Are Nordstrom’s Cashmere Sweaters Worth It? A Review

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I was first introduced to Nordstrom’s in-house cashmere line – called Nordstrom Signature – years ago, during one of their Anniversary Sales. I remember being blown away by how incredibly thick the cashmere was, and how good the details were: thick ribbing, extra-long sleeves (sometimes with giant cuffs!!), or a perfectly swing shape. I was a huge fan.

a review of Nordstrom's signature cashmere sweaters for women

sweater

As the years passed, however, Nordstrom changed its cashmere game. New cashmere sweaters were still being released as part of the Signature line, but often in dowdy shapes or strange colors. Nordstrom ended their affordable, in-house Halogen cashmere, and replaced it with – confusingly – a label that just said “Nordstrom”. This new iteration didn’t seem to be quite as good as the old Halogen, and it was a far (far!) cry from the delicious cashmere of the Signature line.

For a while, I stopped buying Nordstrom’s in-house cashmere.

Which brings us to this year. Nordstrom has released a bunch of 100% cashmere sweaters, some under their higher-end Signature label, and some under their regular label. While the Nordstrom Signature Cashmere line doesn’t look nearly as exciting as it once did, there are some cute options this year, and the price point is lower than I remember – most are around $250. Nordstrom’s regular cashmere line, however, is filled with what I’ll call cashmere basics – the thinner stuff that still has good drape & cozy feel – for around $150 (and often goes on sale).

A Review of Nordstrom Cashmere Sweaters (For Women)

Since I was deep into research for my article, The Best Cashmere Sweaters for 2024, I ordered my favorites from both the Nordstrom Signature and regular Nordstrom line just to see what – if anything – had changed. Because that article tends to focus on the best cashmere sweaters (as defined as the thickest, and/or most stylish cashmere for under $500), I skipped the truly basic pieces (like this turtleneck, for example) in favor of sweaters with a little more…excitement.

1. Nordstrom Signature Cashmere Striped Turtleneck Sweater

a review of Nordstrom's cashmere sweaters for women

sweater (s) | jeans (26), also here | similar heels

I started with Nordstrom Signature’s Stripe Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater. It has those giant cuffs I remember from years’ past, and a cool, almost swingy shape, thanks to extra-wide ribbing at the hem. It also, as you can tell, runs a bit big, especially in this era of cropped sweaters.

black and white striped cashmere sweaters for women

sweater (s) | jeans (26), also here | similar heels

That said…I really, really like it. The cashmere is deliciously thick, and because of the swingy shape, it looks cool & intentional with loose jeans. Obviously it’ll look good with straight-leg jeans – or even skinnies – but I really appreciate this fresh shape.

the best oversized cashmere sweater for women

sweater (s) | jeans (26), also here | similar heels

I also love a good, black-and-white stripe, and the stripe placement here is perfect. It doesn’t make my shoulders look unnecessarily large, nor is the stripe overwhelming. This sweater is available in sizes XXS – XXL.


2. Nordstrom Cashmere Stripe Mock Neck Sweater

nordstrom striped cashmere sweater

sweater (s) | jeans (26), also here | similar heels

This next sweater is from Nordstrom’s regular, everyday cashmere line, and my face really says it all. I was shocked by the thickness of this cashmere sweater – it’s pretty delicious.

nordstrom cashmere sweater review

sweater (s) | jeans (26), also here | similar heels

I like that the collar isn’t overly tight (or high), and the sweater is nice and loose through the body (fit is TTS). The sweater is also available in tan or rust colors (both with stripes), and the size range is XS-XXL.

That said, one point of concern is the knit itself. It’s a lofty, super soft knit (which is really good!!), but at only $179, I am a liiiiitle worried that this looser knit might not wash as well as other cashmere sweaters.

a review of nordstrom women's cashmere sweaters

sweater (s) | jeans (26), also here | similar heels

This is definitely a sweater that I would recommend washing on a cold, delicate cycle, in one of these mesh laundry bags. Lay flat to dry.

The other main difference between this sweater and the Nordstrom Signature striped sweater is that this one needs a tuck (or half-tuck). This sweater is missing a few details that the more expensive sweater does have (a swingy shape, and thick, ribbed hem, for example). You can see the difference, here:

LEFT: sweater (s) RIGHT: sweater (s) | jeans (26), also here | similar heels


3. Nordstrom Signature Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

the best black cashmere sweaters for women

sweater (s) | jeans (26), also here | similar heels

Out of all of the Nordstrom cashmere sweaters I tried…this – admittedly boring – basic crewneck sweater might be my favorite. It represents both what I love about the Nordstrom Signature line (thick! delicious!) and what I hate: it’s almost completely out of stock.

nordstrom cashmere sweater, with free people moxie jeans, vince heels

sweater (s) | jeans (26), also here | similar heels

There’s not much to say about this one, other than this is a solid example of a basic cashmere sweater done really, really right. There’s enough room in the body and sleeves, and it’s a thicker knit overall. This sweater is only available in sizes XS – L (annoying), and also comes in a pretty gray color (which is currently fully stocked).


4. Nordstrom Signature Mock Neck Cashmere Sweater

does nordstrom make good cashmere sweaters?

sweater (s) | jeans (26), also here | similar heels

Ok, so: this is another of the Nordstrom Signature (higher-end) cashmere sweaters, but in a basic mock neck. That said, it does have some of the fun details I had hoped to see from this line. It’s hard to tell in these photos (maybe just click through to see), but there’s a cool, ribbed sleeve detail on this sweater which gives it an almost sporty vibe. And it tucks (or half-tucks) like a champ.

nordstrom signature cashmere for women

sweater (s) | jeans (26), also here | similar heels

Overall, the shape of this sweater is great. There’s something about it (shorter, maybe, a little roomier?) that reads fresh and modern. It’s only available in black, but the size range is XXS – XXL. I think it fits TTS.


Not bad, right? I love a good cashmere sweater, and I’m thrilled that Nordstrom is back to making cashmere sweaters that I…actually want to wear. More like this, please, Nordstrom.

xo,

S