Let’s talk about how the best women’s sweaters are the new blazers.
Serving as a fine piece of loungewear, a go-to for weekend brunches and a staple to pair with work pants, a quality sweater is one of the most practical articles of clothing to stack in your closet.
From Lulus‘ turtlenecks and M.M.LaFleur cashmere sweaters to Petal & Pup’s knits and LOFT’s petite finds, I’ve garnered quite the cute and cozy collection.
RELATED: Best women’s jeans we love
That said, your best sweaters don’t have to break the bank. You can find a wealth of options on Amazon for affordable, warm fabrics you’ll want to wear all winter long.
Ahead, find the best sweaters we hand-picked just for you, catering to every style, color and budget — including cashmere and cardigan options. Plus, we included sizing options and if our top picks come in other colors to make online shopping a snap.
Best Women’s Sweaters
Pros:
- Classic look with a comfy feel
- Modest length
- Great for the office
Cons:
- Higher price point
- The gold buttons give the sweater a heavier feel
There’s something about Ann Taylor cardigans that combines comfort with classy sophistication. So is the case with the brand’s Tipped Modern Boyfriend Cardigan which has a preppy yet relaxed vibe to it. Plus, its gold button detailing looks great with a bodysuit layered underneath and your best pair of women’s jeans.
Size: XXS-XXL | Materials: Polyester, Viscose, Nylon | Color Options: Grey Multi | Care: Machine Washable
Pros:
- Fun color variety
- Oversized fit, especially at the collar, to make a unique statement
- Colorblocking adds originality to your wardrobe
Cons:
- May be best to hand wash to avoid potential shrinking
Available in plenty of fun colors to choose from, the Dokotoo Color Block Turtleneck Sweater is the definition of extremely cozy and vibrantly chic. For less than $50, this all-around great style boasts a slightly oversized fit and, if you’re an Amazon Prime member.a fast, two-day shipping time period!
Size: S-XXL | Materials: Acrylic Fabric, Polyester | Color Options: 13 | Care: Machine Washable
Pros:
- Comfy, casual silhouette
- Offered in petite, as well as plus sizes
- Lasts long after several washes
Cons:
- Not the coziest material compared to some other styles on this list
Enter the sweater we wear 24/7 without fail: the Aerie Big Chill Crew Sweatshirt. Fairly priced and clad with that oversized fit we love, it’s the ideal pullover to double as loungewear or to sport to the courts. Plus, it pairs well with leggings and your best running shoes.
Size: XXS-XXL | Materials: Cotton, Polyester | Color Options: 12 | Care: Machine Washable
Pros:
- Lovely color palette
- Delicate and lightweight material
- Supremely cozy
Cons:
- Its price makes it more of an investment piece
- Must be dry-cleaned
Taking the Banana Republic Caro Lightweight Cashmere V-Neck Sweater out of its package was an experience luxe enough, but it’s when this style was finally worn, that we were instantly hooked. While a splurge, it’ll serve as a quality piece you’ll adore, especially if you opt for its mustard color that complements gold jewelry perfectly.
Size: XXS-XXL | Materials: 100% Cashmere | Color Options: 11 | Care: Dry Clean
Pros:
- Made of 100% organic cotton
- Looks great with a variety of bottoms
- Excellent price, especially for the quality material
Cons:
- A slightly boxy fit, which may not work for every body type
Why we love Quince? Its fair prices and well-made materials are the ultimate duo that drives us to our checkout carts. Take the 100% Organic Cotton Cropped Cable Crew Sweater, for example, which is $50 and features the classic fit we know and love. Every inch of it is soft to the touch.
Size: XS-XL | Materials: 100% Cashmere | Color Options: 6 | Care: Machine Washable
Pros:
- Flattering fit
- Offered in multiple colors
- Lightweight and ideal for layering
We’ve been sporting J.Crew sweaters for as long as we can remember, with the Carolyn Merino Wool Crewneck Sweater reigning supreme as one of our favorite finds. It’s offered in a swatch of lovely colors and is great to wear to the office, a weekend brunch, and pretty much everywhere else you’re headed.
