The temps have finally started to dip, I find myself making warm breakfasts before our chilly walks to school, and we’re all excitedly watching snow reports (with crossed fingers) for an epic ski weekend.
It’s time for cozy sweaters.
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a pretty die-hard cashmere girl. I have really sensitive skin, so I find most other wool sweaters itchy. Cashmere, however, just gets softer with each wash (and yes – I machine wash my cashmere, here’s how), and I’ve found that cashmere is also hard to beat in terms of performance, too. Cashmere drapes beautifully, making it my go-to for many winter date nights or parties, but is legit warm, which means it’s my top pick for skiing mid-layers (or even taking walks in the cold).
If we’re talking cost-per-wear (and we should be, it’s the most effective way I’ve found to manage my wardrobe), then cashmere wins, hands down.
The Best Cashmere Sweaters For 2022: Women, Men, Teens & Kids (Sustainable & Size-Inclusive, Too)
Because I’m so passionate about my cashmere, I’ve started this little tradition of ordering many (sooooo many) cashmere sweaters each fall, trying them all on, and then creating a ‘best of list’. I’m pretty picky, and the idea here is to save the rest of you some time shopping, focusing only on the cashmere that’s worth your time (and money)!
I only include sweaters under $400 (there’s no increase in quality above $400 — you literally just start paying for a name) and a few of my favorites happen to be under $200. If you want to know the cashmere sweater with the longest sleeves? I’ve got it. 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 thickest? The best value for the money?
Yup — got ’em all.
New to the list for 2022? J.Crew cashmere. I’ve never recommended them in past guides because I had found their cashmere to be ill-fitting, thin, and not soft. This year, however, not only has J.Crew committed to a ‘good cashmere standard’, but they’re completely redesigned the line and I LOVE the results (the size range is inclusive, too).
Other changes from last year? Everlane is NOT included. While I appreciate their commitment to recycled cashmere, the feel and fit of Everlane’s sweaters was…not great. But Vince, and their magic “boiled cashmere,” is definitely back. My top pick under $100 may surprise you, but my top picks for guys, teens, tweens and kids hasn’t changed from last year.
- Best Cashmere Sweater Overall: Jenni Kayne Fisherman Sweater
- Best Dupe: J.Crew Oversized Fisherman Crew
- Most Luxurious Cashmere: NAADAM Oversize Turtleneck
- Most Luxurious Runner-Up: Naked Cashmere Indy Sweater
- Best Colors: J.Crew Classic Fit Crewneck
- Best Black Turtleneck: Naked Cashmere Noelle Turtleneck Sweater
- Best Black Turtleneck Under $100: Nordstrom Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater
- Best Striped Cashmere Sweater: Reformation Recycled Cashmere Sweater
- Best Under $100: Quince Cashmere Batwing
- Best for Work: Vince Boiled Cashmere Funnel Neck
- Best Off-The-Shoulder: NAADAM Cashmere Boatneck Sweater
- Best for Guys: NAADAM Cashmere Waffle Crewneck
- Best for Teens & Tweens: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Sweater & Quince Shrunken Cashmere Sweatshirt
- Best for Kids: J.Crew Kid’s Cashmere Sweater
1. The Best Overall:
Jenni Kayne Cashmere Fisherman Sweater
- SUSTAINABLE: Somewhat
- SIZE RANGE: Up to 3XL
- PRICE: Under $400
For the second year in a row, Jenni Kayne’s sweater gets a top nod. It has become the sweater I reach for the most. 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.
Lastly, there’s something about the highly textured knit that makes this sweater feel appropriate in warmer months (without giving up any of the warmth in winter), and I get almost 4-season use out of this sweater. So much so that I finally ordered it in another color, as well.
2. Best Dupe:
J.Crew Ribbed Cashmere Oversized Crewneck
- SUSTAINABLE: Meets the Good Cashmere Standard
- SIZE RANGE: Standard
- PRICE: Under $200
While J.Crew has always been my top pick for kids’ sweaters, their women’s line has never been good enough to make this list…until now. J.Crew has completely fixed my previous complaints about their cashmere quality, thickness and sleeve length. Their Ribbed Cashmere Oversized Sweater is deliciously cozy — a thick, ribbed knit and oversized shape that doesn’t skimp on the sleeves. The shape is similar to my beloved Jenni Kayne sweaters, just a bit more oversized. But since the cashmere itself is of such a high quality, this sweater still drapes well and tucks beautifully into jeans.
This sweater comes in four beautiful, soft shades, and I hope they expand this style next year (both color and inclusive sizing).
3. The Most Luxurious:
NAADAM Oversized Turtleneck Sweater
sweater (s)
- SUSTAINABLE: Yes
- SIZE RANGE: XXS to XXL
- PRICE: Under $400
Naadam brought their oversized cashmere turtleneck back for a second season! This is the one sweater that is so ridiculously soft, thick and cozy that readers write in thanking us for covering it.
