Business

Best Cashmere Sweaters 2024

November 14, 2024

The best cashmere sweaters are soft to the touch, comfortable—with just enough stretch to retain their shape—and versatile to wear year-round. In my quest to find the best cashmere sweaters, I considered more than two dozen styles and spent TK months wearing them. I determined the White + Warren Essential Cashmere Crewneck to be the best cashmere sweater overall for its high-quality, 100% traceable Mongolian fibers. For an affordable option, I recommend the Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, which is soft and washable and offers incredible value for the price.

The best cashmere sweaters combine high quality fibers, soft textures and comfortable designs that … [+] last.

ILLUSTRATION: FORBES/IMAGES: RETAILERS

Here are all five winners, each of which scored high points for softness, durabilty, fit and value. Keep in mind that while I specifically focused on women’s crewnecks for the purposes of this guide, these brands offer a variety of styles, including cardigans and turtlenecks, for both men and women. Scroll to the end for additional picks, plus expert tips from fashion designers and textile experts and the full details on our testing process.

Best Cashmere Sweater Overall: White + Warren Essential Cashmere Crewneck
Best Affordable Cashmere Sweater: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
Best Fitted Cashmere Sweater: Naadam The Original Cashmere Sweater
Best Casual Cashmere Sweater: Everlane The Classic Crew In Cashmere
Best Luxury Cashmere Sweater: Jenni Kayne Cashmere Fisherman Sweater

White + Warren

White + Warren Essential Cashmere Crewneck

NSJ is a journalist and editor specializing in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, culture. Her work has appeared in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Grazia, The Guardian, Telegraph Fashion, The Sydney Morning Herald.

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Sizes: XS to L | Colors: 9 total, including Deep Navy and Charcoal Heather | Materials: 100% cashmere | Source: Mongolia

The White + Warren Essential Cashmere Crewneck is a simple, elegant crew neck with a straight fit that looked beautiful on—and felt incredibly soft. It passed the quality and wear tests I put it through with ease, which made this my best overall pick. White + Warren also has an excellent reputation within the cashmere world: Since its founding in 1997, the New York–based, female-run brand has specialized in cashmere pieces made from traceable fiber sourced directly from Mongolian herders. This sweater came highly recommended by a number of the experts I spoke with and has a flattering slim fit and medium weight that makes it great for fall and winter.

This sweater is spun from two-ply cashmere with a fine micron count of 15 to 16, but one downside is the size range isn’t very inclusive; it is offered only in XS through L. White + Warren does emphasize sustainability; the brand sources traceable yarns, some of which are made from recycled bottles, and the factory works with the Sustainable Fibre Alliance, which ensures low environmental impact, herder well-being and animal welfare. White + Warren is also a member of Textile Exchange, whose mission is to accelerate sustainable practices in the textile supply chain.

Quince

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

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Sizes: XS to XL | Colors: 18 total, including Black and Minimal Pink | Materials: 100% cashmere | Source: Mongolia

Price is generally a good indicator of quality when it comes to cashmere. Everything from yarn size to fiber length and diameter can impact the cost of the raw material. Most of the experts I spoke to said that they personally wouldn’t buy a cashmere sweater for less than $200, since that would mean it was likely made with short fibers that would pill faster and not withstand the test of time. That said, for $50, the Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater is made from 100% cashmere that is ethically sourced from goats in Inner Mongolia, and it held up quite well during testing.

It’s a classic slim style with a ribbed neckline, sleeves and hem. The Quince looked slightly thinner under the light, but the difference wasn’t dramatic. I didn’t feel any residue when I rubbed the sleeves between my thumb and fingers, and I was surprised to find very little evidence of fraying or fluffing. This sweater also retained its shape well when stretched, and after hand washing, it still looks great without any signs of wearing out faster than any of the other sweaters I tested. For an everyday staple at a great price, it’s pretty hard to beat this Quince pick. It also comes in 15 different colorways, and the sizing goes up to an XL.

NAADAM

Naadam The Original Cashmere Sweater

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Sizes: XXS to 3X | Colors: 9 total (core collection), including Smoke and Olive | Materials: 100% cashmere | Source: Mongolia

Similar to White + Warren, Naadam is a cashmere-focused fashion brand. It was founded by two designers—former college friends—intent on creating affordable, high-quality cashmere sweaters, cardigans and turtlenecks. The duo works directly with local goatherds in the Gobi Desert in Mongolia, and Naadam’s entry-level Original Cashmere Sweater is just $98. It’s a bestseller, garnering more than 3,000 reviews to date. The brand also has Lightweight and Luxe Cashmere collections, with prices ranging from $95 to upward of $350, so there is definitely something for everyone here.

