The Ultimate Guide to Buying Cotton Sweaters | Pura Cashmere

We know, we know…the sun is finally shining, and spring has finally sprung. The last thing you probably want to be reading about is sweaters. But wait—there’s valuable information to be had when it comes to spring sweaters. Don’t believe us? Take a peek at your favorite brands and see what their top sellers are. We’re willing to bet there’s a lot of people buying cotton sweaters. Cotton? Sweater? Yep, that’s right. The world’s favorite fiber is a viable choice for sweaters for so many reasons. We’ve compiled the best information and tips to make your cotton sweater shopping a little easier. Use this cotton sweater buying guide to find out why cotton should be your number one spring go-to.

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The Benefits of Cotton Sweaters

They don’t call it the fabric of our lives for nothing. Allow our cotton sweater buying guide to explain why that is. Truly, there are many benefits of cotton sweaters because cotton is a highly versatile material. Not only is it soft, but it’s incredibly breathable, making it an ideal choice for spring and summer. Unlike wool and other animal fibers, cotton isn’t known for thermal retention. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t warm! For those spring days when the breeze is just strong enough to need a light layer, a cotton sweater comes in handy. Other benefits of cotton sweaters come from the fact that cotton is also durable, which means that the cotton sweater you buy will last. Finally, it doesn’t have a static cling like wool and acrylic. No more shocking yourself or watching your hair stand on end when you pull it over your head.

Cotton Sweater Fit

Everyone has shrunk a wool sweater in their lifetime, but the nice thing about cotton sweater fit is that you don’t have to worry about them turning into doll clothes if you accidentally toss them in the dryer. The cotton sweater fit is dependent mainly on personal style. It will stretch to fit your body without the clinginess of spandex. So whether you’re looking for a roomy, relaxed fit, or a more curve-hugging shape, buying cotton sweaters are an excellent choice. It has a wonderful drape that will allow for a soft, comfortable look and feel for all-day wear. When shopping for cotton sweaters, choose your standard size, unless it’s an intentionally oversized look you’re trying to achieve.

Buying Cotton Sweaters is Worth the Weight

One of the best things about cotton is its naturally lightweight properties. Depending on the type and gauge of yarn, cotton can range from a thick, chunky sweater to a light-as-air cardigan. The benefits of cotton sweaters are that they will never feel heavy like other fabrics. For that reason, they make great travel companions and can easily pack into a suitcase without adding bulk. We love the soft, smooth feel of lightweight cotton against our skin for those days running errands or those evenings watching the sun go down.

Cotton Sweater Care: Buy Now, Wear Forever

Buying cotton sweaters is a decision you won’t regret. With excellent longevity, many women own cotton sweaters for decades. And thanks to cotton sweater care’s easy-to-care-for characteristics, you won’t have to worry about the hassle of dry cleaning or other time-sucking care and storage needs. Cotton sweater care is just, well…easy! Cotton sweater care is as simple as machine washing and drying. Quality pieces will retain their original appearance after dozens of uses. In the end, we hope your cotton sweater buying guide convinced you why cotton sweaters are the perfect outfit essential. They are timeless for not only spring but year-round.

No wardrobe is complete without at least one dependable sweater — one that can be worn year after year while holding up and staying in fashion. But with many options, it’s overwhelming to know which to pick. So to help you find a worthy one (or ones), my colleague Arielle Avila and I combed through our archives, spoke to stylish women – including designers, stylists, and even our own writers – about their tried-and-true picks, and tested some out for ourselves. Use the table of contents to jump right to the type of sweater you’re looking for, or read on to learn more about the criteria we considered as we put together this list. And if you’re shopping around for more women’s fall staples, we also have guides to cashmere sweaters and jean jackets.

Update on January 22, : Added Gap’s CashSoft Crewneck Sweater; updated prices and checked stock for all products.

What we’re looking for

Sizing

In our search for the best, we’re looking for sweaters with an inclusive range of sizing options. We’ve noted here if sweaters come in petite or plus-size as well.