Sustainable? Yes. Sleeve length? Perfect. Cut? Fresh and modern. Colors? Also in black or lavender. Cashmere? Oh dear GOD. This cashmere is like nothing else I’ve ever felt. It’s so soft I want to weep. It’s so thick, I’m confused.
There are also some matching cashmere joggers if interested. The set feels deliciously luxurious to wear around the house, and both the sweater (and joggers) happen to be on major sale…
4. The Most Luxurious Runner-Up:
Naked Cashmere Indy Sweater
- SUSTAINABLE: Yes
- SIZE RANGE: Standard
- PRICE: Under $300
All of the details that bugged me about Naked’s cashmere line last year (the too-short sleeves, the thinner cashmere) seem to have been fixed with this sweater. This sweater, Naked Cashmere’s Indy Sweater is deliciously good. It is, in fact, almost as good as Naadam’s epically soft sweater, above.
The only difference is the fact that it’s not *quite* as thick and soft, and the neck isn’t quite as well-behaved. If you have a short neck, you’re better off with Naadam. Otherwise, this sweater is a solid buy, and while it does come in black, this gray is one of the prettiest I’ve seen.
5. The Best Colors:
J.Crew Classic Fit Crewneck Sweater
- SUSTAINABLE: Certified by the AbTF’s Good Cashmere Standard
- SIZE RANGE: XXS – 3XL
- PRICE: Under $150
Not only is this cashmere crew my favorite fit of all the basic cashmere crew sweaters, but the colors: The colors are stunning. There are eight different shades in the red/pink family alone (24 color options overall), meaning that you can definitely find something to complement your skin tone. (I’m wearing the ‘vibrant red’.)
The weight of this cashmere is lighter than the luxe cashmere sweaters covered above, but it’s still extremely soft, thick enough to feel like a high-quality sweater, and the sleeve length isn’t skimpy.
6. The Best Black Turtleneck Sweater:
Naked Cashmere Noelle Turtleneck Sweater
- SUSTAINABLY MADE: YES
- SIZE RANGE: XS – L
- PRICE: Under $300
Naked Cashmere’s Noelle Turtleneck is on the thinner side, but still deliciously soft. The arms are long enough, the neck isn’t annoying, and it has a swingy shape that looks really cute untucked. I love the slouchy, yet elevated vibe.
If you are looking for a black turtleneck with a fresh, modern twist, this one is great.
7. The Best Black Turtleneck Under $100:
Nordstrom Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater
- SUSTAINABLE: NO
- SIZE RANGE: XXS to XXL
- PRICE: Under $150
I’ve been wearing Nordstrom’s classic black turtleneck sweater (originally branded under the Halogen name) for years now. This is the sweater I wear as my skiing mid-layer, or for hiking in cooler temps…yet it looks good enough to wear out to dinner, as well. And despite the price tag (under $100 on sale, or $120 otherwise), I’m impressed by how long the sleeves are, and how well the cashmere drapes.
That said, this sweater can’t really compare to the truly luxurious sweaters described above, but it does get softer with each wash. I also appreciate how well it tucks into high-rise jeans, despite it’s length: this is decidedly NOT a cropped sweater.
8. The Best Striped Cashmere Sweater:
Reformation Recycled Cashmere Sweater
- SUSTAINABLE: YES (and made from recycled cashmere)
- SIZE RANGE: XS-XL
- PRICE: Under $150
Dang it, this sweater is almost completely sold out in the stripes. I can see why: the shape is inexplicably perfect. The vibe is oversized and slouchy, yet the sweater is flattering, thanks to the drape and perfectly dropped shoulders.
I love wearing this sweater both tucked and un-tucked, and highly recommend it in ANY color (the dark gray might be my next purchase). Even better, this sweater is sustainably made from 70% recycled cashmere, too.
9. The Best Under $100:
Quince Cashmere Batwing
- SUSTAINABLE: NO
- SIZE RANGE: XS-XL
- PRICE: Under $100
I make it a policy to never buy “one size” sweaters…but this one is so bizarrely affordable AND looks exactly like that AllSaints sweater that I had to try. This is another sweater that looks equally cute tucked or un-tucked, and actually looks pretty great with leggings, too.
This cashmere is on the thinner side, but is still very soft and cozy. Just one seriously cool, versatile sweater for under $100.
