It’s that time again: the first sign of winter, a chilly morning…and here’s me, gleefully pulling out every cashmere sweater I own. There’s nothing cozier or more lovely, which is why cashmere is one of the few fabrics I’ve worn to both black‑tie events and the ski slopes. In winter, I wear it daily: lounging with sweatpants (I’ve napped in cashmere), running errands, and even going out at night.
There are few closet pieces that get as much use as my cashmere sweaters.
Wearing: sweater (s) | jeans | earrings | ring
Not only does cashmere drape beautifully – one reason it never looks out of place at fancy events – but it has some serious performance cred, too. Like most technical fabrics, cashmere is made for exercise. Why? It’s moisture-wicking and breathable, so you can wear it for sweaty endeavors like skiing (It’s the best midlayer I own) or even cold-weather hiking. Since cashmere is a natural fiber, it washes up beautifully (or…it mostly does – there’s an exception I’ll talk about below), and doesn’t take on bad smells like other performance fabrics.
The Best Women’s Cashmere Sweaters of 2026
Each year, in order to create this guide, I spend months researching, ordering, trying on, and sending back dozens of cashmere sweaters for women. At this point…I’ve tried on hundreds of cashmere sweaters over the years, and put many brands through some pretty long-term (years-long?) tests.
The reason I think this research is so important is because a cashmere sweater can be, in general, something of a splurge. And the price of cashmere varies greatly: some sweaters can be had for as little as $99, while others are as high as…$6450??!! (Admittedly, that one’s gorgeous.) And this year, the price of cashmere sweaters have shot up significantly – around $20 per sweater!!
So which cashmere sweaters hit that sweet spot of quality + price?
For the purposes of this guide, I’m only focusing on cashmere sweaters for women under $550. After trying on almost all cashmere known to man (haha), I honestly don’t think cashmere over $550 is worth the extra cost – there are too many incredibly delicious cashmere sweaters under $550 to focus on (and most of my favorites below are less than $300).
What’s the Deal With Brushed Cashmere??
I know these soft, fluffy sweaters are trending – literally everyone from J.Crew to Lisa Yang is coming out with brushed cashmere sweaters – but I’m not including them in this guide. Why?
The brushed effect is created with fine metal rollers that literally brush up the fibers to create that fuzzy texture, but it also means that these cashmere fibers are shorter, looser, and rub together more easily, which means more pilling. Brushed cashmere can look festive – but think of it more like a special top that should be worn occasionally, rather than a hardworking, wear-everyday cashmere sweater.
Table of Contents: The 2026 Cashmere Sweater Guide
We’ve broken this guide out into five sections. Here’s a quick table of contents:
- Cashmere Crew (Pullover) Sweaters – everything from cozy, oversized sweaters to boxy & cropped cashmere sweaters
- Cashmere Turtleneck Sweaters – I recommend some short and swingy turtlenecks as well as the warmest, thickest knits
- Cashmere V-Neck Sweaters – there’s both shockingly affordable sweaters as well as a splurge that’s totally worth it.
- Cashmere Cardigans – grandpa cardigans, ladylike cardigans, and work cardigans
- Honorable mentions – didn’t make the top 5, but still seriously good
- Cashmere Sweater FAQs – how to wash cashmere, how to keep it from pilling, is recycled cashmere any good + more.
The Best Cashmere Sweater Pullovers (Including Chunky Knits, Boxy, Classic, Fisherman, and Stripes)
If you read this guide every year, you’ll likely recognize some of the brands – per usual, Jenni Kayne and Quince are back (they feel like permanent fixtures at this point). That said, there are a couple of pretty big changes. First of all, the top pick in last year’s guide, Reformation’s Cove Cashmere Sweater now contains 5% wool which does change the feel somewhat, so it has been relegated to honorable mentions. New to the guide this year? Aritzia and Banana Republic. Banana seems to have (mostly) fixed the technical construction issues that plagued them last year, and Aritzia’s cashmere was a really nice surprise – it’s softer and thicker than I expected, especially for the price.
