A ridiculously in-depth review of The Row Ophelia Sweater & more affordable alternatives

The one where I spend a lot of $$ trying out knitwear so you don't have to

Given the intensity with which I will often research a purchase - especially when it’s a more spendy item - it’s a surprise that anything ever manages to make it into my cart. Or perhaps… it’s less of a surprise that I tend not to put luxury items on a pedestal. Years of research (and shopping) have long taught me that quality comes at every price. The trick is knowing what to look for. Or more importantly, what you’re looking for.

And here I am, weeks later and I’m still thinking about that darn Ophelia Sweater from The Row. Something I think many of us have collectively agreed is a stupid amount of money to spend on a singular item (I mean maybe if it was made of gold yarn…).

It’s not often that I find myself stuck on an item like this, but the message for myself was clear. Do the research; seek and you shall find.

So buoyed on by comments and messages in my DMs, I decided to do it. Order the Ophelia Sweater so I could see once and for all what it was about this knit that I really loved. Was it really worth the hype? But also, participate in a little bit of consumer research by measuring it up against some of its more affordable counterparts.

With a real focus on the minutiae, I’ve examined every possible element and I’ve come away with some thoughts. Here’s what you’ll find in today’s letter…

• Visual comparisons of five sweaters both at a macro and micro level (including The Row Ophelia)

• A chart with detailed item measurements for each sweater

• Notes on fit, quality, softness of the knit, and the hierarchy in which I’d place these sweaters

• Whether I think the Ophelia is actually worth it

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