10. The Best for Work:
Vince Boiled Cashmere Funnel Neck
- SUSTAINABLE: No
- SIZE RANGE: XXS – XL
- PRICE:Under $400
This Vince Boiled Cashmere Sweater is made of some of the most delicious cashmere around I don’t quite know what the “boiling” does, but the result is a thick cashmere that feels almost impossibly soft. Thanks to the chic neckline, this sweater gives off Jackie O. vibes that elevate it far beyond a basic sweater. The neckline is wearable (it’s not really a turtleneck,) yet it’s a far cry from a crewneck.
And while I know Vince cashmere has been all over the map in terms of softness and heft…this is the brand’s best. So much so that they brought it back for another year in an expanded range of colors. A chic, easy win.
11. The Best Off-The-Shoulder:
NAADAM Cashmere Boatneck Sweater
- SUSTAINABLE: YES
- SIZE RANGE: XXS – 3X
- PRICE:Under $150
Naadam’s Boatneck Sweater is not nearly as high quality as their other sweaters. It’s on the thinner side, actually, but it has ended up being one of my most-worn. Why? Because it’s so dang comfortable.
This is the sweater I knot over leggings (yup, thin enough to knot), and wear almost every night to snuggle up on the couch (usually with matching cashmere sweats). I’ve taken naps in this sweater, used it as a workout warm-up, and basically treated it like a thicker, cozier version of a long sleeve tee.
12. The Best Cashmere Sweaters for Men:
NAADAM Cashmere
sweater (s)
- SUSTAINABLE: YES
- SIZE RANGE: XS – XXL
- PRICE:Under $250
Our first stop for cashmere sweaters for guys is always Naadam. Not only are their cashmere sweaters sustainably made, but their stuff is high-quality, thick, soft, and they have the best color options. Naadam’s basic cashmere crewneck sweater is always a win (updated this season with recycled cashmere), but Mike’s favorite is their Waffle Crewneck Sweater.
Mike’s sweater (m)
Of course, there’s always Naadam’s $75 sweater for men, as well. Thinner than the other two mentioned above, but has a great cut and fit – you won’t go wrong.
13. The Best Cashmere Sweaters for Teens & Tweens:
Quince Cashmere
sweater (Raines) | sweater (Ceci)
- SUSTAINABLE: NO
- 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.
sweater (Raines) | sweater (Ceci)
For bigger, boyish teens, I especially love Quince’s classic cashmere sweater (my 13-year-old 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) is wearing a size small, but there is an XS available, too.
14. The Best Cashmere Sweaters for Kids:
J.Crew Kid’s Cashmere Sweater
sweater (m)
- SUSTAINABLE: YES
- SIZE RANGE: XXS (size 2 kids) – XL (size 14 kids)
- PRICE: Under $100
J.Crew’s cashmere sweater for kids (which almost never goes on sale) is a total win in this house. These sweaters are super soft out of the box, and is the only thing my boys will willingly wear when it’s cold. The color range is great, and I love how this sweater always looks fancy enough for dress-up, but is durable enough (and machine washable) to be worn to school. I typically buy one of these sweaters each year, and we almost always have one to pass down to little 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 snuggles on the couch, and not freezing on date night!
xo,
S
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Love, love this post!!
You left out the OG of cashmere-White & Warren. Their travel wraps are legendary, their sweaters are the softest, and they have many styles and colors. They also have some amazing sales throughout the year. Cashmere is almost all they do, besides some cotton/linen for summer. Truly the best.
For just a split second, Shana, I thought your dad’s arms were wrapped around you. He had a sweater with that kind of texture. Sigh.
ummmmm urgent update. the nadaam boatneck is on sale (and of course on its way to me) for $87.50! THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!!
This was a great round-up! (I love that you included recommendations for teens, too.) Have you tried Garnet Hill cashmere? I’d love to know how it compares to some of your top picks.
Thank you!
I love this roundup, thank you!! Has anyone tried the Quince cashmere fisherman sweater? I’m curious about it as another possible Jenni Kanye dupe . . .
This was a great article! I would like to put in a plug for the Naadam fancy cashmere scoop. Yes it is thinner but it is SOOO soft and comfortable. Like wearing a cloud. I’m of a certain age and always hot, so even though I have the thicker cashmere sweaters in my closet, I really only want to wear the Naadam scoop. I’m so obsessed with it that I’ve now — thanks to the 30% sale a couple weeks ago— bought it in all the colors and a backup one in the sand color! I wore the sand color this summer with denim cutoffs and white tank and I just wore it last night with black straight leg jeans and heels. Just thought I’d share for others who are also temperature challenged! (5’2, 115, and XS is perfect.)
Thanks for this list. I also love La Ligne as the cashmere ris thick and holds up with wear.
Curious about the Naadam Luxe Oversized Turtleneck. Has anyone sized down? I normally would get a large (possibly a medium) but I don’t want it to be so oversized. Is it really as oversized in real life as it looks on the models on the Naadam site? Any info appreciated.