Let’s get into it!!
1. Best Overall: Jenni Kayne Cashmere Fisherman
Why we love it: Cozy luxury in a timeless shape, wildly versatile & sustainably sourced
Where To Buy: Jenni Kayne
- ETHICS: The Good Cashmere Standard® certified
- SIZE RANGE: XS–3XL
- COLORS:
- FIT: TTS (I’m wearing a medium for extra slouch)
- PRICE: $425
Jenni Kayne’s Fisherman Sweater is still the one to beat. It’s 100% GCS-certified cashmere, and is seriously thick & cozy…yet refined, too. The drape is next-level, and it feels ridiculously soft against even the most sensitive skin. Despite the wear and tear I’ve put on it, this sweater holds its shape season after season. I reach for mine constantly – errands, dinners out, travel, skiing, all of it. Available in an inclusive range of sizes (yay!!), the cashmere is sustainably sourced (that Good Cashmere Standard® is no joke), and spun from long-fiber yarns for exceptional softness and minimal pilling.
While this sweater fits TTS, I suggest sizing up one size for extra slouch.
Sizing: Small Vs Medium
And because I know you’re going to ask…how does Jenni Kayne’s Fisherman sweater compare to the almost-identical Quince fisherman sweater ?
Jenni Kayne Vs. Quince Fisherman Sweaters
Side-by-side, the difference is subtle – at first! If you look closely, the Jenni Kayne sweater has stitches that almost look “prettier” because they’re using a higher-quality yarn (it’s finer, the longer fibers spun evenly) and the knit gauge is balanced – not too tight, not too loose. Each stitch looks defined and dimensional. This gives the sweater that impeccable drape it’s known for.
Comparatively, the Quince sweater stitches look tighter, more uniform. They’re knitting with a slightly thinner yarn, at a slightly looser gauge. These stitches, in comparison, look neat but flat. This construction means that the Quince sweater doesn’t drape as well as Jenni’s, and it pills much faster. Additionally, the cuff and hem finishes on the Quince sweater aren’t as refined (or durable) as the Jenni Kayne.
What is The Good Cashmere Standard® (Or GCS-Certified)?
It was created by the AbTF (Aid By Trade Foundation) to improve transparency and animal welfare in the cashmere supply chain.
To be certified, herders and mills must follow guidelines covering:
- Animal welfare: goats are combed (not shorn), kept in good health, and have sufficient grazing land.
- Environmental stewardship: limits on over-grazing and land degradation.
- Social responsibility: fair pay and working conditions for herders.
- Traceability: every bale of cashmere can be traced back to its origin farm.
It’s basically the cashmere world’s equivalent of “organic + fair-trade,” and it’s one of the only third-party verifications that tracks animal care and supply chain integrity.
2. Best Luxe (But Under-The-Radar): Loulou Studio (or Loulou De Saison) Baltra Cashmere Sweater
Why we love it: Parisian nonchalance meets plush cashmere – thick, refined, and seriously so cool.
Where To Buy: Nordstrom | Saks | Net-A-Porter | SSense | Farfetch
- ETHICS: OEKO-TEX® Certified
- SIZE RANGE: XS–XL
- COLORS: black, gray, burgundy, brown, camel, taupe melange and ivory (all from different places)
- FIT: TTS (I’m wearing a small)
- PRICE: $400
French-girl brand Loulou Studio has my freaking NUMBER. The tailoring is impeccable – curved hems, perfectly designed sleeves, some sort of cool shoulder seam detail, the most nonchalant drape – and then there’s the cashmere itself: deliciously thick, soft and cozy. While LouLou doesn’t share sourcing details (it’s OEKO-TEX® certified but not recycled or GCS-certified), the quality is fantastic. Photos do NOT do this piece justice. It’s the kind of piece I put on and Marisa, my photographer, literally gasps, “OHHHHHHHH….”.
