When it comes to cashmere, I have some very strong opinions. Cashmere sweaters are, quite simply, some the most-worn pieces in my closet. I wear cashmere sweaters hiking, as mid-layers for skiing, as loungewear, as pajamas, with fancy skirts to fancy parties, with trousers to work and — most often — with jeans for all sorts of date night/dress-up/errand running/playdate and other daily activities.
My cashmere habit started as a kid, thanks to my Dad. We both had really sensitive skin, and found most other wool sweaters itchy. Dad would only wear cashmere sweaters from Lands’ End (cue my Mom’s eyeroll), which meant so would I (frankly, oversized was in so I’d just steal his). Cashmere, if you don’t know, gets softer with each wash (and yes – I machine wash my cashmere). I don’t recommend dry cleaning cashmere – for max softness, it’s machine wash, all the way.
Cashmere is hard to beat in terms of performance, too. Not only is it legit warm, but cashmere drapes beautifully, which is why it looks so good with fancy pieces at holiday parties. However, cashmere – like technical fabrics made for exercise – is moisture-wicking and breathable, so you can get sweaty in it without it taking on bad smells. Which explains why I love a good cashmere sweater for skiing mid-layers or cold-weather hiking.
The Best Cashmere Sweaters For 2024: Women, Men, Teens & Kids (Sustainable & Plus-Size, Too)
So. To properly recommend cashmere sweaters that really go the distance, I’ve spent the last several months ordering various cashmere sweaters, trying them on, sending some back, washing others, and generally comparing one cashmere sweater to another. In past years, I’ve capped my search to sweaters under $400. This year, however, I had to increase the range to Under $500, since prices have gone up in the last few years.
While there are many sweaters on the market that retail for $550, $600, $700, I do not think they are worth the extra cost. But if you want to know the cashmere with thickest, coziest knit? I’ve got it (and it’s well under $500). If you want to know the cashmere with the prettiest color range? I have thoughts on that, too. The coolest neckline? Yes. The most modern cut? The best value for the money? Got ’em all.
Keep reading for photos and full reviews, but here’s a quick punch list of the best cashmere sweaters of 2024:
- Best Cashmere Sweaters Overall: La Ligne AAA Lean Lines & Mini Toujours
- Best Overall Runner-Up: Lou Lou Studio Pemba & Emsalo Sweaters
- Most Luxurious Cashmere: COS Chunky Cashmere line
- Most Luxurious Runner-Up: Reformation ‘Sam’ Oversized Cashmere Crew
- Best Fisherman Sweater: Jenni Kayne Cashmere Fisherman Sweater
- Best Fisherman Sweater Runner-Up: Naadam Super Luxe Fisherman Sweater
- Best Turtleneck: Naked Cashmere Noelle Turtleneck Sweater
- Best Colors: J.Crew Shrunken Crewneck Sweater
- Best Cropped Sweater: Reformation Paloma Cropped Cashmere Crew
- Best For Parties: J.Crew Cashmere Cable Knit Tie-Back Sweater
- Best Bang For Your Buck: Quince Cashmere Wrap Cardigan
- Best Cardigan Alternative: Reformation Fantino Cashmere Collared Cardigan
- Best Under $100: Quince Fisherman Cashmere Sweater
- Best for Work: Jenni Kayne Cashmere Half Zip
- Best Elegant Sweater: Vince Boiled Funnel Neck
- Best Boyfriend Sweater: Reformation Boyfriend Sweater
- Best Cashmere Sweater That’s Actually A Set: Naked Cashmere Ribbed Sweater & Pants
- Best for Guys: J.Crew Crewneck & Naadam Waffle Knit
- Best for Teens & Tweens: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Sweater & Quince Shrunken Cashmere Sweatshirt
- Best for Kids: J.Crew Kid’s Cashmere Sweater
1. Best Overall: La Ligne AA Lean Lines & Mini Toujours
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- ETHICS: Supports marginalized communities, Pre-loved shop available
- SIZE RANGE: XS – XL
- PRICE: Under $300
My top nod this year? La Ligne. This particular sweater – their AAA Lean Lines Cashmere Sweater – is a current version of one I’ve owned for years. While it has the same extra-long sleeves, luxe cuffs, and perfectly placed stripes as its predecessors, La Ligne has changed the body shape just a tiny bit to be a *little* roomier and shorter.