Size: XXXS-3XL | Materials: 100% Merino Wool | Color Options: 6 | Care: Machine Washable
Pros:
- Doubles as loungewear
- Editor-favorite brand
- Pieces can be worn together or separately to add more versatility to your wardrobe
Why settle for one part of your body being comfortable when you can go for a two-piece set like the Free People Hailee Cardi Set? It’s a definitive splurge but wholly worth it for its stay-in-all-day charm and lovely colors. Whether worn in or out of the house, it’s a gem to snag.
Size: XS-XL | Materials: 100% Cotton | Color Options: 18 | Care: Machine Washable
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Boasts unique sleeves
- Impeccable color selection
Cons:
- The cropped fit may be too much at the front for some shoppers’ tastes
The ANRABESS Ribbed Cropped Sweater hails from one of our favorite Amazon brands and not only has the cropped factor to love, but those sleeves. Luckily, it’s offered in a boatload of colors and, for only $17 a pop, you can grab quite a few.
Size: XS-XL | Materials: Viscose, Nylon, PBT | Color Options: 19 | Care: Machine Washable
Pros:
- The coziest sweater you’ll find
- Great for building a capsule wardrobe
- Generous size range, from petite to plus sizes
Cons:
- Extremely high price point
- Must be hand-washed
If you’re in the mood for a serious splurge, Jenni Kayne is the place to go. We wholeheartedly love the sweaters we own from the brand and consider them one of the best in the biz for luscious, unbelievable comfort.
A favorite pick that we recommend is the Oversized Cotton Fisherman Sweater that’s excellent for building a capsule wardrobe. Other shades are available as well.
Size: XXS-3XL | Materials:100% Cotton | Color Options: 4 | Care: Hand Wash or Dry Clean
Pros:
- Mixes a classic look with a trendy aesthetic
- A slightly oversized fit that makes it great to wear with leggings
- Works for any occasion
Cons:
- Sellout risk
- Not available in plus sizes
Collared sweaters will never go out of style, and Gap’s 24/7 Split-Hem Polo Sweater effortlessly evokes a casual yet put-together vibe. It’s slightly oversized, giving it a trendy appeal. It’s a top we can simply see paired with a claw clip and some platform UGGs.
Size: XS-L | Materials:100% Cotton | Color Options: 2 | Care: Machine Washable
Pros:
- Affordable lookalike to some premium styles
- Respected Amazon brand
- Available in both neutral and fun colors alike
Cons:
- May be too cropped for some
- Not as cozy as some other picks, based on its material
- Must be hand-washed
If you’re a frequent Amazon shopper (as we are), then you’re likely familiar with The Gym People. Its Fleece Cropped Jacket is an affordable staple that’s an excellent and versatile styling piece you’ll love to cozy up in. It’s breathable and offered in some other colors, too.
Size: XS-XL | Materials:100% Polyester | Color Options: 7 | Care: Hand Wash
Pros:
- Boasts some of the most unique prints we reviewed
- Allover cozy comfort that holds up well over time
- Great for outdoor activities, like hiking or camping
Cons:
- On the higher end of the price spectrum
For those who love the slopes, you may want to *hit the slopes* in the Free People Hit the Slopes Printed Fleece Jacket. It has been one of our favorites for years and a true non-negotiable in our wardrobes. If you can get past its sticker price, you’ll love wearing it in any of its fun prints.
Size: XS-XL | Materials: Fleece | Color Options: 7 | Care: Machine Washable
Pros:
- Great for your office wardrobe
- Breathable
- Versatile for layering
Cons:
- Limited color selection
- Must be hand-washed
Hey, Anthro, we love you. Your Maeve Short-Sleeve Open-Stitch Mesh Sweater is the exact transitional piece we need in our closets, simply because it’s great for the office — and after. With a good pair of ballet flats, your favorite wide-leg jeans and a trench coat for layering, you’ll be set.
Size: XXS-XL | Materials: Cotton, Nylon | Color Options: 1 | Care: Hand Wash
Pros:
- Budget-friendly, so appealing to most shoppers
- Available in a few sought-after colors
- Warm yet breathable
Cons:
- Fabric may be too lightweight for some shoppers
The BTFBM Off Shoulder Sweater has that slouchy yet elegant look that adds some variety to your otherwise classic sweaters collection stacked on your shelf. Ready for your cart in a variety of colors, it’s a steal for less than $35.
