<p>Your sweater rotation is nothing without <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/a63293757/timothee-chalamet-ralph-lauren-cashmere-sweater/” target=”_blank”>a cashmere sweater (or a few)</a>. Don’t even get me started on your <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/g46164108/best-mens-snow-boots/” target=”_blank”>winter</a> wardrobe—cashmere sweaters are the foundation! A good winter fit is classy yet cozy, and that’s the exact vibe that cashmere sweaters provide. The fabric is <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/g12245584/best-cardigan-sweaters-men/” target=”_blank”>warmer than cotton</a> and more luxurious than wool, and when it’s styled right (it’s hard to style one <em>wrong</em>), you’ll look effortlessly chic, put together even when you’re not. Consider a <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/g35272614/best-shawl-collar-cardigans/” target=”_blank”>cashmere sweater</a> less of an investment and more of a life hack.</p><p>Below are my ten favorite cashmere sweaters ever made. Whether you’re looking to splurge on a designer label or keep it simple with a basic score for under 100 bucks, I’ve got you covered. Your cashmere sweater does, too.<em></em><br></p>” data-next-head/>
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best affordable cashmere sweater
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
A high-quality crewneck goes a long way. This supersoft, 100-percent-Mongolian-cashmere sweater will have you looking and feeling like a yassified Robert Pattinson in The Lighthouse in no time. Plus, it’s under $100!
best cashmere sweater under $100
Naadam Essential Cashmere Sweater
A cashmere sweater I love so much I officially Endorsed it. Another affordable cashmere crewneck that works with … everything in your closet, I’d be willing to bet.
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best go-to cashmere sweater
J.Crew Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
J.Crew has been in the cashmere-sweater business for over three decades, and in that time it’s landed on the perfect formula. This is warm but not too warm, luxurious but not overly expensive, and just lightweight enough to make layering easy.
best everyday cashmere sweater
Todd Snyder Cashmere Crewneck
For a cashmere sweater that feels thinner but is just as warm and soft, look no further than Todd Snyder. Simple, chic, and classic, with a ribbed hem that makes it easy to tuck into your waistband.
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best chic cashmere sweater
Theory Hilles Cashmere Sweater
For the chill of spring, a periwinkle cashmere sweater is the very best remedy. This feels as cozy as it looks, and with a plush material and ribbed cuffs and hem, everyday you wear this will feel just a bit more luxurious.
best basic cashmere sweater
Uniqlo Cashmere Sweater
You should know by now that when it comes to high-quality, affordable winter basics, Uniqlo will always have your back. Especially with this classic cashmere sweater, with its soft and pill-resistant fabric, delightfully relaxed fit that makes layering a breeze, and plentiful color options.
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best cable-knit cashmere sweater
Polo Ralph Lauren Iconic Cable-Knit Cashmere Sweater
Pros
High-quality look and feel
Quintessential preppy style
Cons
Doesn’t have the iconic Pony embroidery logo
The folks over at PRL know how to create a timeless knit that makes you feel like every morning is Christmas morning. With a stylish cable-knit design, this one is for slow Sundays and Monday meetings at the office alike, with jeans, chinos, khakis, you name it.
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best classic cashmere sweater
Sunspel Sea Island Cashmere Crewneck Jumper
Pros
Great for layering, because it’s breathable and light
Classically cool look
Cons
Isn’t pure cashmere
I love Sunspel’s cashmere sweater because it’s simple, clean, and cool. The cotton-blend fabric isn’t too thick but rather lightweight and breathable, with a straight-fit silhouette that’s easy to dress up or down.
best versatile cashmere sweater
Banana Republic Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
It’s always a good idea to reach for Banana Republic when you’re going classic. This crewneck sweater is one of the best out there, no matter which color you choose (and there are alot of colors to choose from). It’s simple and chic—the perfect blank canvas.
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What to Look For
As with any item of clothing you buy, ever, consider what you’re going to wear it with and how it will mingle with the contents of your closet. If you don’t have many pieces to layer with, then reaching for a heavier knit option to stay warm might be the right move. If you only have dress pants, then get a sweater that won’t look out of place when dressed up a little bit.
The fineness of cashmere is measured in microns, with 14 microns being the most finely knit and 19 microns being the least finely knit. Depending on what you prefer, try to find out the thickness of your sweater’s knit in microns, so you know what to expect in terms of weight and feel when it arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store my cashmere sweater?
If there’s one rule you should follow for all your knits, not just your cashmere ones, it’s this: DO NOT HANG THEM UP! You might be tempted to see a neatly assorted array of knits hanging in your closet, but hanging knitwear ruins it in the long run, as gravity pulls down on the fabric and the shoulders can end up misshapen and stretched out.
For your cashmere sweaters (and your other sweaters!), the best way to store them is by folding them.
How do I clean my cashmere sweater?
In general, most cashmere isn’t machine washable. That doesn’t mean it’s dry-clean only—some are hand-wash, some are spot-clean only. For the best care for your sweater, refer to the inner tag for the manufacturer’s wash instructions.