And note how La Ligne’s stripes are always perfectly placed so the sweaters look effortless, drapey and cool – never bulky. Literally no one does stripes quite as well as La Ligne. Which, I suppose, makes sense: La Ligne, literally translated, means “The Line”.
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This sweater is not the thickest cashmere of the bunch, nor, frankly, the softest (although it’s plenty soft), yet it wins the overall category for sheer usefulness. Simply put, this is the sweater I reach for the most. It looks amazing with jeans, faux-leather pants, trousers, and skirts. It’s casual enough for running errands, polished enough for work, yet cute enough for holiday parties.
That said, if you want a cashmere sweater that feels a little more dreamy – extra thick, soft, delicious – yet has a similar fit (and those perfectly executed stripes), La Ligne’s Mini Toujours sweater is exactly that.
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2. Best Overall Runner-Up: Lou Lou Studio Pemba & Emsalo Sweaters
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- ETHICS: Guaranteed OEKO TEX, RWS certified (Responsible Wool Standard)
- SIZE RANGE: XS – XL
- PRICE: Under $400
I promise I’ll get to really thick cashmere sweaters eventually…but these are not that. What does makes these Lou Lou Studio cashmere sweaters so wildly special, however, is their overall design. Lou Lou Studio is a French brand, and you can tell. The designers clearly went above and beyond to maximize drape and create the ultimate cool-girl cashmere sweater.
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These sweaters are unique, lightweight, and look decidedly special in person. They’re the kind of sweater that is the epitome of ‘this old thing?’ yet garners tons of compliments.
Because they are so lightweight, I’ve found myself wearing them more often than my super thick, chunky cashmere sweaters (which I really only wear when its very cold).
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3. The Most Luxurious: COS Chunky Pure Cashmere
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- ETHICS: Meets good cashmere standard
- SIZE RANGE: XS – XL
- PRICE: Under $400
Ok nowwwww we get to the really thick, delicious stuff. If you are looking for a cashmere sweater that is so thick and soft that you are confused…try COS’ Chunky Pure Cashmere line.
There’s no denying how ridiculously soft and warm these sweaters really are. I also appreciate that these sweaters run a little oversized – frankly, that’s what you want from a sweater this thick and warm: to be enveloped in a cashmere cloud.
ivory sweater (s) | black sweater (s) | jeans (26) | similar heels
Like most COS pieces, these sweaters sell out ridiculously fast. COS is new to our list of favorite cashmere brands, so I’m not yet sure how often they restock. If nothing else, put these guys on your radar for next year. I’m seriously blown away.
4. Most Luxurious Runner-Up: Reformation ‘Sam’ Oversized Cashmere Crew Sweater
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- ETHICS: Made from 90% recycled cashmere
- SIZE RANGE: XS – XL
- PRICE: Under $300
I’ve been a longtime fan of Reformation cashmere, but it was primarily for their fit. Their cashmere tended to be thin, and definitely needed a washing before it really got soft. This year, however, Ref expanded their cashmere line to include a sweater that is *almost* as thick and soft as COS’s chunky cashmere line. I found myself checking the label a few times – is this really Ref??
Like COS’s sweaters, the fit of Ref’s sweater is oversized, the neckline is a *little* higher than a crew – yet not quite a mockneck – and the sleeves are long, with thick, luxe cuff detail. It’s a really warm sweater.
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I also love that this sweater “blouses” so you don’t necessarily have to tuck it (or half tuck). Highly recommend.
5. Best Fisherman Sweater: Jenni Kayne Cashmere Fisherman Sweater
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- ETHICS: Has AbTF’s The Good Cashmere Standard® Certificate
- SIZE RANGE: XXS – 3XL
- PRICE: Under $450
For the third (fourth?) year in a row, Jenni Kayne’s sweater makes our list of favorites. In addition to being made from the most delicious cashmere, the shape and tailoring of this sweater are a big part of why it’s so good. It is, quite simply, a very flattering and luxurious sweater. The sleeves are long, the armholes cut high enough to flatter (yet large enough to layer shirts underneath), the neckline is perfection, and it’s one of the few sweaters I’m willing to wear untucked. That said, I also can happily tuck this sweater into high-rise jeans, too.
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I also love the extended size range. Well done, Ms. Kayne.
