How to Thrift Heirloom Sweaters That Last

Thrifting heirloom knits is part treasure hunt, part act of care — for the pieces that are built to last. Heirloom sweaters last generations because they are made with care and quality, often from natural fibers, that stand the test of time. Unlike fast fashion pieces, these knits were built to last and are often passed down through families.

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Even when you find them secondhand, knits can carry a history and craftsmanship worth preserving. A well-made sweater can last decades if you choose wisely and treat it well. Whether you thrift in person or online, here are tips to know before you buy.

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Look For Natural Fibers In Sweaters

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Start with the tag. Wool, cashmere, alpaca, and cotton wear longer than synthetic blends. They breathe better, too. Also, not all wool is itchy. Merino wool is soft and smooth, while lambs wool and Shetland can feel rougher. If you have sensitive skin, rub the fabric against your neck or inner arm. That quick test saves you from surprises later.

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Check Vintage Knits For Damage

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Hold the sweater up to the light. Look for small holes, thinning spots, or loose seams. Tiny holes from moths are easy to darn with matching yarn. A pulled thread can also be fixed with a needle. Large areas of wear, unraveling cuffs, or felted patches are harder to repair. Unless you love a visible-mending project, leave those behind.

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Also read: 3 Ways To Fix A Hole In A Sweater

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Do A Smell Test Before You Buy

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Give the sweater a sniff. A faint musty smell is common and usually easy to fix. Soak the knit in cool water with a splash of white vinegar, then rinse well. Lay it flat to dry. Persistent odors like mildew or smoke can be stubborn. If the smell is sharp and baked in, it may never fully go away. In that case, skip it.

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Check Sizing On Older Sweaters

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Older sweaters often run smaller than modern sizes. Don’t trust the tag alone. Measure the chest, sleeve, and length if you’re shopping online. In person, hold it up against a sweater you already own for comparison.

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Watch For Fading Or Color Changes

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Sun fading is common in vintage knits. Light fading can look charming, but uneven patches may be hard to fix. If dye bleed shows inside the sweater, wash separately to avoid staining other clothes.

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Check For Pilling On Knits

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Pilling (those small fuzzy balls) is common with wear. Light pilling can be removed with a sweater comb or fabric shaver. Heavy pilling all over the garment is harder to deal with and may shorten the knit’s life.

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Where To Find Heirloom Knits

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Here are some of the thrift stores where you can find a wide range of vintage sweaters:

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