3. Best Affordable: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crew
Why we love it: 100% Mongolian cashmere that looks and feels luxe (for a fraction of the price).
Where To Buy: Quince
- ETHICS: 100% Mongolian Cashmere
- SIZE RANGE: XS–XL
- COLORS: 12 solid colors
- FIT: TTS, but slightly oversized (I’m wearing a size small)
- PRICE: $120
I’ve tried on a lot of Quince cashmere, and this one – with its oversized, boyfriend cut – is Quince’s best. Unlike most affordable cashmere, Quince’s Oversized Mongolian Cashmere Sweater is shockingly thick (for only $120!!), super soft, and bananas cozy. The heft and cut both feel like a much more expensive sweater, and many of the colors look high-end. Quince didn’t skip on the sleeves, either – they’re nice and long – and this sweater, overall, is an absolute steal.
That said, this sweater does pill rather quickly. Pilling doesn’t necessarily bother me – all cashmere pills eventually – but you will notice faster pilling with this one.
sweater (s) | jeans | boots | ring
4. Best Cropped, Boxy Cashmere Sweater: Everlane
Why we love it: Modern shape, solid quality, and responsibly sourced cashmere that is incredibly easy to wear.
Where To Buy: Everlane
- ETHICS: GCS-certified
- SIZE RANGE: XXS – XXL
- COLORS: 10 solids, 3 stripes
- FIT: TTS (I’m wearing size small)
- PRICE: $228
Everlane’s Boxy Crew is one of the best cropped cashmere sweaters on the market. It’s boxy, cropped shape is literally perfect – not too much, but with a bit of swing. It can be worn with skirts just as easily as jeans, and the color selection is truly jaw-dropping. It’s a mid-weight cashmere (so not as thick as others on this list), but is one of those pieces that requires *zero* thought.
Best of all, Everlane has really nailed the neutral colors – the grays and ivory tones are especially beautiful, with variegated colors woven throughout. Overall, this sweater looks much more expensive than it is, and is a wildly useful, wear-everyday kind of piece.
sweater (s)| jeans | boots | ring | earrings
5. Best Stripes: Banana Republic Oversized Cashmere Cropped Polo
Why we love it: Super soft cashmere, vintage vibes
Where To Buy: Banana Republic
- ETHICS: GCS-certified
- SIZE RANGE: XXS – XXL
- COLORS: also in red stripe
- FIT: TTS (I’m wearing a small)
- PRICE: $260 (but on sale for $199)
Based on a piece Banana discovered in their archives, this vintage-inspired sweater reads sporty French Girl and I LOVE it. It’s outfit-making but easy, and has quickly become a favorite. I mean…that COLLAR. SWOON.
5. Best Novelty: Naadam Apres Ski Sweater
Why we love it: Ridiculously thick and soft, with vintage ski vibes.
Where To Buy: Nadaam
- ETHICS: ethically sourced, sustainably harvested cashmere from Mongolia – the brand reports fair-wage herding practices (but is not third-party certified)
- SIZE RANGE: XXS – 3XL
- COLORS: also in pine green or blue
- FIT: TTS for an oversized fit (I’m wearing a small)
- PRICE: $348
One of my all-time favorite sweaters from last winter, I’m THRILLED that Nadaam brought it back again this year, with additional colors!! The vibe is pure vintage ski sweater, but instead of scratchy wool (like actual vintage ski sweaters) or acrylic (like most novelty ski sweaters), this one has been made with 100% cashmere. In fact, this sweater is part of Nadaam’s Super Luxe line, which means that it’s among the thickest and softest cashmere I’ve ever worn. I cannot say enough good things about this sweater!!!
