20 Best Cashmere Sweaters 2023 That Feel Luxurious
Is there anything more decadent than being swaddled in one of the best cashmere sweaters you can find? The supersoft cashmere material feels incredibly smooth against the skin, while still keeping us warm when the cold weather hits. A beautifully crafted cashmere knitwear is a worthy investment (and a tried-and-true winter wardrobe essential) that can instantly elevate any outfit and last for years if treated properly. As a shopper who frequently indulges in the luxe fabric and a fashion editor who has seen, felt, and tested countless sweaters from a wide range of cashmere brands through the years, I can attest that these are some of the best cashmere worth shopping.
Our top picks
Best Overall: Vince Boiled Cashmere Funnel-Neck Pullover, $42
Best Value: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, $50
Best Crewneck: Everlane The Cashmere Boxy Crew, $198
Best V-Neck: J.Crew Cashmere Relaxed V-Neck Sweater, $158
Best Turtleneck: Uniqlo Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater, $100
Best Hoodie: Naadam Off-Duty Cashmere Hoodie, $145
Best Oversized: Banana Republic Caro Oversized Lightweight Cashmere Sweater, $150
Best Cable-Knit: Naked Cashmere Paisley Mock Neck Cashmere Sweater, $375
Best on Amazon: Lilysilk Polo Cashmere Sweater, $200
What is a cashmere sweater made of exactly?
Let’s start with the basics. According to the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), cashmere is a type of wool with fine fiber that comes from the undercoat of a specific breed of goats that originate in Asia; most of the world’s highest-quality cashmere is sourced from Mongolia. Because of the climate the animals live in, their coats are dense to withstand cold temperatures, which translates to the warmth of the cashmere textiles. The longest and thinnest fibers produce the softest and most durable cashmere, which is considered grade A on the A to C scale that defines cashmere quality (some brands, like Quince, lay it out in their FAQ pages).
If this all sounds very time-consuming and complex, it is. Cashmere production is limited and deeply reliant on environmental factors. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a nonprofit working with activists and lawyers to confront climate issues, explains that the current demand for virgin cashmere exceeds supply in a sustainable way. If sustainability is a concern, the CFDA recommends seeking out alternatives to virgin cashmere like recycled wool or alpaca. (If you do want regular cashmere, the CFDA suggests looking into whether it's recycled, sustainably grazed and raised, and naturally colored.)
How to shop for cashmere sweaters
How do you know whether it’s good cashmere? You’ll often see the terms “gauge” and “ply” listed. The former applies to the amount of stitches used per inch of cashmere, and thus how tight and warm the weave is. The latter refers to the number of threads twisted together to form a piece of yarn; the higher the ply, the stronger the yarn (read: more durability).
As we transition into cooler months, nothing beats a cashmere sweater (and perhaps some cozy winter scarves to match). From thin, breathable cardigans and crewnecks to layer under blazers and puffer jackets to fluffy sweaters in all necklines that anchor your winter outfits, shop some of our favorite high-quality cashmere pieces. The picks are selected from trusted brands and retailers at every price point from affordable online clothing stores to luxury brands specializing in Italian cashmere (looking at you, Loro Piana). Pro tip: Use a sweater comb to minimize pilling.
