The beauty of a cable-knit sweater is the simplicity of the knitting technique. It offers a textured look to typical knitwear silhouettes such as turtlenecks, cardigans, and pullovers. The techniques can range from straightforward to more complex; however, the overall effect remains quite minimal. Whether you prefer a chunkier design inspired by the original, fisherman styles (we have picks at every price point from Dôen, Banana Republic, and Loro Piana) or are in the mood for something on the preppier spectrum (see below, Polo Ralph Lauren’s iconic crewneck), these cable-knit sweaters will satisfy every taste.
We’ve left no stone unturned in the yarn department either. Wool, cashmere, alpaca, and cotton fabrications are all included in the mix, proving that these sweaters can be worn in a variety of climates (and those with sensitive skin won’t have to suffer). Every one of these knits can be paired with your favorite jeans, a good midi skirt, or even layered over a bohemian dress, for endless styling possibilities.
Keep reading to find the 15 best cable-knit sweaters for women that are true wardrobe essentials.
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Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper’s BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Best Overall
Polo Ralph Lauren Cable-Knit Wool-Cashmere Sweater
You can’t go wrong with an OG. Polo’s cable-knit crewneck is a brand staple, always offered in a plethora of fabrications and color ways. We love the wool-cashmere blend for winter. It’s warm, cozy, and styles perfectly with everything from jeans on the weekend to skirts and trousers at the office.
Sizes: XXS–XXL
Materials: 80% wool, 20% cashmere
Colors: Black, navy, blue, camel, cream, and more
Best Contemporary
Cos Cable-Knit Funnel-Neck Sweater
Count on Cos to offer the classics with a modern twist. This funnel-neck design has bell sleeves for a contemporary touch. Plus, there is a matching pair of cable-knit pants, so you can truly lean into the everlasting appeal of the iconic knitting technique.
Sizes: XS–L
Materials: 100% wool
Colors: Ivory, gray
Best Sustainable
Banana Republic Cable-Knit Cropped Sweater
Nothing is more soothing to wear during the coldest, darkest days of winter than a luxurious cashmere sweater. Lucky for us, Banana Republic is offering its take on the cable-knit sweater, made entirely from these impossibly soft yarns. The best part is, this knit has been certified by the Good Cashmere Standard, so it’s eco-conscious, as well.
Sizes: XS–XXL
Materials: 100% cashmere
Colors: Heather gray, ivory
Best Polo
Vince Cable Polo Sweater
Two prep school essentials come together to give us one perfect knit. Vince’s collared, polo sweater shape has been made with the textured, cable-knit technique for a purely genius design. We will be wearing ours all season long with leather pencil skirts and knee-high boots.
Sizes: XS–XXL
Materials: 67% wool, 27% cashmere, 5% nylon, 1% spandex
Colors: Cashew, off-white
Best Cardigan
Favorite Daughter Cable Cardigan
Pullovers are wardrobe must-haves, but let’s not forget the power of a great cardigan. It’s easy to throw on, can be styled in a myriad of ways, and is a key travel essential. Favorite Daughter’s version is made from a merino wool and cashmere blend, so you know it’s going to be extra soft—no scratchy feels here!
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: 57% merino wool, 25% cashmere, 18% nylon
Colors: Vineyard, white froth
What customers are saying: “The it-color of the season! So soft feels like butter, not scratchy feels cozy smooth and soft. You can dress it up or wear it with jeans and sneakers. Love love love it!”
Best Luxury
Loro Piana Napier Cable-Knit Sweater
Our pick for a true investment buy in the category comes from none other than Loro Piana. The heritage, Italian brand does knitwear so well, and their slightly cropped, Napier sweater is made from a chunkier cable-knit technique that is classic yet cool. This one will remain in your closet for years to come, and can be passed down to the next generation.
Sizes: 36–48 IT
Materials: 100% cashmere
Colors: Cream, tundra, cayenne
Best Black
Frame Turtleneck Cable-Knit Sweater
Who doesn’t love a good black turtleneck? Although our winter wardrobes may be stocked with them, Frame’s chunky, cable-knit style is next on our list for a test drive. It will add instant texture and sophistication to your everyday mix. Whether dressed up or down, this wool blend is a winner in our book.
Sizes: XXS–XL
Materials: 90% wool, 10% cashmere
Colors: Black
Best Hoodie
Lisa Yang Cable-Knit Hoodie
If you are more of a hoodie girl, try one with a little more polish. Lisa Yang’s fresh take on the cable-knit sweater melds two wardrobe heroes in one. This hoodie is sure to become a new favorite go-to. It’s comfy enough to become your travel day champion while on a plane for hours on end, but can be dressed up and worn straight to dinner with a pencil skirt and boots upon reaching your destination.