Nadaam’s return process, however, is a little annoying – in the past I’ve had to process returns for each piece individually (and readers have complained about this, too). That said, this sweater is one of their very best (and it’s honestly hard to beat), and the sizing is really forgiving, so returns may not be such a risk. I know I wear mine alllll the time.
sweater (s) | jeans (27×30) | boots
Best Cashmere Turtleneck Sweaters For Women
I am such a turtleneck girl. As soon as it winter really hits, I’m in some sort of cozy turtleneck. This year, there are exactly THREE worth considering – and I’m really excited about all of them.
6. Best Cropped Turtleneck: Naked Cashmere Noelle Classic Cashmere Turtleneck
Why we love it: The shape. The shape, the shape, the shape (no one does it better).
Where To Buy: Naked Cashmere
- ETHICS: Ethically sourced & fair trade cashmere from Inner Mongolia (self reported, though, no third-party certification)
- SIZE RANGE: XS – L
- COLORS: 4 solid colors
- FIT: TTS (I wear a size small)
- PRICE: $295
This is one of my most-worn sweaters. I wear it so much in the winter that I now have a cycle: buy a new one for the season, set the old one aside for lounging around the house, set the even older one aside for skiing.
The neck is perfect (it slouches, gently) and the shorter, swingy shape pairs well with everything: jeans, skirts, dresses, etc. The cashmere is pretty lightweight – this isn’t a sweater you can layer over bulky tees – but it is the kind of sweater that is just so darn useful & easy to wear.
7. Coziest Turtleneck: Naked Cashmere Isabella Turtleneck Sweater
Why we love it: The coziest ribbed knit + seriously cool details.
Where To Buy: Naked Cashmere
- ETHICS: Ethically sourced & fair trade cashmere from Inner Mongolia (self reported, though, no third-party certification)
- SIZE RANGE: XS – L
- COLORS: gray, ivory
- FIT: TTS (I’m wearing the small)
- PRICE: $595
This is what Naked Cashmere does best: they take a classic silhouette, then add the coolest little touches – giant cuffs, side vents that are allllllmost sexy, and a slightly oversized shape. If you’re sick of “classic” cashmere sweaters, check out Naked Cashmere.
8. Best Everyday Turtleneck: Banana Republic Relaxed Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater
Why we love it: The easiest, wear-everyday shape + really unique colors
Where To Buy: Banana Republic
- ETHICS: GCS-certified
- SIZE RANGE: XXS – XXL
- COLORS: 8 solids, 2 stripe
- FIT: TTS (I’m wearing a small)
- PRICE: $250
This turtleneck sweater isn’t just cozy it’s…pretty, too. The colors are like a breath of fresh air – they manage to feel completely current yet unique – and the shape is dead easy. This is the turtleneck version of a throw-on-and-go sweater, with great lines, good details, and a neckline that doesn’t overwhelm.
Best Cashmere V-Neck Sweaters For Women
V-neck sweaters are having a moment right now, and there are some seriously good options out there. Let’s get into it.
9. Best V-Neck Cashmere Sweater: La Ligne
Why We Love It: For the suuuper soft cashmere + unique design
- ETHICS: A woman-founded brand, small supply runs (no overproduction) + Pre-Loved resale shop to encourage circular shopping
- SIZE RANGE: XS – XL
- COLORS: just the one!
- FIT: TTS (I’m wearing a size small)
- PRICE: $395
If you ever thought v-necks were boring…La Ligne’s Super Fine V-Neck is a stunner. This cashmere sweater is ridiculously soft and drapey, and the lines are freaking fantastic. It’s not meant to be tucked, but manages to make every outfit look quietly luxurious.
10. Best Cropped V-Neck Sweater: LouLou Studio
Why we love it: Those French-girl details + high quality, certified cashmere.