Material

The sweaters listed are made with a variety of materials, so to help in your search, we’ve listed them. Depending on what the sweater is made of, it will affect the weight and price of the sweater. Natural fibers like cashmere and alpaca are on the more expensive side, while other blended materials may be more affordable.

Weight

If you’re buying a sweater to keep you warm in the winter, you’ll want a heavy sweater to do the job. However, if you want something you can wear into spring and maybe even summer, go for a lightweight sweater.

Design details

While most of our picks are neutral colors and classic cuts, like crew necks and turtlenecks, we also included options with bolder designs and patterns.

Price

Price comes down to what materials the sweater is made out of. We’ve included a range of worth-it sweaters and affordable options that don’t sacrifice quality. We denoted the recommendations below as either $ (under $100), $$ ($100–$200), or $$$ (over $200).

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Sizing: XXS to XXL | Material: Cotton | Weight: Midweight | Design details: Crewneck with balloon sleeves and buttons | Price: $$

Alex Mill, known for its high-quality wardrobe basics, unsurprisingly makes very good sweaters. But of all of them, the best-value option is this two-in-one sweater and cardigan, which counts Ingrid Nilsen as a fan. I’ve been testing mine for about six months now, and it’s become one of my most-worn pieces because of its versatility. The chunky, 100 percent cotton yarn is substantial yet breathable enough for year-round wear, and the slightly oversize fit and balloon sleeves make it perfect for layering. On chillier days, I layer it over a thin turtleneck, and on warmer days, I unbutton it and wear it as a cardigan over tees. I also love to wear it as a true sweater with the buttons at the back. Many of my friends have commented on the ingenious reversible design.

The sweater comes in three solid colors — dark navy, ecru, and black — and two striped options. Just note: To prevent shrinking, I use a gentle cycle when washing it and lay it flat to dry on a towel. So far, I haven’t had any issues.

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Sizing: XXS to XXL | Material: 55% alpaca, 30% recycled nylon, 8% wool | Weight: Lightweight | Design details: Crewneck with oversized fit | Price: $$

If you’re looking for a less expensive straightforward pullover sweater, go for Everlane’s cozy alpaca-fleece sweater. We’ve linked the newest version of the longtime favorite Cocoon Crew. It’s “lightweight but still really warm, and the slightly fluffy texture reminds me of the angora sweaters my mom used to wear,” says Mia Leimkuhler, our former senior manager of audience engagement (and self-confessed Everlaneologist). Avila also owns this sweater and loves its fuzzy look and texture. “It feels a bit trendy, but its classic cut makes it a piece I can see myself wearing for years,” Avila says. Compared to the Alex Mill, it’s definitely breezier, but it’s incredibly easy to layer with because of its oversize fit. It comes in nine colors and sizes XXS to XXL.

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Gap CashSoft Crewneck Sweater From $60 From $60

Sizes: XXS to XXL | Material: 53% cotton, 47% nylon | Weight: Midweight | Design details: Crewneck with a ribbed neck and cuffs | Price: $

If you’re looking for a cheaper pullover, consider this Gap crewneck that’s well under $100. It’s made from Gap’s CashSoft material, which I first learned about while working on our guide to the best cardigans. CashSoft is extraordinarily soft and warm because it’s designed to feel like cashmere but without requiring any of the pesky maintenance. It’s substantial and not at all flimsy — meaning it doesn’t require hand-washing or special detergent — and compared to cashmere, it’s very affordable (and often on sale). I’m now a CashSoft devotee and so are multiple editors who have added the cashmere dupe to their closets: New York Magazine deputy editor Alexis Swerdloff and Strategist senior editor Jen Trolio both own this crewneck sweater, which features a ribbed neck and cuffs. Trolio has three — in cobalt, bright purple, and dark brown — and loves the variety of bright and bold colors. Swerdloff also owns the crewneck, and says the fabric feels fancy — especially for the reasonable price tag. While CashSoft is not an exact match for cashmere, Swerdloff told me it actually feels thicker and sturdier in a way that she prefers.

