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InStyle / Kristin Kempa
Not to be corny, but a good cashmere sweater feels like a hug — and that’s before we even get into the style benefits. So it’s no surprise that many of us hang onto the same ones for years and develop tried and trusted brands that we’d recommend to anyone. For example, stylist Emily Evans, known for dressing Ashley Graham, Nicole Scherzinger, and Bebe Rexha, says her favorite cashmere sweater is still a black Gucci piece she has from over 10 years ago, while stylist and editor Sally Lyndley is still slipping on cashmere sweaters from The Elder Statesman she chose 15 years ago for their classic colors and shapes.
If you’re curious about cashmere quality and are wondering why certain sweaters ring in at a much higher price point than others, it’s all about the material’s blend, where it was sourced from, the ply count, and, of course, the brand you’re purchasing it from. We’ve broken down those details for you ahead, while also shedding light on the cashmere sweaters that are most in style in 2024. Lyndley tends to go for sheer and silk blends if you want something trendy, and chunky cable knit or Fair Isle à la Jane Birkin for a nod to vintage fashion.
Fashion blogger LaToya Wright and Megababe founder Katie Sturino also weighed in on their top cashmere picks, as well as the details they take note of when shopping for this seasonal staple. Read ahead to learn about the 15 cashmere sweaters we deem the best on the market, then get tips on how to clean and care for your cashmere from industry pros.
Best Overall
Raey Crewneck Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater
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Matches Fashion
What We Love: It’s made from the perfect lightweight, recyclable cashmere blend making for a super-soft feel.
What We Don’t Love: It’s not offered in extended sizing.
Designed for an oversized fit, this luxe cashmere sweater is worth the splurge because of the quality alone. The cashmere blend is eco-friendly with a touch of Merino wool, which is also Responsible Wool Standard-certified. The neutral shades offer maximum versatility, and the details make this sweater a classic that stands the test of time. Raey is one of Evans’s top recommended brands for quality cashmere, so you know you can’t go wrong.
Size: XXS–L | Material: Recycled cashmere, cashmere, Merino wool | Cut: Crewneck
Best Affordable
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
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Quince
What We Love: It’s an incredibly low price point for quality Mongolian cashmere that’s detailed on the brand’s Cashmere 101 page.
What We Don’t Love: Buyers report that it pills quickly.
This is the cashmere sweater that made Quince famous. With nearly 10,000 reviews and offered in a whopping 19 colors, there’s a comparison chart on the product page that details the bonuses that come with shopping Quince for cashmere over brands like J.Crew, Everlane, and Naked Cashmere. While everyone has their preference, there’s no denying this is one of the most classic cashmere sweaters on the list.
Size: XS–XL | Material: Grade-A Mongolian cashmere | Cut: Crewneck
Best Versatile
Uniqlo Cashmere Crew Neck Long Sleeve Sweater
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UNIQLO
What We Love: It can easily be hand-washed, available in 15 colors.
What We Don’t Love: Sizes are frequently sold out.
Uniqlo is known for its affordable wardrobe basics, and the brand’s cashmere crewneck is a perfect example. It’s lightweight with subtle ribbing at the trim and has a sleek and sophisticated fitted cut. You can hand wash it at home and lay it flat to dry, and we love that the brand offers styling advice on the product page for inspiration purposes. You can sift through street style images by gender and height to get a better sense of how the sweater looks on buyers all over the world. If that’s not proof it’s versatile, what is?
Size: XXS–XL | Material: Cashmere | Cut: Crewneck
Best Striped
La Ligne Marin Sweater
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La Ligne
What We Love: You can personalize it by adding a monogram at the sleeve.
What We Don’t Love: The thick ribbed crew neckline may feel bulky.
La Ligne is known for its luxe take on stripes, so it’s no surprise it offers one of the best striped cashmere sweaters in the game. It happens to be Sturino’s favorite. “It’s a super comfortable wool-cashmere material and pairs well with everything in your closet,” she tells InStyle. If you prefer a loose, boxy fit, the Marin is for you — and it comes in 10 two-tone colorway combinations, which cements itself as our favorite option on this list with stripes.