6. Best Fisherman Sweater Runner-Up: Naadam Super Luxe Cashmere Fisherman Sweater
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- ETHICS: Sustainably made
- SIZE RANGE: XXS – 3XL
- PRICE: Under $400
Overall, I was disappointed in Naadam’s cashmere offerings this year. Most of their sweaters just stuck me as…boring. Or maybe just a little off (color/cut/detail/whatever). Naadam’s Super Luxe Cashmere Fisherman Sweater, however, is a happy outlier. THIS is the Naadam I’m used to: thick, soft, super warm, with no skimping on material in the sleeves or the body.
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Unlike the Jenni Kayne sweater, the shape of this sweater is “bloused” which feels a little fresh, too. Very boyfriend-y.
7. Best Turtleneck: Naked Cashmere Noelle Turtleneck
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- ETHICS: Cruelty-free, fair trade cashmere
- SIZE RANGE: XS – L
- PRICE: Under $300
Naked Cashmere hits all the right points with this sweater: it’s soft (and gets even softer with each wash), the turtleneck is well designed (not too tight, too big, or too neck brace), the sleeves are luxe and long, and the body is short enough for the swingy shape to really look cute, but not so short that there’s any hint of crop top.
I bought it in two colors last winter (black and an olive green), and they were two of my most-worn sweaters. I was thrilled to see that they brought this exact sweater back again this year. It’s a really useful piece.
8. Best Colors: J.Crew Shrunken Crewneck Cashmere Sweater
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- ETHICS: Meets AbTF’s The Good Cashmere Standard®
- SIZE RANGE: XXS – 3XL
- PRICE: Under $200
While J.Crew has plenty of cashmere in classic cuts, I’m wild for their shrunken crewneck line (also in cable knit). This cashmere is thinner than most cashmere mentioned here, but the fresh silhouette is a winner. This is a sweater that never needs to be tucked in, yet doesn’t show my stomach, either (unless I’m having a very low-rise jeans moment – and then it’s the perfect little peek). It looks especially good with baggy, loose jeans or trousers, and gets softer after a wash.
And that’s just the fit!! The best part is that this sweater is available in a whopping fifteen fun, gorgeous colors AND four different striped options.
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If you’re looking for a little pop of color to perk up a winter wardrobe, check out J.Crew. (I also did a full review of J.Crew’s cashmere, here.)
9. Best Cropped Cashmere Sweater: Reformation Paloma Cropped Cashmere Crew
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- ETHICS: Made from 90% recycled cashmere
- SIZE RANGE: XS – XL
- PRICE: Under $200
Ok!! If you’re looking for fresh, modern, cropped cashmere sweater, THIS ONE. This sweater is made from Ref’s thicker, softer cashmere, has the cutest cropped shape, and the most amazing bell sleeve arms. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Not only does it look cute with high-rise jeans or trousers, but THIS is the sweater that can be layered over slip dresses for extra warmth. It’s the perfect proportion.
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My one frustration with Ref cashmere this year is that they did so few sweaters in plus sizes. That said, the one cozy, plus-size cashmere sweater they issued this year is made from their thicker, softer stuff (yay), and it also has those glorious bell sleeves, too (actually – they’re even better, with a giant cuff). But the body shape is long and a little odd, so that particular sweater did not make into this year’s best of list. Ref, if you’re listening, I promise that plus size gals want a fresh, modern crop, too. I mean…have you seen our girl Kat?? SWOON.
10. Best Cashmere Sweater For Parties: J.Crew Cable Knit Tie-Back Sweater
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- ETHICS: Meets AbTF’s The Good Cashmere Standard®
- SIZE RANGE: XXS – 3XL
- PRICE: Under $200
Now THIS is the sweater I’m wearing to all of the holiday parties. If I’m feeling frisky, it’ll be without a bra, to maximize the backless impact. Otherwise, any sort of pretty bra (or heck – even a black one, like I’m wearing above) – works just fine. This is one of the few cashmere sweaters I never overheat in.
This sweater is a little thicker and softer than J.Crew’s shrunken crewneck, thanks to the glorious cable-knit. I also appreciate that the arms are nice and long, too. It’s a nice counterpoint to the cropped shape, and gives the sweater a luxe look overall.
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Love that this sweater IS available in plus sizes, too.
