The 16 Best Sweaters of 2023 to Shop Right Now

Best Overall

J.Crew Cotton Cable Knit Sweater

This classic cable knit crewneck comes in three neutral tones — beige, brown, and blue — as well as in one festive bright red color. You’ll find two small slits on either side of your hips for a better fit, while the rest of the sweater falls loosely around the body. Thanks to the thick, heavyweight material, rest assured you will be kept warm when wearing this sweater. But don’t let the word heavyweight scare you, it will still fit underneath your winter coat because it actually doesn’t feel too bulky. Most reviewers commented that it runs slightly small, too, so you’re free to size up. And as a bonus, J.Crew supports the sustainable sourcing and production of cotton, ensuring that the communities and environments can thrive in the industry. 

Price at time of publish: $128

Material: Cotton | Colors: 4 | Size: XXS-3XL

Best Splurge

Rag & Bone Ingrid Wool Ribbed Turtleneck

A sweater only becomes splurge-worthy when it offers a unique cut and design without being a momentary trend piece. For every minimalist that wants a mildly eye-catching detail, the white contrast stitchings sewn onto the outer edges of the sleeves and collar on this 100 percent wool sweater gives you just enough pizazz without being overdone. The sweater itself has a boxy fit to it with loose sleeves going almost down to your fingertips. In the dead of winter when the need to stay warm overpowers the need to look cute, fashion takes a backseat. However, this heavyweight sweater is not only thick and cozy, allowing you to layer several long sleeves underneath, but it also looks put together and high-end as well. Just be aware, you can only dry-clean this piece. 

Price at time of publish: $495

Material: Wool | Colors: 2 | Size: XXS-L

Best Budget

Yousify Ribbed Chunky Knit Pullover

For anyone looking for an inexpensive pick, this lightweight sweater will make it easy to layer, yet on its own can still keep you warm. The reviewers who purchased the item say they received a well-constructed knit, regardless of which subdued color they chose. Although a few did state that it is slightly more oversized than pictured — not enough to size down completely, but just know that it will sit more loosely around you than advertised. 

Price at time of publish: $39

Material: Acrylic, nylon, polyester | Colors: 7 | Size: S-XXL

Best Cropped

Recreational Habits Cropped Turtleneck Sweater

As a POC-owned brand, Recreational Habits brings inclusivity to the historically exclusive preppy elite. With its green logo embroidered on the left chest, this turtleneck cropped sweater looks rather simple and elegant — a preppy staple — yet features small details to make it a touch more special. The hem, cuffs, and neck portion have a ribbed knit to them, which helps round out the overall look, and instead of being composed of just wool, the brand incorporated 30 percent cashmere, too, for additional softness. Unfortunately, they also happen to be two of the most difficult fabrics to clean and considering this comes in ivory, you’re going to want to be extra careful not to get it dirty. 

Price at time of publish: $275

Material: Wool, cashmere | Colors: 1 | Size: XS-XL

Best Turtleneck

Na-kd Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater

With slouchy shoulders and long, folded sleeves, this ribbed turtleneck sweater brings a laid-back appeal to your outfit. The sweater is quite long, with the hem reaching past your hips. I got to try this piece on, courtesy of the Na-kd team, and found that while I love the overall cut and style of it, I could have sized down for a more fitted look. I also found some loose strands popping out of the shoulder, which kind of speaks to the craftsmanship of this piece. A quick snap with a scissor fixed the issue and made it look new again. You can choose between five different colors (including brown, black, beige, green, blue, and pink), and each option is conveniently worn by a different model to give you a better visualization.

Price at time of publish: $31

Material: Acrylic, recycled acrylic, polyester | Colors: 5 | Size: XXS-XXL

Best Cashmere

Everlane Cashmere Crew

Everlane’s super-soft sweater, which we already named our best overall cashmere sweater,  comes in a classic fitted crewneck, which will serve as an everyday piece for years to come. Like Linen, cashmere only gets softer with time, especially when it’s 100 percent grade A cashmere, which pills less and makes for a worthwhile investment that will last forever. Stylist Theodora thinks, “A crewneck sweater looks the chicest in cashmere while tucked in a pair of vintage denim with an oversized bomber jacket or blazer over it.” 

Price at time of publish: $145

Material: Grade-A cashmere| Colors: 3 | Size: XXS-3XL

Best Wool

Uniqlo Lambswool Turtleneck Long Sleeve

Not only is this 100 percent wool sweater from Uniqlo soft and luscious, but it’s also ridiculously affordable as well. It comes in expected neutrals, like black and ivory, but for a punchier addition to your wardrobe, try out the refreshing pink, violet, or blue. The best part about shopping online at Uniqlo is that they have a virtual size assistant that allows you to enter your information or scan your body for more accurate sizing. This way, the brand spares you the tedious task of returning or reordering the item — you get exactly what you want in your first try. However, reviewers commented that the sleeves will fall a little short, stopping just before your wrists. 