I, however, chose to test the more directional Striped Crewneck Sweater, which costs $175 and has a relaxed, oversized fit. It was seriously soft to the touch when I rubbed it on my face and wore it against my skin. It has a thicker, heavier texture than the brand’s Original sweater, making it a better option for winter months. After huffing my way through some planks and layering this sweater under a coat, the crew neck did show signs of pilling and raised fibers. I noticed some excess fluff, especially after my dog jumped on me and snuggled, and this sweater doesn’t have the more expensive touches, such as fully fashioned marks. Still, the crew neck retained its shape well when stretched and scored a lot of style points as a sophisticated sweater that I could pair with many different outfits.

Everlane

Everlane The Classic Crew In Cashmere

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Sizes: XXS to XXL | Colors: 6 total, including Light Heather Grey and Bone | Materials: 100% cashmere | Source: Mongolia

Everlane is known for its sustainability commitment, fair pricing, simple classic staples and inclusive sizing. To that end, the Cashmere Crew is available in XXS to XXXL and was the most size-inclusive among the sweaters I tested. It’s also made from cashmere sourced from Inner Mongolia, and for the $145 price point, it’s a great go-to piece for everyday wear. The fiber wasn’t as soft as some of the other cashmere sweaters I tried, and I also detected a little slickness after rubbing the sleeves between my fingers, which could indicate a lower-quality yarn. But I loved the colors this crew neck comes in—all neutral shades are versatile and chic. Do I expect this sweater to last a lifetime? Most likely not—for example, after 14 days of testing, I noticed the crew neck wrinkled after hand washing and started to pill in certain spots, but overall, this sweater still looks beautiful and not worn out. I consider this cashmere a solid, mid-priced option available in a wide size range that you’ll definitely get a lot of wear out of.

Jenni Kayne

Jenni Kayne Cashmere Fisherman Sweater

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Sizes: XS to 3X | Colors: 10 total, including Heather Grey and Oatmeal | Materials: 100% cashmere | Source: Mongolia

Jenni Kayne is a fan favorite among the fashion set, and her signature Fisherman Sweater has something of a cult-like status, with more than 1,100 reviews. It’s made from 100% Mongolian cashmere and has a tight ribbed texture and a classic fit. At $395, it’s an investment piece, but it’s available in extended sizing (XS to 3X) and 11 colorways (all neutral earthy shades). The versatile style of this pick means that it can be worn in more casual situations—paired with say, jeans and flats on the weekend—as well as dressier situations for work. Forbes Vetted’s senior fashion editor Kari Molvar recommends wearing it with a slim skirt or oversized trousers.

Notably, for luxury option this sweater is still relatively affordable. You can easily spend upward of $1,000 on a crew neck, which is partly due to the quality of the cashmere but also has a bit do with branding. All in all, Jenni Kayne’s Fisherman strikes the right balance between beautiful cashmere and fair pricing.

Other Cashmere Sweaters To Consider

Forbes Vetted’s deputy editor and resident fashion expert, Kari Molvar, helped pick a few more cashmere sweaters that have beautiful style and high-quality design. Whether you’re looking for gifts or other options for yourself, these sweaters are worth a look.

Todd Snyder

Todd Snyder Cashmere Crewneck

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Todd Snyder really stands out for their well-made classic wardrobe essentials, and their bestseller cashmere crewneck is soft, cozy and layers well. It’s made from medium gauge 100% cashmere yarns with fully fashioned marks at the armholes and side seams for durability. The weight is great for wearing year-round, whether your put it under a blazer or pair with jeans or chinos. While it’s technically made for men, it has a slim fit so it would certainly work for women as well.

Reformation

Reformation Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater

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For an affordable option that’s also sustainably made, Reformation’s Boyfriend Sweater is a solid choice. It’s made with a recycled cashmere blend—comprised of cashmere as well as regeneratively grown cotton and traceable wool—which helps bring down the overall price of this pick. The texture is still soft and cozy, though, and the oversized fit gives this sweater a relaxed look. It comes in three striped versions and six solid colors, from mossy green to classic black.

Madewell

Cashmere Relaxed Crewneck Sweater

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Madewell’s relaxed crewneck is made from cashmere that’s certified by Aid by Trade Foundation, a non-profit that promotes the fair treatment of cashmere goats, protects natural resources and improves working conditions for farm workers in Inner Mongolia. The price is quite good for quality (it’s 100% cashmere, not a blend), and this pick comes in five shades (including stripes). Overall, this sweater is a lightweight staple that’s easy to love.

La Ligne

La Ligne Marin Sweater

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If you want a warmer, chunkier option that’s still soft and luxurious, La Ligne’s Marin sweater is made from 30% cashmere and 70% wool. The feel is more substantial and less airy than a pure cashmere pick, which makes this great for cold weather.

How I Tested The Best Cashmere Sweaters

When selecting which sweaters to test, I took certain factors into consideration that indicate the quality and longevity of the cashmere. These included price, where the raw material comes from, the reputation of the mill that spun the yarn, the grade of the cashmere and the brand’s sustainability commitment.