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Sizing: XXS to XXL | Material: Cashmere | Weight: Lightweight | Design details: Crewneck | Price: $

Naadam offers good-quality cashmere at an affordable price. The brand offers a wide selection of 100 percent cashmere sweaters, including turtlenecks, mock-necks, cardigans, and more. Its best-selling product, the Essential, comes in at just $75 and is a classic crewneck. I’ve had mine for about six months now, and it’s gotten plenty of wear. Whether I’m running errands around town or heading to a Pilates workout class, I can easily pair it with jeans or bike shorts. It’s soft without being mushy, but it does have a slight slickness to it. Though it’s subject to pilling, it’s nothing a cashmere depiller can’t handle. Kate Mullin, director of brand marketing and global communications at Anine Bing, loves the brand for “the quality, the color variety, and, best of all, the prices.” The Essential comes in 18 colors and sizes XXS to XXL.

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From $148

Sizing: 3XS to 3XL | Material: Cashmere | Weight: Midweight | Design details: Crewneck | Price: $$

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For a more cropped silhouette, consider J.Crew’s Shrunken Crewneck, which our senior editor Hilary Reid recommends. She first bought it last year after realizing that all of the cashmere sweaters she owned felt too long and bulky when tucked into jeans. “This sweater was the perfect answer,” Reid told me. “It’s very slightly cropped, so it really hits just at the top of your hip.” While she initially bought it in the Heather Charcoal color shown, Reid later went back for it in two more shades. “The three sweaters became my most-worn pieces of last winter,” she says, adding that they pair just as well with jeans and wool pants as they do with pleated skirts and leather pants. Though she usually wears a size small, Reid sized up to a medium, which made it loose enough for layering a T-shirt underneath but still “shrunken” enough to keep it from looking too oversize. The cashmere has also held up nicely after multiple dry cleanings with very minimal pilling. “I’m already deciding which colors of the sweater I want to add to my collection this fall,” Reid says.

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Sizes: XS to 3XL with petite options | Material: Cotton | Weight: Midweight | Design details: Crewneck with cable knit | Price: $

L.L.Bean is the classic choice if you want a traditional cable-knit sweater. The brand’s is made entirely of machine-washable organic cotton and is affordably priced under $100. Avila mostly wears hers layered with a white T-shirt because you can barely see through the knitting. “If I’m wanting to lean more into the prep aesthetic, it has enough room to layer with a button-up, too,” she says. While it has some heft to it, the cotton is much lighter than other wool cable-knit sweaters and is pleasantly breathable. It comes in a wide range of sizes, including plus and petite options, and five colors.

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Sizes: XXS to XXL | Material: Cotton and elastane | Weight: Lightweight Design details: Fitted with a ribbed knit and exposed seams | Price: $

When Strategist writer Ambar Pardilla sought out the best black turtlenecks for women, Everlane’s ribbed turtleneck was popular among experts. Strategist kitchen-and-dining writer Emma Wartzman describes its fit as “tight enough that it doesn’t bunch up underneath things — it really hugs your skin — but not, like Uniqlo Heattech-tight.” Gabrielle Arruda, a fashion designer who also runs her own namesake style blog, is another fan and buys the turtleneck “each season, just because I know I’ll get so much use out of them.” It’s available in sizes XXS to XXL and in six solid colors and two striped options.

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$301

Sizes: One size | Material: Wool | Weight: Heavyweight | Design details: Oversized with a ribbed neck and dropped sleeve | Price: $$$

Spanish brand Babaà is known for its high-quality fabrics and distinctive silhouettes. Avila was able to try out its Jumper No17 — one of the brand’s best sellers — and say it’s incredibly warm and substantial with slightly more weight than Alex Mill’s Button-Back Sweater. MEUS boutique owner Marichelle Hills, a source for the black turtleneck sweater, says hers “literally feels like a hug,” as the wool the company uses gets softer as you wear it, “so it’s meant to be worn forever and ever.” It comes in 13 different shades, including neutrals and more eye-popping options like the “olivera” pictured. Note if you’re petite: This sweater comes in only one size option and is meant to be oversize, so be sure to double-check the measurements listed on the site.

[Editor’s note: Babaà lists its prices in euros, so this is an approximation to U.S. dollars. This turtleneck is currently sold out, but you can check the product page for restocking details.]