Price at time of publish: $50

Material: Wool | Colors: 6 | Size: XXS-XXL

Best Cotton

Sézane Noan Marinière

Instead of giving us nautical inspiration, Parisian label Sézane brought more French inspiration forth with this organic cotton striped sweater. This sweater features two large slits on either side, which can be adjusted via four endearing buttons, while the boat neckline and loose fit only add to that certain je nais se quois appeal the French have perfected over the years. The brand does recommend sizing down if you wish for a more form-fitting look, however, because the sweater runs a little oversized on its own. That being said, the sleeves are rather slim and cut short around your wrists. 

Price at time of publish: $105

Material: Organic cotton | Colors: 1 | Size: XXS-3XL

Best Cable-knit

Ralph Lauren Slim Fit Cable-Knit Sweater

We’d be remiss not to mention the classic Ralph Lauren cable-knit sweater on this list. Its timeless appeal works for just about any occasion. Lounging at home? Day at the office? Brunch by the beach? All are great excuses to reach for an RL sweater. Coming in five different colors, each features the classic polo logo in a contrasting thread (which unfortunately you cannot customize). We like that the 100 percent cotton feels extra soft to the touch, but because of the slim fit, expect it to hug the body — reviewers even say that it runs a bit small. Anyone who prefers a looser style should consider sizing up, especially if you intend to layer shirts underneath. 

Price at time of publish: $128

Material: Cotton | Colors: 5 | Size: XXS-XXL

Best Boucle

Helsa Hartley Bouclé Sweater

Anyone looking to slip into something extra comfortable might like this bouclé sweater from Helsa, a brand founded by supermodel Elsa Hosk, which we think is everything from stylish to soft to sophisticated. The deep V-neck surrounded by a large collar that sits flat around your shoulders complements the chunky sleeves that extend past your hands and two pockets on the front. Overall, while this gives you a very laid-back and relaxed look, it still manages to feel upscale and appropriate for a workplace environment. Bouclé sweaters have a wonderful stretch and thickness to them that actually keep you warm — it will balance out the openness of the V-neck, which might make it difficult to layer any shirts underneath without looking awkward. Wear it as is or with a slim turtleneck bodysuit for extra warmth.  

Price at time of publish: $388

Material: Nylon, wool, acrylic, viscose, cashmere | Colors: 1 | Size: XS-L

Best V-neck

Banana Republic Essential Sweater

For a simple staple, this Banana Republic essential sweater wins for both its style and durability. The neck, hem, and cuffs are all ribbed, while the sleeves and body have a generous length to them, extending past your palms and hips. It falls loosely around your body for a relaxed appeal that can easily be layered atop a button-down (or underneath a coat). I wouldn’t consider this the warmest of the bunch, as some people have pointed out that it’s quite thin, but for an everyday long-sleeve, it’s a great elegant option to fall back on. 

Price at time of publish: $33

Material: Nylon, acrylic | Colors: 7 | Size: XXS-XL

Best Striped

La Ligne Marine Sweater

What better place to buy stripes from than a company literally named the Line? This sweater was created and designed by former Vogue editors, who see beauty in the universal appeal of a stripe. The Marin sweater proves that stripes in all color combinations (seriously, there are 17 different versions in just this option) deserve a spot in your closet because it never fails to look good. Each colorway varies in design a bit, too, giving you an excuse to own more than one. For example, instead of just basic stripes on the body as some of the colorways have, the tan/multi option has three accent-colored stripes on the sleeve that contrast the rest of the neutral sweater. 

Made of 30 percent cashmere and 70 percent wool, the high-quality sweater will be durable and warm — there’s a reason why La Ligne is beloved by InStyle editors. 

Price at time of publish: $295

Material: Organic Cotton | Colors: 15 | Size: XS-XL

Best Printed

Kenzo Boke Flower Cardigan

When you’re ready to switch up the classics and go for a little print, I highly recommend this endearing floral cardigan from Kenzo. Coming in navy blue and earthy green, it manages to look mature and polished despite the large flower prints covering the front and back. The cardigan, which is constructed from a wool and cotton blend, comes with a v-neck cut and four buttons down the front. Theodora says, “Cardigans are a staple for me in the winter, as I’ll wear them as a top with high-waisted jeans and lots of fun necklaces”. 

Unfortunately, there are no pockets to be found anywhere on this piece, and you can also only hand wash this piece, according to the label. Personally, I find that the unique design outweighs just about everything for me. 

Price at time of publish: $345

Material: Wool, cotton, elastane | Colors: 2 | Size: XS-L

Best Cardigan

Alex Mill Emma Cardigan in Lambswool

More from the cardigan department, this borrowed-from-the-boys Alex Mill piece, which we named our best overall cardigan once before, is made of 80 percent lambswool, which compared to sheep wool, is softer and less likely to itch. The thick knit is structured into a boxy cut that works well as a layering piece over turtlenecks and long sleeves. Even on its own, the heavyweight material will be quite warm, so perhaps reserve this option for the dead of winter. While we love a good neutral oatmeal color, the sweater comes in a navy and paprika color as well, all with the same four delicate beige buttons down the front. 

Price at time of publish: $165

Material: Lambswool, nylon | Colors: 2 | Size: XS-XL