LIVING CRAFTS striped zip-up sweater BIRKA organic cotton

LIVING CRAFTS striped zipped sweater BIRKA made of organic cotton

That delightful old-fashioned fisherman's sweater, but with a unique twist. The LIVING CRAFTS BIRKA features a chunky-knit two-tone striped pattern, a generous Troyer collar, and a short metal zipper. Sturdy, comfortable, and striking enough that you can keep the rest of your outfit nice and simple.

The official color is called INK/MACADAMIA: dark blue combined with a soft cream color. This makes the contrast clear, but less harsh than black and stark white. The solid dark blue cuffs on the sleeves and hem beautifully balance out the busy knit pattern.

Why the striped BIRKA is so great

• 100% organic cotton
• GOTS-certified
• Vegan
• Chunky-knit two-tone striped pattern
• Color: INK/MACADAMIA – dark blue with cream
• Troyer collar or fisherman's collar with a short zipper
• Sturdy metal zipper
• Raglan sleeves for extra freedom of movement
• Solid dark blue sleeve cuffs and waistband
• Loose and comfortable Casual Fit

A fisherman's sweater with a substantial collar

The centerpiece of this striped sweater is, of course, the wide Troyer collar. Wear the metal zipper open and the collar falls loosely over your shoulders. Zip it up further, and the collar stands higher, keeping your neck nicely covered. Convenient in wind, cold, or just because you feel like having a slightly bolder look.

The stripes don't run in the exact same direction everywhere. Diagonal lines are created at the raglan sleeves and around the neck, making the chunky knit pattern stand out even more beautifully. It is precisely this construction that makes BIRKA much more exciting than an ordinary, straightforward striped sweater.

Is the BIRKA a wool sweater?

No, even though BIRKA definitely has the look of a sturdy wool fisherman's sweater. This sweater is knitted from 100% organic cotton. That makes it a great choice if you love a chunky-knit winter sweater but prefer not to wear wool.

Cotton is less insulating than wool, but often feels pleasant in heated spaces and during the milder days of autumn and spring. For extra warmth, you can easily wear a long-sleeve, turtleneck, or wool-silk undershirt underneath. This way, you decide for yourself how many layers the day requires.

How does the LIVING CRAFTS BIRKA fit?

According to LIVING CRAFTS, BIRKA has a Casual Fit. This means the sweater falls loosely and comfortably around the body and is not heavily tailored. The raglan sleeves start at the neck instead of at a fixed shoulder seam. This gives you plenty of freedom of movement, and the shoulder doesn't have to end in any specific place. That’s nice for a change.

The wide ribbed hem at the bottom allows the sweater to fit nicely around the hips. Wear it with jeans for a cool, everyday combination, or pair the chunky knit with smart trousers or a skirt. Tucking it in slightly at the front is also an option, of course. You already know how we feel about that.

GOTS-certified and vegan

The organic cotton of this sweater is GOTS-certified. This certification looks not only at the organic origin of the fibers but also at requirements for further processing and production. Furthermore, BIRKA is vegan and therefore contains no wool or other animal fibers.

As far as we are concerned, sustainability is not just about certifications. It helps most when a garment is well-made, easy to combine, and something you want to reach for in your closet time and again. With its sturdy knit, timeless colors, and distinctive collar, BIRKA certainly has excellent credentials for that.

How to wash a chunky-knit cotton sweater

Wash this organic cotton sweater only when necessary and always follow the wash label. BIRKA can be washed at a maximum of 30 degrees on a delicate cycle. Close the metal zipper, turn the sweater inside out, and use a small amount of mild detergent. Preferably wash it with similar colors.

Do not tumble dry the sweater. After washing, gently pull it back into shape and let it dry flat. This is especially important for a chunky knit: on a clothes hanger, a wet sweater can become longer and narrower due to its own weight. If ironing is necessary, it can be done at a moderate temperature.

Come and try on the BIRKA in Rotterdam

Do you want to see how the Casual Fit looks on you or feel how sturdy the organic cotton is? Visit Natur-el at Zwaanshals 376 in Rotterdam. We are open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

Also check out our other sustainable women's sweaters made from natural materials online. Do you have a question about the size? Call our friendly staff during opening hours at 010-7954177 or email klantenservice@natur-el.nl.