Everlane’s cashmere is sourced from Inner Mongolia, and for the $145 price point, it’s a great go-to … [+] piece for everyday wear.

Everlane

Authenticity: I tested only 100% cashmere crew neck sweaters, a claim that requires the cashmere be legally certified by textile trade organizations. There isn’t one certifying body, but qualified laboratories follow the protocols of ISO (International Organization for Standardization); ASTM International (American Society for Testing Materials), for physical testing; and AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists), for chemical testing. While the certificate of authenticity comes from the fiber-producing country, the responsibility for accuracy (protecting the consumer), lies with the consuming country. In the U.S., the governing body is the FTC (Federal Trade Commission); i

Quality: While there are many technical metrics used within the trade (as noted above), I focused on tests a consumer could repeat at home. I started by examining each sweater, fresh out of the shipping box or bag, holding it up in sharp sunlight and checking for thin or uneven patches, since you can’t see through a high-quality, long-fiber cashmere sweater. At eye level, I scrutinized its texture: A small amount of fluffiness (1 to 2mm) is a good sign of quality. If the sweater is fluffier, chances are that short fibers were used and it will pill faster. I also looked for fully fashioned marks, which are small rows of marks near the shoulder seam, created by transferring loops or stitches to needles for extra reinforcement. It’s more time-consuming than the “cut and sew” method that involves running fabric through sewing machines.

White + Warren’s crew neck passed the quality and wear tests I put it through with ease, which made … [+] this my best overall pick. White + Warren also has an excellent reputation within the cashmere world.

White + Warren

Sourcing: Many different goat breeds can produce cashmere, but the Himalayan mountain goat is primarily known as the “cashmere goat,” according to Clive Hallett and Amanda Johnston, coauthors of Fabric for Fashion. Cashmere from Outer Mongolia and Inner Mongolia within China is the best quality, Hallett and Johnston say, noting that the extreme climate seems to allow the goats to grow finer, denser underhair. With that in mind, I researched where each brand sources its cashmere and whether the production process is transparent and environmentally conscious.

Hand Feel: High-quality cashmere should feel soft and luxurious to the touch. I rubbed the sleeves, neck and middle part of the body of each sweater between my thumb and fingers. If I detected any slickness or residue left on my fingers, chemicals may have been added to the cashmere, which dilutes its quality and can make a sweater wear out faster. I also assessed if the sweater felt itchy or scratchy on my bare skin and arms, or when worn with just a t-shirt underneath.

Performance: I gently and repeatedly stretched each sweater to see if it sprang back into shape. Additionally, I wore each cashmere sweater for 4 to 8 hours a day, looking to see if the sweater retained its structure or showed signs of thinning. To mimic the wear and tear that accumulates over time, I put the sweaters through simple friction tests: I wore each under a tightly fitted coat that caused rubbing at the neck, arms and body when taking it on and off. I leaned on my elbows and arms in a plank position on my living room floor and on my yoga mat to put stress on these areas. I also cuddled with Faith, my 5-year-old, 15-pound Cavapoo who (gladly) jumped on me, and then checked for signs of pilling, snags or holes afterward.

Style And Care: I ordered each crew neck sweater in a size small (or the equivalent) and wore them alone against my bare skin, with a t-shirt and button-down shirt underneath and under a wool coat and puffer jacket during October in New York City, when the temperatures ranged from 47 to 65 degrees. I assessed how well the sweater hung on my body and paired it with a few different outfits—from casual to formal—to determine if the sweater lived up to its style description and fit well. Finally, I cleaned each sweater after two wears according to the care label instructions, using either gentle machine washing or dry cleaning, to see if it looked as good as new afterward.

How To Pick The Best Cashmere Sweater

While price is one of the best indicators of quality cashmere, there are a few easy ways to determine if a sweater is worth the investment: Examine the length and fineness of the fiber. Notice how soft it feels to the touch. Rub it to see if it pills or leaves a filmy residue on your hands. And stretch it to see if it bounces back into shape. Beyond that, here’s more intel you can use to find the very best cashmere sweater for your budget.

Fiber Quality

Cashmere comes from the soft underbelly of the goat, and some goats have longer fibers than others. Any goat, except for the Angora goat, can produce cashmere, although the term “cashmere goats” applies to those selectively bred to produce it in significant amounts. “The raw material is sold by farmers to mills, who then spin and weave the yarn,” says knitwear designer Lisa Joseph. The yarn is sold in different lengths and widths, and long, fine fibers are considered the highest quality, as they weave together better and thus last longer, she says. Shorter, thicker yarns tend to pill, fluff, form holes and wear out faster. Joseph believes the highest-quality cashmere comes from Mongolia, Scotland and Italy.

