Sconset SeaWell women’s sweater
The softness of the Long Wharf Women's Sconset SeaWell Sweater was immediately obvious as soon as I put it over my head while I got ready for a February morning sail along the coast, writes Katy Stickland.
Made from 60% cotton and 40% recycled oyster shells and water bottles, the yarn is designed to be comfortable and breathable. Unlike 100% cotton jumpers, the Sconset SeaWell kept me warm in the relatively light winds and sunny skies, helped by the neck, cuffs, and bottom of the jumper being thickly ribbed; these features also meant it didn’t ride up. I didn’t overheat either while wearing my sailing jacket and lifejacket, which can be an issue with 100% wool jumpers. The times I did get a little wet, the jumper dried out quickly.
I like the traditional sailor stripe pattern (who doesn’t?) and vintage style, which is based on the type of fisherman’s sweaters I used to borrow in my teens from my Dad's wardrobe! It’s both useful on the water and ashore.
The only negative I can find is the garment care. Although it can be washed on a cold machine cycle, hand washing is recommended and the jumper needs to dry flat, which is a bit of a pain. Despite this, it has found a place as a mid-layer among my sailing gear. It’s recommended you size up as the sweater will shrink slightly after washing. I’m a size 12 and I went for a large size which fitted perfectly, even after putting it through the machine on a cold wash. Pros: super soft on the skin; comfortable to wear and warm; recycled materials Cons: expensive; hand washing recommended; needs to dry flat
Price: RRP £103 Sizes XS-XL
Colours: Navy, cream, light blue, grey/ green, yellow Contact: longwharfsupply.com