I'm a style editor and these are the best cashmere sweaters I've ever tested

How I tested cashmere sweaters

Being the sole member of my team without a cashmere allergy, I've dedicated a lot of space in my closet to these sweaters. As my collection has now grown to 22 crewnecks, cardigans, and hoodies, so has my ability to compare and contrast some of their more basic features:

Softness. This one is pretty intuitive, but there's a reason some cashmere has a softer handfeel than others. The softest cashmere I've tried is organic, smooth on the surface, and completely free of any split or frayed fibers coming loose from the yarn. Some pilling is natural, but the weave should remain intact — otherwise, it can feel coarse or itchy.

Warmth. The best way I determine the warmth of a cashmere sweater is by wearing it directly on my skin without any layers interfering. Cashmere is naturally insulating, so the finer the knit, the better it is at trapping my body heat. When wearing cashmere as a top layer, I feel for where it's letting in cold air, which tends to be either at the neckline or sleeves. If it's too low a gauge or loose in either area, it won't protect from the cold.

Pilling. Pilling is natural with even the highest quality cashmere, but I found that sweaters with a lower gauge (including the Quince Fisherman Sweater) pill much faster. I used a cashmere comb to give it a refresh, taking care not to stretch it out as I pulled it through the fibers.

Construction. Looking closely at the seams of a quality cashmere sweater indicates how durable it is. Thicker knits around a sweater's collar and cuffs, as I saw in Naadam's sweaters, gave it a more finished feel.

Washing and drying. I don't wash my cashmere sweaters often, and neither should you if you want them to last. However, of the ones I did wash, I looked for runny dyes in the water, frayed fibers, and an ability to retain their shape after they'd dried. To keep them looking newer for longer, I handwash them in cold water as needed and lie them flat over a clotheshorse to air dry.

Best overall: Naadam

Naadam cashmere is special because its facilities are powered by a closed-loop system that limits water waste, and its supply chain is operated by workers sponsored by the brand's donations to The Gobi Revival Fund NGO. Good On You gives it a pass in terms of sustainability.

Its first signature piece was the Essential $75 Cashmere Sweater, which was re-dubbed the Original Cashmere Sweater (now $98) in October 2023. I call it the best entry-level cashmere sweater because it's luxuriously soft and still easy to care for. I even wear it on its own as a base layer.

In addition to pure cashmere, the brand offers sweaters, loungewear, and even winter coats in blended knits like Merino wool cashmere, modal cashmere, recycled cashmere, and other super soft combinations.

Read more in our full Naadam Cashmere Sweater review.

Best affordable cashmere: Quince

Quince is one of our team's favorite direct-to-consumer brands for affordable, good-quality basics. Its original claim to fame is a $50 sweater made from 100% Grade-A Mongolian Cashmere. I also tested the retrofitted "Cashmere 2.0" version, which has a higher cashmere content. It feels like a slightly finer gauge, even though it stayed at the same price. The quality is acceptable — not the softest I've felt, but not offensively itchy, either. What makes it stand out is its affordability.

Quince's size availability for its best cashmere sweaters ranges from XS-XL, with some in extended sizes of 1X-3X.

Read our full Quince review and Quince cashmere review.

Best luxury grade: Jenni Kayne

The Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan ($475) is one of its best-sellers. I went for the Cropped version, which still has a substantially oversized fit but costs $30 less. Unless you really want to be swimming in your sweater, I recommend the Cropped version.

Why does a Jenni Kayne sweater cost so much to begin with? Well, a big part is simply the brand name. Still, I really enjoy wearing this cardigan. Its Grade-A cashmere is cloud soft and drapes perfectly, and I like its flattering V-neckline that makes the boxy shape a touch more feminine. Most of all, it doesn't balloon at the hips the way some cashmere sweaters do because it's a lofty, chunky knit. Perhaps the West Coast brand is hyped up because it's worn a lot by celebrities, but my impression is that it's genuinely high quality.

