The Very Best Cashmere Sweaters for Women - The Ultimate Review for this Winter
From essential wardrobe pieces to vibrant color-blocked sweaters.
A cashmere sweater is not just an article of clothing but a flexible, enduring, and timeless investment that might outlive generations, if you prevent the moths from getting to it. Picking the perfect one can seem daunting given the high prices. The finest quality cashmere sweaters carry a hefty price tag since the yarn comes from the delicate undercoat of cashmere goats. I am here to assist. Months of evaluation, namely wearing and laundering cashmere for this article have equipped me well to pinpoint the finest options.
Exciting update: Numerous brands now present more cost-effective choices. Therefore, to ensure a balance between quality and affordability, my colleague Nicole McLoughlin and I have assessed sweaters from both well-known budget-friendly brands and some high-end brands to compare their performance. Our primary considerations were each sweater's texture, weight, and longevity. (Note: Our test duration ranged from as long as two years to as short as several months. I will keep updating this last aspect as more time passes.) I also consulted with fashion-savvy individuals to learn which products they believe are worth the investment or skimp on quality. Continue reading to discover our top selections at every price range.
What we evaluate
Size range- We aimed to find the best by considering sweaters that offer a comprehensive range of size options.
Quality- As previously mentioned, the texture and weight are crucial in selecting cashmere. The quality is indicated by grades: A, B, and C. Grade C, the lowest, measures around 30 microns in width per cashmere hair. Grade B averages around 18 to 19 microns, while Grade A- the highest- does not exceed 14 microns. (To give you a comparison, a typical human hair strand is about 70 microns thick.) Essentially, higher-quality cashmere is finer, making the sweaters softer and better constructed. Though all cashmere will eventually pill, lower-quality cashmere tends to pill more quickly and often. We have noted the grade where provided by the brand.
Style and details- Most cashmere is available in classic styles- crewnecks, V-necks, and turtlenecks and neutral hues, as they are designed to be long-lasting, essential pieces in your wardrobe. However, if you're in the market for something that makes more of a statement, there are numerous brands offering less conventional cuts, colors, and patterns. Our list is predominantly classic, but we've also included a few exciting options we thought stood out.
Price- As noted earlier, cashmere generally costs more than other natural fibers. Nonetheless, we have included a variety of affordable choices that do not compromise on quality. Below we categorized our recommendations as $ (under $150), $$ ($150–$250), or $$$ (over $250).
Top Overall Cashmere Sweater
Naadam The Original Cashmere Sweater for Women, $98
Sizes Available: XXS to XXL | Quality: Grade-A | Style Details: Crewneck | Price: $
Naadam stands out in the budget-friendly cashmere sector for a reason. It provides a broad array of 100% cashmere pieces, including sweaters, cardigans, joggers, and even bike shorts, at a fraction of typical prices. I reviewed the brand’s flagship sweater, which is priced at $98. It feels soft yet not overly delicate (a sign of higher-quality cashmere), but it possesses a slight sheen. For those seeking a traditional fit, this sweater meets the mark with a classic crewneck and ribbing at the neck, cuffs, and hem. I’ve owned it for about half a year, and it’s maintained its form exceptionally well for the cost. Nicole, who also tested this model, notes it pills more than some others she has tried, but a lint remover can easily manage this. She further mentions that the sleeves have slightly stretched, primarily because she prefers rolling up her sleeves throughout her day. Industry experts also commend the brand for its quality. Kate Mullin, director of brand marketing and global communications at Anine Bing, mentioned, “The exceptional quality, the diverse color selection, and most notably, the competitive pricing, rank it among my top choices for cashmere sweaters.” Purchase for $98 at Naadam.
Top Luxurious Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater
Naked Cashmere Noelle Turtleneck Cashmere Pullover, $295
Sizes Available: S to XL | Style Details: Oversized turtleneck, ribbed at the neck and cuffs | Price: $$$
Sofia Taylor also praises Naked Cashmere’s collection, particularly enamored with their turtleneck designs. The sweater features a boxy cut and extra-long sleeves balanced by a modestly cropped length, offering a refined appearance. “The texture is sumptuously luxurious, extending from the sleeves right up to the neck,” Sofia comments. Currently, it is offered in five color variations. Purchase for $295 at Naked Cashmere.
Best Value Cashmere Sweater
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, $50
Sizes Available: XS to 3X | Quality: Grade-A | Style Details: Crewneck | Price: $
Quince, known for its plush bedding, offers a $50 cashmere crewneck and V-neck variant. Like with Naadam, Nicole tested the most economical option from Quince. After owning it for more than a year, it’s shown pilling around the arms and waist but retains ribbing at the neck, cuffs, and hem. According to Nicole, although the ribbing on Quince's cuffs is a bit shorter, they fit more snugly and stretch less than those on Naadam’s sweaters. "It feels just as soft, although Quince's version is a bit lighter in weight," she observes, noting that in terms of quality, it stands shoulder to shoulder with our top overall pick. The sizing is also comparable: Quince offers sizes XS to 3X (sizes 1X–3X are available on a different product page), while Naadam ranges from XXS to XXL. However, it lacks somewhat in color variety, with only 13 options compared to Naadam’s 25. Available for $50 at Quince.