Size: XS–3X | Material: Cashmere, wool | Cut: Oversized crewneck
Best Lightweight
Neiman Marcus Cashmere Superfine Crewneck Top
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Neiman Marcus
What We Love: It’s a super-soft, ultra-fine layering piece that still feels well-made.
What We Don’t Love: Buyers say it runs small, and it’s only offered in muted tones.
Neiman Marcus is known for its luxurious cashmere collection, which runs the gamut from cardigans and shawls to special feather- and sequin-adorned styles. If you’re looking for a super-lightweight and luxe, whisper-thin foundational layer, this top is a great option. Available in black, Cafe, Londen, Winter White, and Pearl Grey, you won’t find a piece in your wardrobe that doesn’t mesh well with this long-sleeved top.
Size: XS–XL | Material: 16gg, 2 ply cashmere | Cut: Crewneck
Best Turtleneck
Theory Turtleneck Sweater
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Nordstrom
What We Love: It’s perfect for wearing with high-waisted pants and skirts.
What We Don’t Love: Sizing is limited, and there are only three colors available.
Known for its top-notch craftsmanship, Theory is a comfortable basics brand perfect for the minimalist wardrobe. Although the turtleneck top isn’t offered in black, the shades are classic. The Mink (brown), Palomino (gray), and Ivory color options are great for all seasons and look deliciously rich. Wear it on casual days with high-rise leggings and with high-waist denim and boots for fall and winter evenings.
Size: Petite–Large | Material: Cashmere | Cut: Crop turtleneck
Best Luxury
The Row Ophelia Wool Cashmere Sweater
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The Row
What We Love: The brand’s signature ribbed trims and raised seam at the back elevate the perfectly boxy throwover.
What We Don’t Love: It’s only offered in two colors.
The Row’s cashmere sweater is designed to be worn oversized and of course, emits the look of luxury — as does all of the brand’s sophisticated basics. The signature stitching on this sweater adds dimension and interest to any outfit, whether you shop it in sand or gray. The mid-weight knit also makes it a great in-between piece for wearing over a thin dress in the summer or with a thick trouser and coat in cold weather. Spun in Italy, the Ophelia is an undeniably classic top to splurge on at any time of the year. The Row is one of stylist Evans’s favorite cashmere brands.
Size: XS–XL | Material: Wool, cashmere | Cut: Crewneck
Best Cardigan
Reformation Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan
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Reformation
What We Love: It’s made from full cashmere, with 90 percent of the material being recycled.
What We Don’t Love: It isn’t offered in extended sizing.
Reformation offers two takes on its Clara silhouette — one in alpaca and the other in cashmere. Of course, we love that the company is upfront about its production process, confirming that the cashmere cardigan is made from regeneratively grown cotton, recycled cashmere, and traceable wool. While we wish it came with a tank to complete the set for the high price of $198, its color options are well-rounded, save for the absence of white.
Size: XS–XL | Material: Recycled cashmere and cashmere | Cut: Relaxed crew
Best Shawl
Vince Cashmere Shawl Collar Open Front Cardigan
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Vince
What We Love: It feels just as luxurious as it looks, with the material being entirely cashmere.
What We Don’t Love: The length may be overwhelming on petite frames.
Vince’s cashmere shawl sweater is extremely luxe — the type of thing you want to lounge around the house in all day and dread taking off to roll into bed. Wear it with everything from satin palazzo pants to a cottagecore house dress and slippers. It bodes well with a warm cup of coffee or tea in your hands, too. The length may be overwhelming on petite frames, but it could be belted and worn with heeled boots for better proportions. The only thing that’s missing from the design? An option in ivory or pearl.
Size: XXS–XL | Material: Cashmere | Cut: Long shawl cardigan
Best Polo
Naadam Cashmere Ribbed V-Neck Polo
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Naadam
What We Love: The slits at the sides make it movable and it’s long, like a tunic, for wearing with leggings.
What We Don’t Love: It isn’t offered in black.
The onsite reviews confirm that Naadam is a go-to source of cashmere, and if you’re into the oversized look, this piece is a must-have. It’s crafted from premium and sustainable Mongolian cashmere, which says a lot about the brand’s resources. Plus, you can finance your purchase if you want to invest in more than one.
