This is one of those sweaters that you only truly understand the quality of once you put it on. Not thick, not heavy, and certainly not one of those massive woolen winter sweaters. The SOFIE by MADNESS is finely and smoothly knitted, made from a blend of organic wool and organic cotton. This gives you all the warmth and benefits of wool, but the sweater feels lighter and less "woolly" on the skin.
And those colors! We have the SOFIE in two pretty amazing versions: bright green and Imperial Blue. The latter is actually hard to pin down to a single shade: it's an intense blue with a purplish undertone. It’s really one of those colors that looks slightly different depending on the light.
Why is the MADNESS SOFIE such a great sweater?
Because it's exactly the kind of mid-weight sweater that you'll get so much use out of. Thin enough to wear indoors, warm enough to really feel the properties of wool working, and casual enough to just throw on with a pair of jeans.
The fabric is smooth and finely knitted, and the round neckline has a nice, slightly wider trim. No fuss, no complicated design: just a remarkably lovely sweater where the color does all the heavy lifting.
- 60% organic wool
- 40% organic cotton
- GOTS-certified
- Fine and smooth knit
- Round neckline
- Long sleeves
- Available in green and Imperial Blue
- Fairly produced
What is the benefit of a sweater made from wool and cotton?
Quite a lot, actually. By combining 60% wool with 40% cotton, you get a sweater that feels different than one made of 100% wool. The wool provides warmth and helps regulate your body temperature, while the cotton makes the sweater feel lighter and smoother.
This makes the SOFIE very comfortable for people who love wearing wool but don’t always need a thick, fluffy sweater. And precisely because it isn't bulky, you can wear it for most of the year.
How does the MADNESS SOFIE fit?
The SOFIE has a feminine, relatively fitted silhouette, but it doesn't cling to the body. In the photos, you can see how nicely it drapes along the body and that the knit is supple enough not to look stiff. I am wearing a size 40 in the photo.
The length is perfect for trousers: not overly long, but definitely not cropped. Because of this, you don't really have to overthink your outfit. Just throw on some jeans and you're good to go.
Which SOFIE color will you choose: green or Imperial Blue?
Well, good luck—because both are pretty excellent.
Green is bright, fresh, and expressive without being loud. Beautiful with denim and very nice paired with, for example, dark blue, camel, brown, or ecru.
Imperial Blue sits somewhere between an intense blue and a purplish-blue. Not your standard navy, but a color with much more zest. It looks fantastic with denim, but try pairing it with green, burgundy, or brown as well.
Does a wool and cotton sweater itch?
How someone experiences wool is always personal. The addition of organic cotton ensures that this sweater feels smoother and less aggressively woolly than many 100% wool sweaters. If you are very sensitive to wool, we recommend coming in to feel and try it on for yourself.
And honestly, that is always our best advice when it comes to wool: feeling it tells you much more than a label ever could.
How do you wash the MADNESS SOFIE?
The most important washing advice is actually: don't wash it too often. Wool naturally resists odors, so airing it out outside is often enough.
If the SOFIE does need a wash? Use the wool cycle on your machine, wash cold or at a maximum of 30 degrees, and choose a detergent suitable for wool. We love using Lanalicious wool detergent with lanolin for this.
After washing, lay the sweater flat to dry and never put it in the dryer. Also, check out our wool washing video and read the washing guide included with your order carefully.
Can the MADNESS SOFIE pill?
Yes, it can. And that doesn't mean there is anything wrong with your sweater. With natural fibers like wool, friction can cause small fibers to work their way to the surface and form pills. This can happen especially in the beginning.
Please do not pull those little balls off with your fingers. Doing so will only pull more fibers out of the knit. Instead, use a good fabric shaver or sweater comb, like our Gleener. This allows you to gently remove pilling without damaging your beautiful sweater.
Frequently asked questions about the MADNESS SOFIE
What is the SOFIE made of?
It’s made of 60% organic wool and 40% organic cotton. The combination makes the sweater warm, breathable, and relatively lightweight at the same time.
Is the SOFIE a thick wool sweater?
No. The SOFIE is quite finely and smoothly knitted. This makes it a great sweater for indoors and for the spring and autumn, as well as a great layering piece in the winter.
What colors are available?
We have the MADNESS SOFIE in green and Imperial Blue. Imperial Blue is a particularly intense blue with a slightly purplish undertone.
Can I wash this wool sweater in the washing machine?
You can, provided your washing machine has a reliable wool cycle. Wash cold or at a maximum of 30 degrees with a suitable wool detergent and lay the sweater flat to dry afterwards.
What do I do if my SOFIE starts to pill?
A little pilling is normal for natural wool fibers. Carefully remove the pills with a Gleener sweater comb and do not pull them out of the fabric with your fingers.
So, if you’re looking for a wool sweater that doesn't immediately feel like you need to head to the North Pole, this is a wonderful choice. It's lovely and thin, beautiful in color, and so easy to wear that there’s a good chance it will come out of your closet more often than you expected.