Where To Buy: Nordstrom | Saks | Net-A-Porter
- ETHICS: OEKO-TEX® Certified
- SIZE RANGE: XS – XL
- COLORS: black, gray, burgundy, taupe melange (from different retailers)
- FIT: TTS
- PRICE: $410
This has been one of my very favorite cashmere sweaters for the past 3-ish years. The details are SO freaking good (I mean…c’mon look at those SLEEVES), and it has those interesting shoulder-seam details that are a hallmark of the brand. This year’s sweater feels both thicker and softer than previous years’, and I can’t say enough good things about this piece. The crop hits perfectly, btw. While the photos make it look a little more cropped than it actually is, in reality it’s just a lil’ peek.
sweater (s) | jeans | boots | ring
11. Best Cozy V-Neck Sweater: Quince
Why we love it: Wildly thick and soft, looks much more expensive than it is.
Where To Buy: Quince
- ETHICS: 100% Mongolian Cashmere
- SIZE RANGE: XS – XL
- COLORS: brown, oatmeal, black
- FIT: Slightly oversized (but I’m wearing my usual size, small)
- PRICE: $120
Again, Quince just kills it with these oversized Mongolian cashmere sweaters. This one is freaking good, and is wildly similar to Ref’s Jadey V-Neck sweater (which, sadly, is now only 95% cashmere – unless you pick up the ‘daschund’ color, which is the one remaining 100% cashmere leftover from last year). But if you’re looking for a big ol’ cozy cashmere sweater to throw on (and you’re willing to put up with some pilling)…this one. They even got the colors right – this brown is gorgeous.
sweater (s) | jeans | boots | ring
The Best Cashmere Cardigans For Women, 2026
I was slow to warm up to cardigans (I think I wore too many during my nursing-a-baby era, haha) but I’ve started to (re)discover the joy that is a cardigan. Is it a shirt? A lightweight jacket stand-in? A cozy layer? YES. And cashmere cardigans are the best cardigans.
12. Best Cardigan Overall: Jenni Kayne Cropped Cocoon Cardigan
Why we love it: Gahhh because it’s PERFECT, OK?
Where To Buy: Jenni Kayne
- ETHICS: The Good Cashmere Standard® certified
- SIZE RANGE: XS–3XL
- COLORS: 9 solid colors
- FIT: TTS (I’m wearing a medium for extra slouch)
- PRICE: $475
This is one of the greatest cashmere sweaters ever. Not only is this cardigan wildly soft (even Kat, who is notoriously picky, gave it a nod in her plus-size review of Jenni Kayne), but the overall design is impeccable. It’s easy to see why this sweater put Jenni Kayne on the map. I’ve worn this sweater alone, like a shirt (the low neckline is sexy!), but I’ve also layered it over a big ‘ol graphic tee, too – these sweaters layer like a dream…yet they still fit under a jacket. They’re the goldilocks of cashmere sweaters.
While Quince does make a very similar piece, the difference between this Jenni Kayne sweater & the Quince one is pretty stark – at least, once you put it on (and especially if you have a larger chest). The Jenni Kayne sweater has been cut to lay perfectly on the body, and the balanced, even stitches make the drape next-level.
Additionally, the sizing is wildly forgiving. The darker color I’m wearing (‘shadow’) is a size medium, but I also have the oatmeal color in size small. Both work!
13. Best Grandpa Cardigan: Naked Cashmere Harry Chunky Cardigan
Why we love it: The coziest, snuggliest and…sexiest Grandpa cardigan of all time.
Where To Buy: Naked Cashmere
- ETHICS: Ethically sourced & fair trade cashmere from Inner Mongolia (self reported, though, no third-party certification)
- SIZE RANGE: M-XXL
- COLORS: gray, ivory
- FIT: TTS
- PRICE: $495
THIS. Don’t order this cardigan unless you know you can keep it, because once you try it on…it’s almost impossible to send back. The cashmere rib is so thick and soft, and this cardigan clings in all of the right places. It’s like wearing a cashmere hug. It looks amazing with jeans (as a shirt or as a cardigan) and just as cute with dresses. It is wildly irresistible.
14. Best Ladylike Cardigan: Reformation Clara Cardigan
Why we love it: The perfect ladylike cardigan shape, yet decidedly unfussy.
