28 Best Cashmere Sweaters 2024, Reviewed by Fashion Experts

Is there anything better than being swaddled in cozy knits? The best cashmere sweaters were made just for that and they’re a smart investment for your fall wardrobe. To help you find the best ones, we asked our network of style experts and Glamour editors for their favorite pieces. Whether you’re eyeing an oversized turtleneck that you can layer under a coat or or a preppy cable-knit style (a big fashion trend right now), these picks are worth adding to your closet. After testing, we chose Quince’s crewneck as our top pick since it’s crafted from 100% grade-A Mongolian cashmere, has a thicker ply, is available in tons of colors, and holds up well per testers. If you’re looking for other timeless options, we also have button-up and cashmere cardigans that you won’t regret buying.

The best cashmere sweaters at a glanceBest Crewneck: Uniqlo Cashmere Sweater, $100Best Value: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, $50Best Cardigan: J.Crew Cashmere Patch-Pocket Cardigan Sweater, $168Best Ribbed: Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan, $475Best V-Neck: Vince V-Neck Cashmere Sweater, $365Best Turtleneck: Babaton Luxe Cashmere Rosemont Sweater, $160Best Black: Everlane The Cashmere Classic Crew Sweater, $158All your cashmere sweater questions, answeredWhy is cashmere so expensive?

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 goat that originates 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 enough 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, such as 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, such as cashmere blends, which are often mixed with recycled wool, merino wool, or alpaca for added warmth and durability. (If you do want regular cashmere, the CFDA suggests looking into whether it’s recycled, sustainably grazed and raised, and naturally colored.)

How to find good-quality cashmere

If all this talk about gauge and ply has your head spinning, no worries, we’ve got you.

First up, gauge—think of it as how tightly knit the sweater is. A higher gauge means more stitches per inch, which usually translates to a tighter, warmer, and more durable weave. In simple terms, a good gauge will keep you cozy and help your sweater hold its shape over time.

Next, there’s ply. Ply is all about how many threads are twisted together to make the yarn. A higher ply means more threads, which makes the yarn stronger and the sweater more durable. A two-ply cashmere sweater is already a solid choice, but you might find yourself drooling over four-ply or even higher if you’re looking for something extra luxurious.

So what’s the lowest ply or gauge you can get away with and still score a great sweater? Honestly, even a one-ply or a lower gauge can be supersoft and comfy if the quality of the cashmere is top-notch. Just remember, lower ply or gauge might feel lighter and less warm, so it’s all about what you’re after—light and breezy, or thick and toasty.

And while “Made in Italy” can sound pretty tempting, don’t let that be your only guide. High-quality cashmere comes from all over—China, South America, and even New York. Trust your instincts, feel the fabric, and don’t be afraid to ask questions when shopping. You’re looking for that balance of softness, strength, and warmth that’ll make your cashmere sweater worth every penny.

How to shop for a cashmere sweater

According to fashion stylist Audree Kate López, it’s important to zoom in on three qualities for cashmere: feel, structure, and origin.

“The first thing you’ll want to look for is how it feels against your skin. A high-quality cashmere shouldn’t scratch your skin and should feel soft and comfortable.” Next is the structure, or how the sweater is tailored, which will definitely make a difference with fit. “Look at the silhouette of the sweater and make sure it will drape and fit your body nicely,” López says. A tighter knit will be better quality and have more durability to bounce back to its original shape as opposed to a looser or boxy-fitting sweater, which might give you a more relaxed style. Lastly, “look at the fuzz and see if the sweater is already pilling before wear—if it’s tightly woven and has minimal fuzz/pilling, your sweater will last longer and is higher quality,” she says.

Tips for styling a cashmere sweater

When it comes to styling a cashmere sweater, you really can’t go wrong with whatever you decide. López loves pairing them with a lot of texture and layers. “Start with a white T-shirt under the sweater, stack some necklaces, and add additional texture through the outer layers like a leather jacket, a knit scarf, or a long coat. Think of the sweater as your base or foundation of the outfit—it’s a great starting point and then add from there,” she says. “It’s more of a basic piece to add to your capsule wardrobe as opposed to a statement piece.”

And here’s a little insider tip: Keep your cashmere fibers looking fresh and pill-free with a sweater comb or shaver. It’s the secret to keeping that investment piece looking like new, season after season.

Glamour editors tested a wide variety of popular brands that are known for cashmere clothing. After narrowing down our list with tips from style experts and selections from our team of reviewers, we wore the cashmere sweaters over a span of weeks. We evaluated based on quality and feel, overall comfort level (if they were itchy or not), and how well they held up (especially after multiple washes). We also checked to see if the sweaters pilled over time and how our reviewers liked to style them.

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Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

Quince was one brand that kept popping up and with over 13,000 reviews (!!!), we can see why. “When I say it’s incredibly soft, ultra-cozy, and yet so lightweight, I’m not exaggerating. I sized up for a slouchy fit, which I love for layering over more figure-skimming silhouettes for a nonchalant offset,” says Glamour contributor Laura Lajiness Kaupke, who is a fan of this subtle brown. “It goes amazingly with siren red, one of fall’s It colors.” She styled hers with a linen maxi, white mesh flats, and a crewneck tee as a base. The current sale price makes this all the more appealing—“literally unbelievable given the high quality of this sweater.”

Quality: 100% Grade-A Mongolian cashmereSize range: XS-XL, also offered in sizes 1X–3XColors: Available in 13 colors2/28

Uniqlo Cashmere Sweater

A classic crewneck sweater is always good to have in your arsenal. This Uniqlo sweater is exceptionally soft and perfect for the fall and winter. “Whenever I have ‘nothing to wear,’ this sweater is the perfect quick fix. The cut fits really well—not too baggy and not too snug—and the rich chocolate brown color is so chic with dark-wash jeans,” says Glamour senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco.

Quality: 100% cashmereSize range: XXS–XXLColors: Available in 14 colors