Ply And Gauge

In addition to fiber length and diameter, cashmere experts also note the gauge (GG) and ply count. The gauge of the knit is determined by measuring the number of stitches per inch in one direction (across) and the number of rows per inch in the other (up or down). Gauge size is also affected by the size of your knitting needles, the thickness of the yarn and the knitting tension (how tightly or loosely a material is knit). “There isn’t necessarily an industry standard for gauge, but the higher the gauge number, the finer the fabric,” says knitwear designer Michelle Diamond.

As for the ply count: Single-ply yarns describe when one fiber is spun into yarn, and these tend to pill more than two-ply yarns, which involve twisting two single yarns together. The latter results in a stronger, more durable and generally longer-lasting garment, explains Jeffrey Silberman, a retired professor and textile expert who lived in Ulaanbaatar as part of a USAID project team tasked with developing a vision for Mongolian cashmere.

Cashmere Grade

Different countries and regions all produce different grades of cashmere. To be considered a true cashmere fiber, though, most producers require a micron measurement (diameter) that’s less than 19 microns for grade B, and those that are 14 to 15.5 microns are considered the highest-quality grade A, says Silberman. Fiber that measures 30 microns is a grade C, which is the lowest quality.

Color

Overdyeing can also affect the quality of cashmere, according to Silberman, who says that in Ulaanbaatar, quality conversations always included the natural color of the raw material extracted from the goat. Specifically, white is the rarest and most sought-after, followed by red, brown and black. This makes sense from a textile technology standpoint. Most apparel, including sweaters, comes in a range of vibrant colors. If you start with a white or light-color cashmere, less color stripping is needed to achieve different shades, which means less fiber damage will occur in processing and dyeing. The darker the color, the more color stripping is necessary, and just like with human hair, too much stripping leads to stiff and brittle fiber.

Price

The price of raw cashmere fiber is based on weight and quality, and the price can vary depending on the season. “The cost of cashmere can fluctuate based on how harsh the winter was and how much hair the goats grew,” says Joseph. To give you some context, the raw material ranges from $130 to $180 per kilo. On average, a 12GG basic sweater requires approximately 800 to 2,000 yards, or around 0.26kg of yarn. “If a brand is investing in high-quality cashmere, it will buy finer, longer yarn. I would not buy a cashmere sweater for less than $150, as it can’t be good quality based on that price,” Joseph adds. “My guess is some brands buy the cheapest cashmere they can with the short leftover fibers. And there are factories that create cashmere sweaters from the fiber that falls on the ground as it’s being knit, and it gets swept up and respun. I would expect it to pill and get holes quickly.”

Sustainability

Cashmere is a natural fiber, so by nature, it is sustainable. “A cashmere sweater is a completely sustainable garment without meaning to be sustainable, really,” says Joseph. “If you look at the interior of your sweater, there’s no thread. The only thing you’d have to remove for it to completely break down is the tag.” Still, many brands will mention specific initiatives on their websites: Look to see if they source traceable yarns and if they embrace responsible ways of dyeing with natural pigment or processes that use less water. Recycled cashmere is also gaining in popularity, but Diamond says to tread with caution here. “I haven’t personally worked with it yet, but my guess is it’s harder to get the nice, long fibers if it’s been already through the consumer cycle once.”

My Expertise

I’ve been a fashion journalist for two decades. I served as the fashion features director for Harper’s Bazaar, and my editorial work has appeared in publications like Vogue, Grazia, The Guardian Life and Style and Forbes. Throughout my career, I’ve interviewed fashion designers, including Michael Kors, Stella McCartney and Diane von Furstenberg; I’ve also spent time with textile experts and clothing manufacturers to learn how garments are made from start to finish. As part of my job, I regularly sit in the front rows during fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan and Paris, and I’ve reviewed hundreds of collections by emerging and established fashion designers.

For this article, I interviewed four industry experts: Michelle Diamond, a design consultant specializing in knitwear who holds a degree in textiles and apparel design from Cornell University; Lisa Joseph, a knitwear designer who has been producing cashmere sweaters for a decade; Jeffrey Silberman, a retired professor and the former chairperson of the department of textile development and marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City; and Deidre Bushnell, co-owner of the Still River Fiber Mill, a family-run sheep farm and fiber mill in Eastford, Connecticut that specializes in luxury fibers, including cashmere, mohair and Angora.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is The Best Grade Of Cashmere?

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What Is The Best Grade Of Cashmere?

Grade is determined by measuring the micron measurement (diameter) of a fiber. Fibers that measure between 14 to 15.5 microns are considered Grade A, or the best quality. Also, the fiber should be at least 1.25 inches long, and the ratio of fine down to coarse outer guard hairs must be above 30%, since garments made with long, silky cashmere fibers hold their shape over time and are less likely to pill or form holes.