Size: XXS–3X | Material: Mongolian cashmere | Cut: Oversized polo
Best Color Options
Nordstrom Crewneck Cashmere Sweater
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Nordstrom
What We Love: Plenty of sizes are still available in multiple colors even though it’s on sale.
What We Don’t Love: Some buyers say the cashmere doesn’t feel as luscious and soft as they were expecting.
This simple cashmere crewneck is offered in 17 different colors, capable of providing polish to every outfit you own that’s begging for a sweater. We don't love the maintenance it requires as a dry clean-only piece, but most buyers confirm that it’s a great value for the price tag (under $200). It’s also currently marked down, so take advantage while you can.
Size: XXS–XXL | Material: Cashmere | Cut: Crewneck
Best Size Range
Everlane The Cashmere Classic Crew Sweater
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Everlane
What We Love: Buyers say it’s warm, but also lightweight enough for layering.
What We Don’t Love: They also say the fabric has grown itchier over time, in comparison to some of Everlane’s first cashmere sweaters.
This cashmere crewneck is made from a sustainable blend of recycled and virgin cashmere, holding Everlane to its ethical promises. The brand even breaks down how the production of the sweater is bettering the environment in the onsite description. The colors it’s offered in right now are decidedly autumnal tones, and the overall rating from customers is positive — which is great for a cashmere sweater that rings in under $200.
Size: XXS–XXXL | Material: Cashmere, recycled cashmere | Cut: Slim fit crewneck
Best V-Neck
Pure Collection Cashmere V-Neck Sweater
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Pure Collection
What We Love: The V-neck doesn’t plunge too deep, making it unwearable without a peek of a bra or boob tape.
What We Don’t Love: It starts at size 4, so petite women may not be able to wear it as fitted as it’s meant to be worn.
This best seller at Pure Collection is made from 100 percent cashmere, a great layering piece as it’s lightweight, and offered in 13 colors. Buyers flag the shade, as some received hues that didn’t look quite as bright as the picture, and some left mixed reviews on sizing, so this pick may require some trial and error before settling on a selection. With mostly positive reviews overall, it’s worth a try for a fair price point if you need a V-neck cashmere sweater.
Size: 4–16 | Material: Cashmere | Cut: Fitted V-neck
Best Graphic Print
Talbots Audrey Cashmere Sweater in Spectacular Animal
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Talbots
What We Love: It’s offered in misses, petite, plus, and plus petite.
What We Don’t Love: Customers appear to be a bit confused about sizing, and some say it stretched out too much with wear.
If you’re looking for a graphic print, we recommend going with something classic (especially in cashmere) that will last you for years to come. This fitted leopard print sweater with three-quarter length sleeves is perfectly alluring and chic. Team it with cropped slacks and a simple ballerina flat to channel Brigitte Bardot.
Size: XS Petite–XL Plus | Material: Cashmere | Cut: Fitted three-quarter sleeve crewneck
Best Cable Knit
J.Crew Cashmere Shrunken Cable Knit Rollneck Sweater
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J.Crew
What We Love: You can add a monogram.
What We Don’t Love: It’s not offered in black.
This is one of J.Crew’s top-rated sweaters, offered in navy, powder blue, and pink, and a delicious-looking buttercream. The rolled neckline offers a modern twist, and J.Crew is upfront about its commitment to sourcing cashmere with AbTF, a non-profit that ensures the welfare of cashmere goats and protects natural resources. The cropped mockneck cut is a nod to ‘60s style, which gives this cashmere sweater some personality in contrast to a more typical silhouette.
Size: XXXS–3X | Material: Cashmere | Cut: Cropped mockneck
What to Keep in Mind
- Feel: If you’re interested in exploring the different feels of cashmere, Quince’s Cashmere 101 page is a great place to start. Here, you’ll learn why the texture of Grade A, Mongolian-sourced cashmere feels warmer and more luxurious than other types. It’s the finest quality and most wearable, and this is because the harsh winter conditions in Mongolia cause cashmere goats to produce denser hair that is rare. If Lyndley wants to ensure a great feel before purchasing a new sweater, she checks where it was made and the blend. “Is it 100 percent cashmere, or is it a blend of cashmere, and what is it blended with?” she asks herself. Then, she researches once she has her questions answered.