Where To Buy: Reformation | Nordstrom | Anthropologie
- ETHICS: 100% Recycled fibers, GCS-certified
- SIZE RANGE: XS – XL
- COLORS: 15 solids, 1 stripe, 1 argyle, 1 fancy button
- FIT: Runs a tiny bit big (I’m wearing a small, but might size down)
- PRICE: $198
I now own this piece in two colors and it’s great. Ref nailed the shape and the length: it’s *almost* cropped, which means that it doesn’t look dowdy thrown over a dress, but just long enough to wear as a shirt (with the barest hint of skin peeking out of low-rise jeans). It can also be tucked into a pair of high-rise jeans or trousers, too. Lastly, I also appreciate that – regardless of the color you choose – the buttons match. It’s a small detail, but really elevates these ladylike cardigans, and speaks to the overall thoughtfulness and quality!
15. Best Date Night Cardigan: Loulou Studio
Why we love it: sexy neckline, cool details, & high quality cashmere
Where To Buy: Nordstrom | Bergdorf | Farfetch
- ETHICS: OEKO-TEX® Certified
- SIZE RANGE: XS – XL
- COLORS: gray, taupe melange
- FIT: TTS
- PRICE: $545
Another win from Loulou Saison, this Parisian brand has made one of the coolest cardigans I’ve ever put on. The cashmere is thick and soft, and the details are amazing – from every angle. I also love how deep the v-neckline is – you could wear it as a shirt on date night, too.
sweater | jeans | boots | ring
16. Best Work Cardigan: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Structured Cardigan
Why we love it: Super soft & snuggly, but in a tailored, elegant fit.
Where To Buy: Quince
- ETHICS: 100% mongolian cashmere
- SIZE RANGE: XS – XL
- COLORS: 4 solid
- FIT: TTS (I’m wearing the small)
- PRICE: $160
If you’re looking for an easy piece to update your work wardrobe…this one! The cashmere is thick, soft, and delicious, and the tailoring on this piece is shockingly good – especially for the price. It easily looks like a $300+ sweater. Like all Quince sweaters, it will pill (but that’s to be expected and easily taken care of).
The Best Cashmere Sweaters of 2026: Honorable Mentions
17. Reformation Cove Oversized Cashmere Crew
Why we love it: Recycled cashmere is still a win – the fit, drape, and thickness still make it a standout.
Where To Buy: Reformation
- ETHICS: 100% Recycled fibers (cashmere / wool blend), GCS-certified
- SIZE RANGE: XS – XL
- COLORS:
- FIT: TTS for a perfectly oversized fit (I’m wearing a size small)
- PRICE: $298
Longtime readers might be wondering why Ref’s Cove Sweater, which was my top(!!) cashmere sweater pick last year, has been relegated to ‘Honorable Mentions’?? Well. Ref brought my old favorite back this year, but with a sneaky fiber update: 95% recycled cashmere + 5% wool. Yup, you read that correctly: this sweater is no longer 100% cashmere!!
While a 5% change isn’t terrible (after a little research, it sounds like wool might actually increase durability and resist pilling), there is a difference. The newer sweaters have…what I can only describe as a hint of an itch, especially around the neckline, compared to last year’s all-cashmere models. While I didn’t necessarily notice at first…when I’m wearing one of these sweaters all day, the fabric composition definitely becomes noticeable.
The silhouette, drape, and coziness of this sweater is still phenomenal – I own this year’s version in multiple colors, and it’s been one of my most-worn sweaters overall. And I’ll come back and update this article with longer term wear notes, although I’m happy to report that it does wash well. I machine washed this sweater on cold, laid it flat to dry, and it came out looking like new. It may have shrunk up a bit shorter, but the change was barely noticeable.
18. Aritzia Essential Cashmere Relaxed Crew
Why we love it: surprisingly thick and soft for the price, with a minimalist shape that feels elevated.
