Attention, Gilmore Girls fans, I got my hands on the viral Rory sweater—or, at least—a nearly identical version. The internet has dubbed this Aelfric Eden pullover the “Rory sweater” because it looks strikingly similar to the one Rory wears in the show’s pilot episode. Lorelai may call it a “mumu,” but the chunky knit has since become one of Rory’s—and the show’s—most memorable looks.
Just as Gilmore Girls is synonymous with cozy autumn vibes, this off-white cable-knit sweater has become a quintessential fall wardrobe staple. Ahead, you can read my thoughts on the sweater, along with styling ideas to get Rory’s exact look and other cable-knit styles to shop.
Rory Gilmore in the pilot episode of Gilmore Girls.
Anvita Reddy trying on the Aelfric Eden Oversized Knit Vintage Pullover Sweater.
While Rory’s version looks longer and chunkier, the cable-knit pattern featured on this Aelfric Eden sweater is nearly the same. Per the brand, it’s made from 100% acrylic and feels soft, warm, and insulating.
It doesn’t feel scratchy or itchy against my skin, and although there’s enough room to layer it over a T-shirt, I didn’t need an additional base layer to stay comfortable. I haven’t washed it just yet, but the brand recommends hand- or machine-washing it inside out in cold water and hanging dry to help preserve its shape and softness.
Although the sweater is designed to have a more relaxed fit, don’t assume you’ll be drowning in it like Rory—unless you want to. I’m petite and tried both an extra-small (my actual size) and a small (sizing up): The extra small fit me perfectly, while the small created a longer, boyfriend-inspired silhouette.
I personally would stick with the small at the largest, since I’d rather not deal with the extra bulk and having to roll up my sleeves constantly. But if you want Rory’s exact “mumu” look, you might want to go up by two sizes.
Anvita Reddy wearing a size extra small.
Anvita Reddy wearing a size small.
How to get Rory’s “mumu” look
Rory pairs her sweater with dark-wash bootcut jeans, Doc Martens-style combat boots, and a chocolate-brown leather backpack with a front flap. She wears the sleeves rolled up, and the sweater falls to her mid-thigh.
And if you want to see more options similar to Rory's pilot episode look, I found some ahead. Aelfric Eden has a few more roomy styles to consider with varying patterns and we found other alternatives from, like Gap, Aritzia, and Free People. If you’d prefer a sweater dress, Senior Content Strategy Manager Sophie Park has this cable-knit sweater dress from Anrabess, and “was pleasantly impressed by the softness.”
