I Tried Five Cashmere Sweaters Under $100- Here’s the Best Cheap Cashmere Sweater I’d Actually Buy

I Tried Five Cashmere Sweaters Under $100—Here’s the Best Cheap Cashmere Sweater I’d Actually Buy

I've always thought of cashmere sweaters as the ultimate luxury: soft, warm, and a little bit indulgent. But let's be honest—they're usually a splurge that can really add up. So, when I noticed more brands offering cashmere sweaters for under $100, I wondered if they were actually worth it. Were these budget-friendly options just cheap imitations, or could they live up to the cashmere hype?

To find out, I tried five cashmere sweaters under $100 and pitted them against each other. I wore them, washed them, and tested them in all the ways that I'd use a favorite sweater. Here’s what I found out- and which ones I’d actually recommend.

Table of Contents

• How I Tested Them
• My Top Pick: Naadam The Original Cashmere Sweater
• Best Budget Option: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
• For Affordable Luxury: offbeat1 Baby Cashmere Sweater
• The Rest of the Sweaters I Tested
• My Final Recommendations

How I Tested Them

To keep things consistent, I only looked at 100% cashmere sweaters available in classic crewneck styles, all priced below $100. Here’s what I was looking for:

• Softness and Texture: I wanted sweaters that were cozy and soft without being overly fluffy or cheap-feeling.
• Style and Fit: I looked for sweaters that were versatile and flattering, whether worn on their own or layered.
• Construction: Well-made seams, sturdy ribbing, and those little fully fashioned marks (small, raised rows of stitching) were key.
• Durability: Cashmere does tend to pill over time, but I wanted sweaters that wouldn’t pill right away or lose their shape after one wash.
• Fiber Quality: Long, fine fibers create more luxurious garments, with lengths typically ranging from 28 to 42 mm. Fiber fineness varies, with Grade A cashmere—the finest and highest quality—measuring about 14 microns in diameter, while coarser Grade C fibers measure up to 30 microns.

I ordered each sweater in my usual men’s medium size. When they arrived, I tested the fabric by feeling it between my fingers and against my more sensitive cheek. I wore the sweaters both alone and layered with other garments to experience their comfort in New York City’s autumn chill.

I closely examined the hems, seams, and ribbing, inspecting the knits in detail. I tugged on the sleeves to see how well they snapped back into shape, rubbed the surface with a finger to test for pilling, and hand-washed each sweater, drying it flat to observe how it held up.

Finally, I assessed the cashmere quality itself: the length and fineness of the fibers, along with the yarn’s ply (as higher ply yarn provides greater warmth and durability).

After putting each sweater through the wringer, I had a clear favorite.

My Top Pick: Naadam The Original Cashmere Sweater

After testing them all, Naadam’s Original Cashmere Sweater became my favorite. It’s around $98, available in sizes XXS to XXL, and comes in tons of colors. Here’s why I loved it:

• Softness That Lasts: This sweater is beautifully soft and cozy with a substantial weight. Even on a cool day, it kept me warm.
• Classic Fit: Naadam’s fit is slim but relaxed, so it’s easy to layer over a shirt or under a coat. If you’re wearing it alone, it has a bit of a slouchy, laid-back vibe.
• Solid Details: The seams and ribbing feel sturdy, and it held up well after washing. It didn’t pill right away, which is always a good sign with cashmere.
• Quality Cashmere: Made from Grade A Mongolian cashmere, it has the softness and durability you’d hope for in a good-quality sweater.

Any Downsides? The only thing to note is that this sweater has a longer, looser fit, so it’s more of a cozy layering piece than something super fitted. Washing it also caused a little fluff, but that’s pretty typical for cashmere.

Best Budget Option: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

For anyone wanting to get the most out of their money, the Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck is a great deal at $50. It’s not as substantial as Naadam’s, but if you want to try cashmere without spending much, it’s a solid choice.

• Super Soft Feel: This sweater has a slightly fluffier texture that’s nice against the skin.
• Flattering Fit: It’s slim and has a ribbed hem that gives it a tailored, put-together look.
• Quality for the Price: I was impressed by the quality. Quince recently upgraded the sweater, adding 20% more cashmere, making it feel thicker and more durable. It does tend to pill a bit more than pricier options, but for $50, I’m okay with that.

Drawbacks? It’s lighter and a little more delicate than Naadam’s, and it does pill after around 20-30 wears. But at this price, I think it’s worth the trade-off.

For Affordable Luxury: offbeat1 Baby Cashmere Sweater

If you’re open to spending a little more and want a true luxury feel, offbeat1’s Baby Cashmere Sweater is a great choice. Made from premium baby cashmere, it’s incredibly soft and feels much more high-end than the other budget options.

• Exceptionally Soft: The baby cashmere is plush and smooth, a noticeable step up in quality.
• Sturdy Build: offbeat1’s sweater feels really well-constructed, with strong seams and a neat, tailored fit. It held up well after washing and barely pilled.
• Elevated Style: The clean, slim fit makes it easy to dress up or down, and it really does feel like a luxury piece.

Any Downsides? This sweater is just over $100, so it’s not the cheapest option. But for anyone who wants to experience baby cashmere without paying designer prices, it’s an excellent choice.

The Rest of the Sweaters I Tested

Gobi $99 Cashmere Hat & Sweater Set

The Gobi sweater, which comes with a matching hat, is soft and light but didn’t hold up as well. The ribbing looked a bit flimsy, and it started pilling quickly. For the same price, I think Naadam or offbeat1 are better options.

Uniqlo Cashmere Crew Neck Long-Sleeve Sweater

I had high hopes for Uniqlo’s cashmere, but this one was a letdown. It felt scratchy against my skin, which kind of defeats the purpose of cashmere. The fit is roomy, almost oversized, so it wasn’t the most flattering either.

My Final Recommendations

So, which one would I actually buy again? For anyone wanting high-quality cashmere that’s going to last, Naadam’s Original Cashmere Sweater is hands-down the winner. But if you’re looking for a good cashmere experience on a budget, Quince’s Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck offers a lot for $50. And if you want a true luxury feel, offbeat1’s Baby Cashmere Sweater is well worth the small splurge. No matter your budget, there’s a cashmere sweater here that’ll keep you cozy without blowing your budget.