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Sizes: 1-6 | Material: Cotton fleece | Weight: Heavyweight | Design details: Crewneck with snap buttons | Price: $$$

Agnès B.’s cardigans have gained a cult status. So much so that the Cut’s fashion writer Emilia Petrarca called them the “Chanel tweed jacket of New York” back in March . Former and current Strategist writers alike own it in different colors and cuts. We chose the Le Classique as the overall best cardigan sweater (over the Le Petite and the Rosana) because, as its name gives away, it has a classic straight-and-square cut that’s the most versatile of the styles and is available in 18 colors. As New York’s features editor Katy Schneider puts it, “I hate to say these words, but this sweater is the answer to ‘How do I dress like a French girl?’”

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Sizes: 0-2 | Material: Cashmere | Weight: Lightweight | Design details: V-neck with buttons | Price: $$

Writer and former beauty editor-at-large at Business of Fashion Rachel Strugatz is a fan of Lisa Yang’s V-neck button-up cashmere cardigans. She now owns three, with her favorite being the gray one. “It’s the perfect amount of boxy, and it’s cropped enough that it hits the top of your pants,” she says. It’s often on sale at SSENSE, but sizing and colorways can be limited. If you’re looking for a larger stock, Lisa Yang’s site has more options. It comes in three sizes: 0 (XS), 1 (S-M), and 2 (M-L).

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$165

Sizes: XS to XXL | Material: Cotton | Weight: Midweight | Design details: Crewneck with oversized buttons | Price: $$

Another cardigan on our radars is this chunky oversize option. A brand representative told me that the Nico is one of Alex Mill’s best-selling sweaters, and after testing it, I can understand why it’s a crowd-pleaser. The textured cotton yarn feels similar to our best overall Button-Back Crewneck above, meaning it’s midweight and works for all seasons. Compared to other cardigans I’ve owned over the years, I love that this one has roomy drop shoulders and large contrasting buttons. Because of its relaxed fit, I often pair it with my Rag & Bone Miramar sweatpant jeans, but I can easily dress it up with my favorite pleated trousers. Another plus is that there’s been no pilling or shedding.

I’m not the only Nico cardigan fan: Bathen co-founder Hannah Zisman also has it in a golden khaki colorway (no longer available) and says it “goes with anything — neutrals, brights, you name it.” Embracing the oversize look, Zisman sized up and loves “throwing it over a dress or linen set during cooler summer nights when I need a stylish extra layer,” she says.

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$350

Sizes: XS to L | Material: 75% cotton, 16% wool, 9% recycled cashmere | Weight: Lightweight | Design details: Striped funnel turtleneck with contrast embroidery stitching and logo| Price: $$$

Two stylish folks we spoke to mentioned the Hong Kong–based knitwear company YanYan for sweaters that veer from the traditional crewneck cuts or basic colors. Bertello likes their multicolored summer knits, describing the details as “so unique and captivating, they almost remind me of a vintage garment.” Dani Des Roches, another fan of the brand and self-proclaimed “knitwear obsessive,” loves their statement sweaters. “Some people would go for a classic or simple garment, but one of YanYan’s multicolored and textured sweaters would have the most longevity in my closet,” she says, noting that her personal favorite is their Curious Cardigan.

• Nana Castro, fashion and beauty reviewer
• Christiana Greene, owner and curator of Bum-Cake Vintage
• Karen Iorio-Adelson, former Strategist senior writer
• Mia Leimkuhler, former Strategist senior manager of audience engagement
• Brittany Lo, Beia Beauty founder
• Kate Mullin, Anine Bing director of brand marketing and global communications
• Ingrid Nilson, co-founder of the New Savant
• Leigh Plessner, creative director at Catbird
• Hilary Reid, Strategist senior editor
• Dani Des Roches, Picnicwear founder
• Emilia Petrarca, fashion writer at the Cut
• Rachel Strugatz, writer and former beauty editor-at-large at Business of Fashion
• Christina Viviani, founder and creative director of luxury lingerie label the Great Eros
• Hannah Zisman, Bathen co-founder

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