Sweaters are the real heroes of your winter wardrobe. The best sweaters for women are built to last, with quality yarns and stitching, and have stylish details that make them fresh in a way that never feels overly trendy or played out by next year. Some of our favorites include Quince’s chunky knit fisherman crewneck that’s a bargain at just $50, Everlane’s honeycomb knit pullover that’s cozy yet chic, and Jenni Kayne’s luxuriously oversized sweater that feels like a hug on a cold day.
The best sweaters for women are built to last, with quality yarns and stitching, and have stylish … [+] details that make them fresh in a way that never feels overly trendy or dated.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
Ahead, we rounded up all our top picks, emphasizing the classic picks and neutral colors that you’ll likely get the most use out of. If you’re looking for more ideas, we also have guides to the best cashmere sweaters and best cardigans for women as well.
Editor’s Picks At A Glance
I bought this sweater last year and was skeptical about how well it would hold up over time given the $50 price. I’ve worn it to death and it still looks brand new—I’ve had zero issues with pilling or color fading. This pick has a chunky knit and medium weight that works well in fall and winter, depending on the type of t-shirt you layer underneath it. It also comes in an excellent selection of colors.
Everyone needs a good white winter sweater—it anchors your look and pairs well with brighter pops of color elsewhere in your outfit. Everlane’s has a relaxed, boxy fit but isn’t totally shapeless. The sleeves have a drop shoulder, which creates comfort, and the borders of this sweater are finished with a thick rib-stitched hem.
Made with a blend of wool and cashmere, Jenni Kayne’s Everyday sweater is meant to be a daily staple. It’s more affordable than the pure cashmere sweaters from the brand but feels nearly as soft and cozy. Smart details, like the cut-away side vents and rolled edges, give this quiet-luxury basic some added interest.
Loud prints and patterns often go out of style, which is why we like this refined but not boring turtleneck sweater from Alex Mill. It’s made from cotton and cashmere so it’s soft, breathable and not wildly expensive. It comes in fir green, along with other neutral shades.
Alpaca is one of my go-to sweater materials in winter since it’s light, breathable and warm. Everlane’s Cocoon Crew is a bestseller that comes in a remarkable 12 shades (you have a lot of choice here) and is made with 55% responsibly sourced alpaca (the rest is composed of recycled nylon and wool). The crewneck silhouette is versatile, pairing well with jeans, skirts and leggings.
Free People
Free People Frankie Cable Cotton Sweater
Some cable knit sweaters can feel too granny and old-fashioned while others are either too tight or loose. Free People’s strikes the right balance between modern and classic, with its balloon sleeves and dropped neckline. In addition to cream, this pick also comes in grey, rose and red shades.
When the weather outside is dark and cold, don’t underestimate the power of wearing color as a way to brighten your mood. Anthropologie’s turtleneck comes in bright shades like pink and sky blue (along with neutrals), and since it’s made with a blend of fabrics (wool, acrylic, polyester, elastane), it has a bit of stretch for extra comfort and softness.
For a pattern that you’ll want to wear season after season, L.L.Bean’s bird’s eye sweater is stylish and classic. Thankfully, it doesn’t have a scratchy feel thanks to the lambswool yarn and smart stitching here. This pick keeps you warm during the chilliest of winter days, and comes in regular, petite and plus sizes.
Designed in-house by Tuckernuck, this cropped sweater hits at the right length to pair with high-waisted skirts, pants and jeans. In addition to this rich merlot shade, it also comes in three other colors and is designed with intentionally long-length sleeves to keep your hands cozy as you brave the elements out there.
Sézane leans into their French girl aesthetic with moderately-priced fashion staples. Their mock neck sweater (a.k.a. “jumper”) is cut from soft yak wool and has a slightly roomy fit that looks great paired with other closer-fitting items in your wardrobe. You can choose from three shades, and sizes extend up to 3X.
For a sweater that you can easily incorporate into your work wardrobe, J.Crew’s crewneck has a fitted design that layers well under jackets, blazers and coats. It adds warmth, just not bulk. Consider this a cornerstone of your closet that you’ll get a lot of use out of—and not just in winter, since this sweater’s weight is also right for fall and spring.
La Ligne is all about fashionable stripes in clothing, and the brand’s Jack Sweater features beautiful winter tones of camel and navy blue. It has a loose, cropped fit that hits at the hip and ribbed “stripes” that run down the length of the sides and around the armholes, which adds a stylish touch.
Uniqlo’s “souffle yarn” sweater has a fleece-like softness to it and rings in at $50, so you can stock up on this basic in different colors for winter. The body is finished with a high-low hem, so it’s slightly longer in the back, and you can extend the life of this sweater if you hand wash or dry clean it to maintain its shape.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve covered a variety of fashion topics, ranging from the most comfortable heels to the warmest winter coats for women. We meticulously research and test clothing to determine the most stylish, comfortable and versatile pieces for everything from work to weekends.
The editor for this story, Forbes Vetted deputy editor Kari Molvar, holds a certificate in fashion styling from the Business of Fashion and has covered lifestyle topics—and more recently, fashion—for two decades.
Molvar has tested and worn many of the brands included in this story, including Quince, Jenni Kayne, Alex Mill and L.L.Bean.
This story is continuously updated to include new items and reflect changes in availability and pricing. It was last updated in September 2024.
Check out my website or some of my other work here. Send me a secure tip.