11. Best Bang For Your Buck: Quince Cashmere Wrap Cardigan
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- ETHICS: Unknown
- SIZE RANGE: XS – XL
- PRICE: Under $200
Gang…this sweater is BANANAS good. It looks like a really expensive designer sweater, but it’s only $109. It’s sexy worn alone or over silky little camis, and looks great with dresses, too. One of my besties – who dresses a little more conservatively than I do (think: less boobs, legs) – also loved it. And I’m KICKING MYSELF for not getting a photo from the back, because the back is freaking fantastic: the belt can actually goes UNDER the back panel, so the back of this cardi swings out a little, enhancing the overall I Am Expensive vibe. Click through to see it on (although Quince’s photos do NOT do it justice).
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12. Best Cardigan Alternative: Reformation Fantino Cashmere Collared Cardigan
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- ETHICS: Made from 90% recycled cashmere
- SIZE RANGE: XS – XL
- PRICE: Under $300
This one, admittedly, is a little strange. It is a sweater that looks best while posing – nonchalantly, hand-in-pocket, slightly unbuttoned. Which basically means that it’s been working really well over any outfit that requires only one button: throw it on over leggings & workout top, over a plunging little cami – admittedly, it does look good untucked over straight-leg jeans (the kind that are allllmost skinnies), but I still prefer it in a mostly unbuttoned state.
That said, I keep reaching for it. Partly because the cashmere is so luxe and soft and thick, and partly because this unique shape just feels really fresh.
And, if you want to wear it buttoned with jeans, I’ve found that it half-tucks like a champ.
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13. Best Cashmere Sweater Under $100: Quince Fisherman Cashmere Sweater
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- ETHICS: Unknown
- SIZE RANGE: XS – XL
- PRICE: Under $100
It’s really hard to find a better sweater in the Under $100 category. While Naadam’s ‘Original Sweater’ is probably the best quality cashmere under $100, the classic shape doesn’t really do it for me.
Quince’s fisherman sweater, however, is basically a really solid dupe of Jenni Kayne. It’s got the exact same cut and fit, if not the same quality or details (sleeves are shorter, the knit is a little looser, etc). That said, for under $100, it’s hard to beat.
14. Best Cashmere Sweater For Work: Jenni Kayne Cashmere Half Zip
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- ETHICS: Has AbTF’s The Good Cashmere Standard® Certificate
- SIZE RANGE: XS – 3XL
- PRICE: Under $500
This sweater is so darn cool. It’s thick, soft, and impossibly cozy. I love that the body is a little shorter, without having any hint of cropped, making it perfect for a slouchy half-tuck. The zipper adds such an interesting detail that this is exactly the sort of sweater one can pair with trousers and just…be…done. The outfit feels finished and intentional, even though it’s actually dead easy.
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15. Best Elegant Sweater: Vince Boiled Cashmere Funnel Neck
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- ETHICS: Unknown
- SIZE RANGE: XXS – XL
- PRICE: Under $500
Vince has been pissing me off lately, playing around with acrylics (except for this thing – loveitsomuch, literally wore it last night). But!! Then they re-stock this sweater and I fall back in love. Vince’s “boiled cashmere” sweater has been on our top cashmere list for years because it’s bananas soft. It’s a little denser, too (thanks to the ‘boiled’ part) so it feels different than Vince’s other cashmere styles.
And because of this denser knit, the wide mock neckline is always perfectly behaved (never floppy), framing the face nicely. This sweater always vibes very elegant and chic, even when pairing it with distressed – or paint splattered, haha – jeans.
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16. Best Random Cashmere I Love: Reformation Boyfriend Sweater
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- ETHICS: Sustainably made
- SIZE RANGE: XS – XL
- PRICE: Under $200
Is this the thickest cashmere sweater I own? Nope. Is it the softest? Also no. This is what I’m calling Ref’s “old” cashmere – thinner, not as soft – so why the heck did it make the list?
Well. It’s just one of those sweaters that I keep reaching for. Know how boyfriend jeans never *really* die? You keep them around and wear them when you’re sick of all other denim? This is like the sweater version of boyfriend jeans.
It has that sort of oversized, boyfriend-y shape. It’s long enough (and thin enough) to happily tuck into pants, yet I’ve also been known to wear it untucked, with certain denim styles.