Size: S-XL | Materials: Acrylic Fabric, Polyester, Polyamide | Color Options: 8 | Care: Machine Washable
Pros:
- Editor-favorite
- Holds up well over time
- Offered in incredible colors
Cons:
- Price point may be unreachable for some
- Prone to wrinkling
This Post Wanted readers’ favorite is also one of ours and the sweater we reach for on most days. The lululemon Scuba Oversized Half-Zip Hoodie is unbeatable for school, athletics or lounging around. Plus, its color selection and quality is swoon-worthy. It’s a must-have!
Size: XS-XXL | Materials: Cotton, Polyester, Elastane | Color Options: 2 | Care: Machine Washable
Pros:
- Offered in a variety of shades
- Looks great with jeans
- Breathable design with lovely button detailing
Cons:
- May be too trendy and out of some shoppers’ comfort zone
The Abercrombie The A&F Mara Crew Sweater Vest is great to wear on its own or layered atop a long-sleeve shirt. Either way, this style is trending, though we anticipate it won’t be going anywhere. Abercrombie’s fabrics are also some of the best we’ve worn and are great for virtually any time of year.
Size: XXS-XL | Materials: Viscose, Polyester, Nylon | Color Options: 5 | Care: Machine Washable
Pros:
- Budget-friendly, so appealing to most shoppers
- Great to wear with jeans or with lounge bottoms
- Comfortable material
Cons:
- Not great for year-round use
Ho, ho, holy affordable. The Barlver Christmas Holiday Graphic Sweatshirt is the best way to ring in the Christmas spirit early. It’s like something we’ve seen on Pinterest, and we can already see you posing in front of a tree farm wearing this pullover (and then posting it to Instagram, of course).
Size: S-XXL | Materials: Polyester, Spandex | Color Options: 10 | Care: Machine or Hand Wash
Post Wanted Sweater Buying Guide
Ahead, we put together a checklist to ensure your next sweater purchase is the best one yet.
- Material: If you’re opting for wool, note that while warm, it may be on the itchier side. Merino wool, in this regard, is a softer option. Cotton is well-known for being soft and breathable, though may not provide as much warmth in comparison to wool. To that effect, cashmere is one of the warmest materials though it can be expensive and often requires extremely gentle care. For those not ready to spend $60 and up on a sweater, acrylic and polyester materials tend to be more budget-friendly. If you’re worried about comfort, opt for a fabric that mixes polyester with another material, like cotton or nylon.
- Fit: Slouchy, oversized fits are usually trending and well-liked, though cropped and collared styles are also great options. This largely depends on preference.
- Style: Crewnecks and off-shoulder styles typically are more breathable, while turtlenecks may be best for extremely cold climates or during the peak of winter. It’s common to fill up your wardrobe with an assortment of styles to create versatility.
- Color and pattern: Neutrals and vibrant tones alike are largely dependent on preference. Most of our above picks offer great variety in this regard.
- Care instructions: For some, hand-washing is a chore since the sweater can’t be placed in your usual laundry load. However, it may be worth it if it’s an incredibly well-made cashmere option. Be sure to take a close look at how to properly care for your sweater to avoid shrinking and to ensure longevity.
What sweaters are in style in 2024?
Trends come and go, but the Post Wanted team is seeing a mix of bold statements and colors, along with some classic nostalgia, like a fun colored crewneck with a scrunchie (very “Full House” vibes). Chunky textures, the vintage (“demure”) aesthetic and sustainability are also at the forefront of plenty of sweater purchases.
How can you tell if a sweater is high-quality?
When it comes to sweaters, be sure to look at the type of fabric, construction and feel. Also, take note of its knit density; the tighter and more even the knit, the better the quality. Loose, uneven knitting can indicate poor craftsmanship, which may not make it the most durable over time.
It’s also important to note the brand’s reputation. Usually, the best sweaters will be a bit thicker and more dense.
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