The 40 Best Sweaters for Women

A good sweater is everything. I live in them from the first cool day in September straight through April. It’s the one piece of clothing that feels like a hug. But finding the *right* one? That’s a whole other story. Some pill after one wash, others are scratchy, and many are just ridiculously expensive.

So, I went on a mission. I tested dozens of sweaters—cashmere, cotton, wool, you name it—to find the ones that are actually worth your money. These are the knits I kept reaching for, the ones that held up, felt amazing, and didn’t break the bank (well, mostly).

From a $50 cashmere crew that feels like a million bucks to a classic cotton fisherman knit I’ll have forever, these are truly the best sweaters for women I’ve found.

 

 

Best Cashmere Sweaters

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

This sweater costs just $50, which honestly feels wrong for 100% cashmere. It’s so much softer and higher quality than you’d expect for that price. Seriously, it feels like it should cost three times as much.

I was skeptical, but it holds up surprisingly well. It’s warm without being bulky and breathes well, so you don’t overheat indoors. After a few hand washes, it’s still in great shape.

The Downside: It’s a bit thinner than some of the super high-end cashmere brands, but for the price, I’m not complaining at all.

 

 

Naadam The Original Cashmere Sweater

At $98, the Naadam crewneck is my go-to for everyday cashmere. It strikes the perfect balance between price and quality. The softness is incredible—I’ve definitely fallen asleep in this sweater more than once.

It comes in a ton of colors and has a classic, easy fit that works with everything. I’ve found Naadam’s cashmere to be really durable over time, with minimal pilling compared to other brands I’ve tried.

The Downside: The sizing can run a little small. If you want a more relaxed, loose fit, I’d recommend sizing up.

 

 

Guest in Residence Oversized Crew

Okay, this one is a splurge at $385. But if you’re looking for that true luxury cashmere feel, this is it. It’s from Gigi Hadid’s brand, and it lives up to the hype.

The cashmere is ridiculously soft and has this perfect, slouchy, oversized fit that looks effortlessly cool. It’s lightweight but still incredibly cozy. And the best part? It barely pills, which is a huge win for such a fine knit.

The Downside: The price is obviously steep. It’s an investment piece for sure.

 

 

Alex Mill Jordan Sweater in Washed Cashmere

The Alex Mill Jordan Sweater costs $295, and it’s worth it for the sheer practicality. This is high-end cashmere you can actually live in without being too precious about it.

The “washed” cashmere feels broken-in and incredibly soft from the very first wear. I love that it’s machine washable, which makes it so much easier to care for. It’s a true workhorse sweater that still feels like a total luxury.

The Downside: It’s another pricey option, but the quality and ease of care help justify it.

 

 

Best Cotton Sweaters

perfectwhitetee Janet Sweater

For $198, this is the sweater I recommend to everyone who hates the itch of wool. It’s made from a thick, heavyweight organic cotton that feels structured and substantial, not flimsy.

The ribbed details on the sleeves, neck, and hem give it a really nice shape. It’s breathable, super soft, and just feels like a really well-made, classic piece. If you’re a cotton sweater person, this is the one to get.

The Downside: The price is a little high for a cotton sweater.

 

 

L.L.Bean Women’s Signature Cotton Fisherman Sweater

This classic fisherman sweater is $119, and it’s a timeless piece you’ll own forever. I’ve had mine for years, and it just gets better with age. It’s made from a really durable, cozy cotton that can handle a lot of wear.

Even though it’s based on a traditional men’s style, the cut is surprisingly flattering. It’s the perfect sweater for a chilly weekend, and it looks just as good with jeans as it does with leggings.

The Downside: The women’s sizing is a bit limited, so it can be tricky to find the perfect fit.

 

 

Aritzia Cotton Charm Fern Sweater

This sweater is just plain fun for $98. It’s mostly cotton with a touch of cashmere, so it’s soft and not itchy at all. The real draw is the adorable intarsia graphics, like the little red panda design.

I get so many compliments whenever I wear this. The fit is perfectly oversized without looking sloppy, making it super easy to style for a casual day out. It’s a great way to add a little personality to your knitwear collection.

The Downside: The cutest designs are seasonal and tend to sell out really fast.

 

 

Quince 100% Organic Cotton Oversized Cardigan

Another winner from Quince, this $50 cardigan is a dream for anyone with wool allergies. It’s made from a substantial organic cotton that has a nice weight to it, so it hangs beautifully.

The oversized fit is swingy and comfortable, and it hasn’t stretched out of shape at all. It’s a perfect layering piece, and I’m already planning on buying it in more colors. The quality is just fantastic for the price.

The Downside: The fit is very oversized, so it might feel a little too roomy on more petite frames.

 

 

Buck Mason Seafarer Cotton Crewneck Sweater

This $188 sweater is all about the texture. It’s made from a seven-gauge cotton yarn in a waffle knit that feels so soft and breathable. You can just tell it’s made with high-quality fabric.

The fit is that perfect “just right”—not too tight, not too loose. I especially love the slight balloon sleeves, which give it a modern touch. It feels like a vintage find that’s been perfectly preserved.

The Downside: It’s a premium price for a cotton crewneck.

 

 

Best Wool & Other Knit Sweaters

Quince Australian Merino Wool Half-Zip Sweater

For $90, this half-zip is an amazing deal for merino wool. The knit is chunky and heavyweight, similar to a classic fisherman sweater, but the merino makes it soft and not scratchy.

I love a good half-zip because you can easily pull it on and off without messing up your hair or makeup. It’s warm but not suffocating, making it a great layering piece for colder days.

The Downside: The care instructions recommend dry cleaning, which can be a bit of a hassle.

At the end of the day, the best sweater is the one you feel great in. Whether you’re splurging on buttery-soft cashmere or finding a durable cotton classic, a good knit is a wardrobe staple that you’ll wear for years.

These are the sweaters that have earned a permanent spot in my closet. They’ve proven their worth in comfort, style, and quality, and I can’t recommend them enough.