Where To Buy: Aritzia
- ETHICS: GCS-certified
- SIZE RANGE: 2XS – 2XL
- COLORS: 14 solid colors (4 are various shades of tan)
- FIT: TTS (I’m wearing a size small)
- PRICE: $178
On a happier note, Aritzia’s cashmere sweater was such a pleasant surprise!! For under $200, this sweater is thick, cozy, and deliciously soft. Available in a wide range of colors (with a serious commitment to tan – haha, much respect), I love how this sweater walks the line of oversized and classic. It’s a really nifty, easy-to-wear cut that vibes like an oversized sweater, but is actually nicely reined in.
19. Reformation Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater
Why we love it: This is the cashmere sweater I just can’t quit…despite some serious limitations.
Where To Buy: Reformation
- ETHICS: 95% recycled cashmere, 5% cashmere, GCS-certified
- SIZE RANGE: XS – XL
- COLORS: 10 solids, 2 cable knit, 6 stripes
- FIT: TTS (I wear a small)
- PRICE: $178
The good: Reformation’s boyfriend sweater is super lightweight, with an absolutely perfect shape, and is the rare cashmere sweater that can just as easily be fully tucked in (it really IS that lightweight) or worn out, no tucking required. This sweater will fit under any coat, yet layers over a tee beautifully.
The knit is almost loose, though, and I find that it will pill with lots of hard use (and yup – I wear this one allll the time). The other downside is that this cashmere sweater doesn’t wash well. It’s a handwash in cold water only situation, else it comes out of the wash doll size.
The fact that I shrunk this sweater down to hilarious proportions and then bought it again – in multiple colors!! – really speaks to how uniquely perfect this cut is.
20. Quince Mongolian Cashmere Boxy Crewneck Sweater
Why we love it: The best cashmere sweater under $100.
Where To Buy: Quince
- ETHICS: 100% Mongolian Cashmere
- SIZE RANGE: XS – XL
- COLORS: 8 solid colors
- FIT: Runs small (I’m wearing a medium)
- PRICE: $80
I almost didn’t order Quince’s Boxy Cashmere Crew because it looked so boring & unflattering on Quince’s website. But, I took a chance – sizing up was the key!! – and was surprised by how good it is in person! It has a similar shape to Everlane’s boxy crewneck sweater, but is slightly longer (and softer initially). Like other Quince sweaters, it’ll pill quickly, so have a sweater shaver on hand.
The color selection is also fantastic – I’m partial to this fun red, but all of the colors have a sophistication to them that really helps to elevate this under $100 gem.
21. Theory Cashmere Crop Sweater
Why we love it: Thick cashmere, great tailoring, and refined details.
Where To Buy: Nordstrom | Bloomingdales | Saks
- ETHICS: Unknown
- SIZE RANGE: XS – L
- FIT: TTS (I’m wearing a small)
- PRICE: $365
This cute little cropped sweater from Theory, is similar to Everlane’s boxy cashmere sweater, but with higher-end details and a thicker knit. It’s actually a little like Loulou Studio’s Anzor sweater, but at a more affordable price point, making it the Goldilocks of sweaters.
That said, this sweater does have a refinement that the other sweaters don’t quite have, making it an especially good choice for work.
21. Vince Funnel-Neck Cashmere Sweater
Where To Buy: Nordstrom | Saks | Shopbop
- ETHICS: Unknown
- SIZE RANGE: XS – XL
- FIT: TTS (Wearing a size small)
- PRICE: $448
This Vince funnel neck sweater has made it into every cashmere guide we’ve published since we started five (six?) years ago! There are two things that make this sweater really special and unique: First, this sweater is knit from a boiled cashmere wool, which makes this sweater denser, thicker, and softer than most cashmere sweaters. It’s a truly dreamy sweater and sooo warm.
Second, the funnel neck is so sophisticated. Wear this sweater to work, pop it on for a zoom call, or make your tired, messy bun look intentional and chic.