Sizes: 0–2
Materials: 100% cashmere
Colors: Cream
Best Camel
J.Crew Cable-Knit Rollneck™ Sweater
J.Crew always offers classic knitwear that you want to wear endlessly throughout the winter months. This is your reminder to shop their take on the cable-knit sweater now. The roll-neck design is simple and easy to wear (and we have a serious penchant for their perfect shade of camel during these months).
Sizes: XXXS–3X
Materials: 56% polyamide, 30% wool, 10% alpaca, 4% elastane
Colors: Camel, cardinal, dusty rose, charcoal, ivory
What customers are saying: “Love this cozy sweater! I love the boxy and cropped fit. Perfect with high-waisted cords for a great winter look.”
Best Size Range
L.L.Bean Double L® Cable Sweater
This crewneck has been on the L.L.Bean roster for years. Made from one hundred percent cotton, the fibers are remarkably soft, yet never pill, and bonus points: can be machine-washed. The tighter, cable-knit technique seen on this design also helps keep the shape longer, so your sweater won’t be sagging in weird ways after a few wears. What is better than that?
Sizes: XS–XL regular, petite, tall and 1X–3X plus
Materials: 100% cotton
Colors: Navy, charcoal heather, burnt mahogany, bone, bay leaf, toffee heather
What customers are saying: “My husband bought me this sweater in Bone for my birthday. Full disclosure, I sent him the link lol! I absolutely LOVE it! The quality is what you would expect from LL Bean and the material is soft yet sturdy. I paired it with a medium wash wide-leg jean, red ballet flats, and a red purse. Adorable!! It was exactly what I wanted. And the size is spot on.”
Best Oversized
Guest in Residence Rossella Cable Cardigan
Gigi Hadid’s knitwear brand Guest in Residence specializes in the finest yarns, and this wool-blend cardigan is no exception. We particularly love the oversized silhouette, which feels like you are being wrapped in a giant hug, and more than ideal for layering, whether that is over a fitted turtleneck, a bohemian-style dress, or your favorite pajamas.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: 71% wool, 29% cashmere
Colors: Cream
Best Bright
Altuzarra Milla Cable-Knit Sweater
Altuzarra’s fall/winter 2024 collection was peppered with preppy staples inspired by the designer’s personal passion for all things equestrian. This lively cable-knit crewneck is sure to brighten the dullest winter days with thoughts of warm spring sunshine ahead. Even the minimalists out there can agree it’s also easy to style with all their neutral staples.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: 100% cashmere
Colors: Yellow, antique pearl, deep grape, black
Best Roll-Neck
Dôen Gillian Sweater
Classic fisherman-style sweaters are a regular fixation for Dôen’s founders Margaret and Katherine Kleveland. This season’s interpretation has a vintage-inspired feel, stirring images of countryside jaunts and fireside chats. We love the idea of this roll-neck paired with a menswear style item, such as checked trousers, for a modern feel.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: 53% wool, 26% cotton, 21% linen
Colors: Ivory, navy
Best Zip-Front
Brunello Cucinelli Open and Cable-Knit Cardigan
Brunello Cucinelli’s cardigan is a luxury investment, but worth every penny. It features a zip-front, adding a practical edge to the enduring cable-knit. You can style it with anything from T-shirts to turtlenecks, dresses, and more. The dark gray colorway will also pair beautifully with all your winter wardrobe essentials.
Sizes: XXS–XXL
Materials: 80% alpaca, 11% polyamide, 9% wool
Colors: Dark gray, red
Best Cotton
Alex Mill Cable Knit Nico Chunky Cardigan
Whether you live in a temperate climate or simply prefer the softer feel of cotton, Alex Mill’s chunky cardigan is a must. It’s a great transitional piece to see you through the seasons. Although the brand’s NY-based design team was inspired by a trip upstate, it works just as well in a city setting or a coastal dwelling.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: 100% cotton
Colors: Evergreen, ivory, black
What customers are saying: “It’s difficult to find cotton sweaters so I really appreciate Alex Mill’s wide range of sweaters in 100% cotton. I have 8 Alex Mill sweaters and I don’t plan to stop. This cardigan is a great color and the cables add interesting details. I treat it as a ‘neutral’ as it goes with everything.”
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Kristina Rutkowski is a New York-based writer and editor with over 15 years in the fashion industry. Previously the Senior Fashion Market Editor at InStyle magazine, she covered all things trend and shopping related. She has also worked in the fashion departments at both Self and Glamour. Her byline has appeared on HarpersBazaar.com, Vogue.com, WSJ.com, VanityFair.com, WWD.com, TheZoeReport.com and more. Find her on Instagram at .
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