- Pilling: It’s crucial to remember that all cashmere will eventually pill, no matter the price. However, the higher the quality, the slower the pilling. To prolong the life of your sweater without pilling, use sweater spray and only wash occasionally. Both Evans and Lyndley also recommend cashmere combs, with Evans suggesting N. Peal’s version for $9, and Lyndley sourcing hers from Amazon for $12. (She combs her sweaters whenever they pill, roughly once or twice a season as needed.) Meanwhile, Sturino consistently uses an under-$20 Conair fabric shaver that she swears by to remove pilling.
- Care: Overall, many sites recommend wearing your sweater five to seven times in between washes and airing it out after each wear. Invest in a cashmere comb and do this regularly after washes. Lyndley usually dry cleans her sweaters at the end of the season and leaves them hanging in the dry cleaner bag until the following season. Avoid machines at all costs, as cashmere fabric becomes fragile when wet. Air drying, meanwhile, allows the piece to maintain its shape and durability. Also, refrain from fabric softeners, as many of these have harsh ingredients and cashmere grows softer with time naturally, so they aren’t necessary. Another way to care for your cashmere according to Lyndley? Wear a T-shirt as a foundational layer so that you can prolong wear before washing.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the best way to store cashmere sweaters?
If you prefer to clean and care for your cashmere on your own, and you don’t already have your sweaters in a dry cleaner bag to await the following season (or perhaps you wear them more frequently than that), fold your sweaters so the hangers do not damage the shoulders. Wright recommends a vacuum-sealed storage bag with mothballs.
What is the best way to clean cashmere sweaters?
If you choose to hand wash your sweaters, Evans advises hand washing in cool water and laying flat to dry away from the sunlight on a towel. Sturino uses The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo during this process. Lyndley invests in sweater shelves from Amazon and uses Folex Carpet Cleaner for spot cleaning in between combs. Of course, if you’re team dry clean and you have the time to drop off your sweaters and pick them up, trust this is a safe method.
What are the best brands to splurge vs. save on cashmere sweaters?
The fact is, you should go shopping for a cashmere sweater knowing what ply/density you are after and whether or not you care where your sweater was made. The more affordable the price tag, the faster the pilling will come, which is the biggest difference between high- and low-end cashmere. “I won’t buy cashmere from fast fashion brands anymore because they tend to pill the first time you wear them and just generally become unwearable because you can’t clean them without them completely losing shape, so I think you’ve got to go for that medium brand — $50 or $60 and up — or super high-end,” Lyndley says.
Marks & Spencer, Quince, J.Crew, L.L. Bean, Reformation, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, La Ligne, and Naadam are recommendations for lower-end picks, while The Row, Khaite, Raey, Toteme, Bruno Cucinelli, Tom Ford, Loro Piana, and Gabriela Hearst can be thought of as splurge-worthy. Sturino’s favorite picks are from Jenni Kayne, Ralph Lauren, and Kule, whereas Wright has found great success with 7 for All Mankind. She also frequently shops at Goodwill when she wants to save and is in the mood to sift through racks. Lyndley is devoted to her cashmere from The Elder Statesman.
If you’re looking for plus-size or petite sizing, try J.Crew, Ralph Lauren, Naadam, La Ligne, and Vince. Finally, want tips for shopping great cashmere at a marked-down price point? Evans says to scour The Outnet in the summer when no one is looking and Lyndley suggests The RealReal for vintage, but advises to check the condition of the piece you’re choosing, as well as the men’s sale rack at department stores.
Why Shop With Us
Sarah Wasilak is a published writer, podcast host, and the Associate Director of Commerce at Popsugar. She writes across the fashion, fitness, and lifestyle categories with a strong focus on amplifying minority voices in her work, showcasing and uplifting a diverse group of people with every story she writes. For this roundup, she spoke with stylists Emily Evans and Sally Lyndley; fashion blogger LaToya Wright; and Megababe founder Katie Sturino.
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