And the strange thing is that this sweater is one of Linzi’s favorites, too. We often gravitate to different shapes in clothing, so the fact that we’re both oddly passionate about the exact same sweater is noteworthy.
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See? Why so cute?
17. Best Cashmere That’s Actually A Set: Naked Cashmere Ribbed Sweater & Pants
- ETHICS: Cruelty-free, fair trade cashmere
- SIZE RANGE: XS – L
- PRICE: Under $400 (each piece)
If you’re looking for a really luxe, wow gift….Naked Cashmere’s matching sets are epic. Unlike other cashmere sets that are often made from thinner, itchier cashmere, these two sets are some of the most delicious cashmere I’ve found.
My very favorite is a wide-leg cashmere pant with a matching cropped, boxy sweater.
The sweater on its own is so freaking good, but with the matching pants? It’s incredible. It’s the kind of set that people stop me on the street to ask what I’m wearing. Literally nothing I’ve ever owned looked this luxe and cozy.
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If you’re more of a jogger gal, than Naked’s ribbed cashmere top & joggers might be better. This set looks cute with UGGs for lounging at home, but even works with giant Sorels and puffer coats for venturing outside.
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18. Best Cashmere Sweaters For Men: J.Crew & Naadam
sweater (m)
- ETHICS: Meets AbTF’s The Good Cashmere Standard®
- SIZE RANGE: XXS – 3XL
- PRICE: Under $200
Let’s start with J.Crew’s basic crewneck. For $168, it’s great. While Naadam’s “original sweater” is much cheaper (yet just as good in terms of cashmere quality) I like the fit of J.Crew’s sweater better. The sizing is a little roomier right off the bat, so this sweater is, in general, TTS. (Naadam’s original sweater runs really small).
Additionally, J.Crew does traditional colors better, and they always throw in a couple of interesting prints, like this brown houndstooth.
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The other sweater I love for guys is Naadam’s Waffle Knit cashmere sweater. Super soft, sustainably made, with the most delicious texture. Mike has owned this sweater for a few years now, and it has held up really well. Unlike Nadaam’s ‘original sweater’ this one does fit TTS.
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- ETHICS: Sustainably made
- SIZE RANGE: XXS – 3XL
- PRICE: Under $400
19. The Best Cashmere Sweaters For Teens & Tweens: Quince Cashmere
sweater (Raines) | sweater (Ceci)
- ETHICS: Unknown
- SIZE RANGE: XS – XL
- PRICE:Under $60
If you are looking for a cashmere sweater for a teen or tween, I LOVE Quince. Their prices are amazingly affordable ($60 or under), the range of colors is solid, and the cashmere is soft. My kids have been wearing Quince for years now – it’s basically the only sweater they’ll willingly wear.
sweater (Raines) | sweater (Ceci)
While these are, technically, adult sizes, Quince runs pretty small. So for tweens, an XS or S is probably going to work just fine. But for bigger teens, size up. Like…wayyy up. Not only do my boys prefer a slightly oversized fit, but Quince sweaters seem to shrink more in the wash.
For bigger, boyish teens, I especially love Quince’s classic cashmere sweater (Raines, 13-year-old in the photo above, is wearing a men’s size small), and while they do have a slightly more feminine version of that exact sweater…I actually prefer Quince’s shrunken cashmere sweatshirt. Ceci (age 11 in the photo) is wearing a size small, but there is an XS available, too.
20. The Best Cashmere Sweaters For Kids: J.Crew
sweater (m)
- ETHICS: Meets AbTF’s The Good Cashmere Standard®
- SIZE RANGE: XXS (size 2 kids) – XL (size 14 kids)
- PRICE: Under $100
Oh gosh, Pax is so young in this photo!! Now, he’s as big as me – sob!
Bottom line: if you have elementary age kids, J.Crew’s cashmere sweater for kids was always a total win in our house. These sweaters are super soft out of the box, and were the only thing my boys would willingly wear when it was cold. The color range is great, and I loved how this sweater was fancy enough for dress-up, but durable enough (and machine washable) to be worn to school. I typically bought Raines (the oldest) one of these sweaters each year, and almost always had one to pass down to Pax.
I hope this helps you guys find a sweater you genuinely love — one that will actually last for years and years and years. Here’s to cozy, easy outfits!
xo,
S
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