Best mid-range luxury: Lilysilk

As seen in our guide to the best trench coats for women, Lilysilk is a whisper in the quiet luxury conversation. I'm wearing its Ribbed Cashmere Polo Sweater as I type this, and it feels like the Goldilocks sweater when I put it on. Not too heavy, but just warm enough to protect me from a drafty workspace.

It offers 100% premium Mongolian cashmere, as well as Baby Cashmere (which is more expensive, but you'll feel the difference in the brushed feel they created using a Japanese technique). Everything is very elegant-looking, even the loungewear. As I plan my travels home for the holidays, I'll definitely be wearing my Lilysilk Cashmere Hoodie on the train.

Best organic: Gobi Cashmere

For sound mind on where the best cashmere sweater actually comes from, Gobi Cashmere is a 100% Mongolian company that works with local herders who hand-comb the cashmere fibers, which creates an even softer handfeel. Without third-party interference, Gobi is able to price their signature organic cashmere sweater and hat set as low as $99. They also have pricier options like their silk cashmere blends and heavier knits, in sizes ranging from S to 2XL.

I've worn my Gobi mockneck sweater in lieu of layering up with long-sleeved tees and fleeces, and it's incredibly thick and warm even with just a cami underneath. It's the ultimate solution for anyone who feels encumbered by wearing multiple jackets at a time.

Best oversized cashmere sweaters: Guest In Residence

Gigi Hadid's luxury cashmere brand, Guest In Residence, is inspired by the supermodel's idea to create sweaters that can be passed on as heirlooms to her daughter. This warm and fuzzy sentiment translates to a cozy collection of mostly genderless crewnecks with roomy, boxy silhouettes.

The sweater I tried that costs $385, which is definitely steep for any single article of clothing. It's priced higher because it's a finer gauge, which I can feel in how smooth and soft the fabric is. While the stitching on its interior seams isn't immaculate, it's undeniably cozy. I love its relaxed, enveloping fit that's ideal for those who like their sweaters to drape.

Read more in our full Guest In Residence review.

Best minimalist designs: Everlane

Everlane is one of our favorite places to buy all kinds of high-quality basics. Their cashmere sweater offerings include subtle updates on traditional styles with a great price tag. Everlane's Grade-A Mongolian cashmere sweaters run from about $125 to $300 (a slight jump from last year) in sizes XXS to XL.

This season, Everlane cashmere has a more expensive tier called "Lush Cashmere, " which is brushed to give it a softer, more textured feel. I tried one of its standard cashmere sweaters in a very pretty color called "Dusty Rose" — it's not quite soft enough to sleep in, but it does keep me warm.

Best trendy designs: Reformation

Reformation offers a range of youthful designs derived from the latest style trends. The brand's sizing isn't as inclusive as it ought to be, but Reformation at least gets some kudos for being totally carbon neutral and donating its textile scraps to minimize waste. Their 90/10 Cashmere line offers fashion-forward pieces like cropped sweaters, as well as timeless basics like turtlenecks and cardigans, made from 90% post-industrial recycled cashmere.

Best silk cashmere: Eileen Fisher

Eileen Fisher'sdesigns are simple, sophisticated, and sustainable from the beginning of their conception to wherever they land in your wardrobe. Their polished women's cashmere sweater collection consists of pure Italian cashmere, cashmere silk blends, or recycled cashmere knits.

Its softest, smoothest fabric is the Cashmere Silk Boucle Bliss knit, spun with a blend of silk and cashmere yarn, hence the high price point. It also offers 100% Italian cashmere, which is a minimally-treated, lightweight knit that feels smooth and luxurious to the touch. For a loftier knit, try its Recycled Wool Cashmere, which is spun using scraps from the cutting room floors of Eileen Fisher's production facilities. Eileen Fisher's sweaters range from sizes XXS to 3XL.

Best alpaca wool: Peruvian Connection

Even though alpaca wool sweaters feel more coarse than cashmere sweaters, I want to mention them here because they're similarly warm and breathable. An alpaca wool sweater may also be your best alternative if you're specifically allergic to cashmere.

