where have you found chunky sweaters this season? Let Meg know in the comments!

Photo caption: Rachel Bilson rocks a chunky knit sweater with boyfriend jeans and boots for casual, travel style.

Comments
Joe Fresh. (Does the US have it yet?)

Got one a couple weeks ago and have probably worn it every second day. It's perfect to curl up in or wear out with skinny jeans.

http://www.joefresh.com/en/product/crewneck-sweater-4
#1 Erin (Homepage) on 2013-01-01 14:04 (Reply)
Still on the hunt, but thanks for the tips. I haven't found a ton at the local F21s, but maybe I haven't gone through enough racks.
#2 K (Homepage) on 2013-01-01 15:40 (Reply)
I loved your post today about big chunky sweaters...aren't they the best in winter?! So snuggly and warm! I'm actually planning on styling a new one next week on my blog. I hope you can stop by and see it.
Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday. If you get a chance, I would love for you to stop by and check out my favorites in WORK, DAY and PLAY style from 2012...the year sure does fly by! Have a wonderful day.

xo Grace
www.wrinkledchiffon.com
#3 Grace @ Wrinkled Chiffon (Homepage) on 2013-01-01 18:46 (Reply)
Try going up a size or two at Old Navy, or shopping in their men's department. And there's always Goodwill!
#4 Sara (Homepage) on 2013-01-01 23:30 (Reply)
I agree with Sara.

I have really sensitive skin, and I think acrylic is itchy as heck.

Old Navy has some great cotton sweaters this year.

I got this one in red (it's true to size, so you might want to size up) and I LOVE it: http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=60790&vid=1&pid=330595012

And I've bought this one in cream, blue and grey (it's a size big, so you might want to get your regular size or another size up, depending on how loose you want it to be). It's incredibly cozy and soft: http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=60790&vid=1&pid=262546022
#5 Christina on 2013-01-02 08:13 (Reply)
If you're petite, this one looks nice (and cheap!)

http://www.jjill.com/jjillonline/product/itempage.aspx?item=Q7026I&BID=338673612&h=P&sk=P&pfid=203
#6 Christina on 2013-01-02 08:24 (Reply)
I saw a fabulous sweater at Macy's in the juniors department. The brand was American Rag and it was $45.

Christina - Thanks for the review! I wasn't sure what size to buy.
#7 Risa (Homepage) on 2013-01-02 16:38 (Reply)
Thanks so much for all of the suggestions! I love that Longline Cable Knit from Forever21, and I'll definitely check out ASOS!
#8 Meg on 2013-01-02 23:54 (Reply)
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