22. Nordstrom Brand Cashmere + Caslon Cashmere
Why we love it: Easy & affordable
Where To Buy: Nordstrom Brand Sweater & Caslon Sweater
- ETHICS: None listed
- SIZE RANGE: XS – XXL
- COLORS: 21 solids (Nordstrom), 10 solids, 1 stripe (Caslon)
- FIT: Runs small (I’m wearing a large in Nordstom, XL in Caslon)
- PRICE: Around or under $100 (almost always on sale)
These cashmere sweaters are great for just knockin’ around. My trick is to wait until I spy a color that makes my heart beat fast, and then size up 2-3 sizes.
The Nordstrom brand sweater (mint, above left) is a thicker cashmere and runs a little bigger than the Caslon – I sized up two sizes in this one. The color selection is staggering, and this sweater is also a solid choice if you’re looking for a skiing midlayer, too. I bought one in yellow last year, and ended up wearing it all Spring. This one washes like all of my other cashmere sweaters (wash in a mesh bag, on cold, lay flat to dry).
The Caslon sweater (green, above right) is a looser knit, and actually looks VERY similar to Reformation’s Boyfriend Sweater. That said, it has the same problems of Ref’s sweater (and then some): I would be VERY careful washing it, and it’ll pill. This sweater also snags a bit easier than others. That said, it’s also incredibly lightweight, and I love how sheer-ish it is over a bra.
Cashmere Sweater FAQs
First of all, RARELY. I spot clean when I can, and try to keep the washing to a minimum. When I do wash them, it’s either hand-washing in cold water (with a little detergent from the Laundress, for example), or, for a sweater I’ve successfully washed before, I throw it into a front-loading washing machine (gentle cycle, cold water) in one of these mesh laundry bags. Lay flat to dry.
Handwashing is safest, but machine wash *most* of my cashmere. That said, I have a front-loading washing machine, and I only wash on gentle, cold cycles with my cashmere in this mesh laundry bag.
All cashmere pills eventually!! To slow it down, stick with higher quality, long-fiber cashmere, avoid friction from bags or rough coats, and give sweaters a rest between wears (I never do this, haha). My favorite way to keep cashmere from pilling is simply to use a sweater shaver. These gadgets WILL work on cashmere if you go slow, and dump out the fuzz often.
It means the textile was tested for harmful chemicals and dyes. OEKO-TEX focuses on human safety, ensuring the finished garment is non-toxic and skin-safe – not necessarily on animal welfare or sourcing ethics.
OEKO-TEX® = chemical safety for humans.
The Good Cashmere Standard® = animal welfare, land use, and traceability.
Together they cover both the health and ethical sides of cashmere production.
I like it…but it’s usually not quite as soft. Also, because the fibers are shorter, it may pill sooner, but blended versions (like 95% recycled + 5% virgin cashmere) balance eco-cred with wearability, and there’s some data that says blends like Reformation’s Cove Sweater (95% recycled cashmere + 5% wool) might be more durable, too.
Fold it, don’t hang it. Store clean sweaters in a breathable cotton bag with cedar or lavender to repel moths. In summer, seal them in an airtight bin for extra protection.
Each goat only produces a few ounces of down per year. Collecting, sorting, and spinning those fibers takes time and skill.
The region’s extreme climate helps goats grow longer, finer fibers, which produce especially soft, warm, and durable cashmere. Many top brands source from Mongolia for this reason.
This is tricky! Look for mentions of long-staple fibers, dense two-ply knits, and certifications like GCS or OEKO-TEX®. Also, you can try gently stretching the fabric – it should spring back, not sag.
If you made it this far….GOLD STAR. Thanks for hanging in there with me. 🙂
And if you’re curious about anyyyyy other cashmere sweater, there’s a decent chance I’ve tried it on at some point. Drop me a comment and I’ll do my best to remember!!
xo,
S