Peruvian Connection claims to follow the protocol of "The Technical Norms for Shearing and Handling Alpaca Fiber Fleece" approved by the Peruvian Ministry of Production that enforces ethical treatment of the animals. Their warm, soft sweaters come in your standard solid knit pullovers in sizes XS-XL, with more options in colorful, traditional Peruvian patterns that pay tribute to the origin of the alpaca wool sweater.

Most unique designs: Leret Leret

If you're looking to splurge on a truly unique piece, Leret Leret has investment pieces that make a lasting impression. The luxury shop emblazons its cashmere sweaters with quirky insignias, as well as simpler patterns like stripes or checkers. Each $475-$575 sweater is a limited-edition piece, so be sure to grab your favorite while you can. The unisex sweaters are available in sizes XXS to XXL.

Best color selection: J. Crew

J.Crew is your one-stop shop for the best cashmere sweaters that go beyond your average camel-colored pullovers. Yes, you can take your pick of classic colors at J.Crew's Cashmere Shop, but if it's a bright or unique color you're after, you're still in the right place.

J.Crew is the first US member of the Aid by Trade Foundation, which helps promote sustainable agricultural development — including sustainable cashmere production — and is certified under the AbTF's The Good Cashmere Standard. We also love the brand's inclusive size range, with sweaters sizing up to a 3XL (size 24).

Best size inclusive: Lands' End

If you're more interested in classic, modest styles of women's cashmere sweaters, Lands' End is the place to expand your selection. Their 2-ply cashmere is on the more expensive side, but the brand hosts sales often. Another pro: Lands' End offers a larger size range than many other cashmere sweater brands on the market.

Cashmere Sweater FAQs

What is cashmere?

Cashmere is a thin, soft, and finely textured knit fabric made from the fibers brushed from the undercoat of cashmere goats. It gets its name from the Kashmir region of northern India and is distinct from the fibers harvested from sheep that make wool. Even though they're related materials, cashmere is three times more insulating than wool. It's also naturally more breathable.

Why is cashmere so expensive?

The more expensive a cashmere sweater is, the more you can denote from its laborious brushing and production process.

Cashmere is only collected as little as once a year, depending on the area, and it can take approximately 4-5 fully grown cashmere goats to make just one sweater. The goats' hair is brushed into "tops." Luxury brands like Loro Piana and Brunello Cucinelli bid on the premium tops, which are the cleanest and palest in color.

In the US, cashmere must meet a certain criteria:

• The average diameter of the fiber cannot exceed 19 micrometers.
• The product cannot contain more than 3% by weight of cashmere fibers with average diameters that exceed 30 micrometers.

100% cashmere is more sustainable than, say, polyester. Still, it does take a toll on the environment, and the available quantity relies on the well-being of goat herds, their habitat, and their caretakers. As with any naturally regenerative resource, paying more means investing in the quality of life for those who produce it.

How do you determine the "grade" or quality of cashmere used in a sweater?

Cashmere is graded according to the diameter and length of the fibers. Grade A cashmere uses ultra-fine fibers that are a minimum of 14 microns thick, which feel softer and resist pilling better. Grades B and C cashmere uses thicker fibers that feel less smooth.

How should I store my cashmere sweaters?

Cashmere sweaters can last you a lifetime with the right care. Hanging cashmere sweaters will make them stretch, so you should instead keep them folded in a drawer. But beware: this is exactly where hungry moths can be found lying in wait. Keep them at bay with cedar blocks to prevent them from chewing holes through your cashmere clothing.

How does "knit gauge" affect the comfort of the sweater?

"Gauge" refers to the number of stitches per inch. A higher gauge usually means a lighter fabric. 16-gauge sweaters feel smoother and have a more structured finish, which is ideal for workwear and layering. Looser gauges, like a 5-gauge, have a more casual fit, but may stretch out faster. If you prefer these, look for those with ribbing around cuffs and hems which should help maintain its shape.

What does "ply" mean and how does it affect durability?

"Ply" refers to the number of yarn strands twisted together. The more ply, the more dense the fabric. 2-ply cashmere is warmer and more dense than single-ply. I love how single-ply sweaters have a delicate, airy, feel, but 2-ply offers a better balance between softness and structure in the long run.