Best Cropped Cashmere Sweater
J.Crew Cashmere Shrunken Crewneck Sweater, $118
Sizes Available: XXXS to 3X | Style Details: Cropped crewneck, ribbed at the neck and cuffs | Price: $
If a cropped style is what you're after, two of our team members vouch for J.Crew’s Shrunken Crewneck. One of our senior writers Melanie Faby, who has this sweater in three colors, appreciates the tailored silhouette which ideally ends just at the top of your pants, perfect for a subtle tuck. During the last winter, it became one of Melanie’s most frequently worn items, holding up beautifully across several dry cleanings with minimal pilling. Our junior writer Ava Davis is another admirer, highlighting its extreme softness, a common trait in J.Crew’s cashmere lineup. Both Melanie and Ava suggest it runs small, recommending a size up. "Typically, I’m an extra-small in J.Crew tops, but for this one, I opted for a medium, it just fits better around the chest and waist," Ava adds, noting the medium provides ample space for layering a turtleneck or a T-shirt beneath. It’s available in 12 vibrant colors including black, navy, pink, and festive “Belvedere Red.” Buy for $118 at J.Crew.
Premium Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater
Nili Lotan Lanie Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater, $795
Sizes Available: Unisex XXS to XL | Style Details: Turtleneck, ribbed at the neck and cuffs | Price: $$$
Olivia Brown, a notable New York City-based women's fashion designer, introduced us to Nili Lotan’s luxurious cashmere pieces, which she discovered living near a Nili Lotan boutique in Tribeca. “Throughout the severe winter months, these cashmere sweaters provided unparalleled comfort,” Olivia reflects. She owns several styles from the brand, but the cashmere turtleneck remains her favorite. “Wearing it evokes memories of those windy days in Tribeca. It's incredibly cozy, allowing me to pull it up over my chin and even my face on especially blustery days.” Buy for $795 at Nili Lotan.
Best Budget-friendly Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater
Uniqlo Women’s Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater, $100
Sizes Available: Unisex XXS to XL | Style Details: Turtleneck, ribbed at the neck and cuffs | Price: $
Although slightly pricier than options from Naadam and Quince, Uniqlo remains an affordable choice. Despite its light weight, it is ideal for standalone wear on warmer days or layering under heavier sweaters. Nicole finds its texture to be more natural and less slick than those from Naadam and Quince. Initially, it felt somewhat coarse, but it softened considerably after a few washes. “After wearing it for nearly a year, it has exhibited considerably less pilling than my sweaters from Naadam or Quince,” Nicole reports. It’s important to note that Uniqlo’s cashmere is seasonally available, making now the perfect time to stock up. Available for $100 at Uniqlo.
Best Striped Cashmere Sweater
Kule The Betty Sweater, $298
Sizes Available: XS to XL | Style Details: Crewneck with stripes | Price: $$$
After losing several sweaters to moths, Nicole invested in this Kule cashmere piece during a sale. She describes it as “the most plush and substantial cashmere sweater in my collection.” The fit is snug yet comfortable enough to wear alone or over a shirt without appearing bulky. It features a classic pattern with black, cream, brown, and navy stripes, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe. Available for $298 at Kule.
Top Cashmere Cardigan
State Cashmere The Crewneck Button Down Cardigan, $150
Sizes Available: S to XL | Style Details: Crewneck button down cardigan | Price: $
Melaine tested this State Cashmere cardigan, which she finds to be an excellent transitional piece from winter to spring. She’s worn it both as a standalone buttoned-up and over tank tops or T-shirts on warmer days. Straight from the box, the cardigan felt incredibly soft, yet not overly delicate, and after about a dozen wears, it showed no signs of pilling. Available in four sizes, from small to extra-large, and although she usually wears an extra-small, the small size provided just enough room for comfortable layering. The cardigan is offered in undyed white, black, gray, beige, and baby blue. Purchase for $150 at Amazon or $135 at State Cashmere.
Best Plus-Size Cashmere Cardigan
Lands’ End Women’s Plus Size Cashmere Cardigan Sweater, From $200
Sizes Available: XL to 3XL | Style Details: Ribbed crewneck | Price: $$
Lands’ End offers this plus-size cardigan in sizes ranging from XL to 3XL. “After admiring several of my favorite straight-size influencers wearing cardigans, I searched for a comparable plus-size option,” says Lauren Chan, founder of clothing brand Henning. She describes this Lands’ End cardigan as “classic" and "straightforward,” perfect for pairing with either light-wash jeans or gray sweatpants, a versatile win-win. Furthermore, it is available in eight different colors. Purchase starting from $200 at Lands' End.
Best Cashmere Shawl
J. Crew Oversized Cashmere Wrap, $117 (originally $198)
Size Available: One size | Style Details: Shawl | Price: $$
Emil Moore, a contributor, introduced us to this oversized J. Crew wrap. Unlike the numerous other shawls she’s tried, this one is both durable and stylish. “My kids have managed to spill everything from hand sanitizer to apple juice on it, and it has endured its fair share of cracker crumbs,” she recounts. “Just a swift cleaning with an unscented baby wipe, and it appears brand new again.” She appreciates how it transforms rushed morning school drop-offs and breezy outdoor dining settings from casual to chic with minimal effort. The fabric is soft and lightweight, akin to muslin, but surprisingly robust. Buy for $117 at J.Crew.
Best Cashmere Polo Sweater
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Polo Sweater, $90
Sizes Available: XS to XL | Quality: Grade-A | Style Details: Open collar with no buttons | Price: $
In her continued search for affordable luxury, Nicole also tried Quince’s polo sweater. With its light, buttery feel and distinct style, it’s a perfect choice for layering or wearing alone on warmer days. “Last fall, this became my staple, even though the unseasonably warm weather, due to its breezy design and unique cut,” Nicole explains. After numerous wears, it showed minimal pilling around the arms. Given its excellent price point, she still highly recommends it. This sweater is available in sizes XS to XL and in eight different colorways. Available for $90 at Quince.