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I tried 3 affordable cashmere sweaters, and the winner is machine-washable
You don't need to overspend on a soft, seasonless classic that should last you years — here's the one to buy ASAP.
Cashmere sweaters are a year-round closet staple. No, I'm not talking about the thick, bulky styles you save for the coldest winter days — I'm talking about the lightweight cashmere that's a base in the winter and an added layer in the fall and spring. Cashmere crewnecks are essential in my wardrobe. I wear them mainly with jeans, but you can also toss them on over dresses or pair them with a skirt — don't limit your favorite sweaters to just a few months!
With fall finally here, now is a great time to add a new sweater or two to your rotation. However, it's no secret that cashmere can be pricey, so I tested a few of the market's more affordable cashmere brands to see how they truly stack up. I compared three crewnecks from Naadam, Quince and State Cashmere — all are made of 100% Mongolian cashmere and retail for under $125. Keep reading to see which brand stands apart from the rest.
1. Naadam The Original Cashmere Sweater
First up, I tried Naadam's The Original. This $98 sweater comes in the widest range of colors and sizes of the three I tested. Naadam suggests sizing up, as the sweater runs a bit small, but I found my normal size just right for a fitted look. However, if you prefer to layer your sweaters over tank tops or dresses, or wear them over your shoulders, you won't regret going for the next size up.
I ordered The Original in Pop Pink and couldn't get over how vivid the color was in person. While the hue I chose is sold out in a few sizes, the just-as-pretty Violet Pink is in stock in XXS-XXL.
This sweater is a terrific value for under $100 — we won't blame you if you grab it in a few colors.
- Comes in over 30 colors
- Available in sizes XXS-XXL
- Machine-washable
- Runs small
2. Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
Next up, I tried Quince's $50 cashmere sweater, a social media favorite. At such a wallet-friendly price, I can understand some skepticism, but I'm happy to report that it lives up to the hype. Available in sizes XS-XL as well as plus sizes, Quince's popular sweater would traditionally retail for well over $100. But since the brand cuts out the middleman, it keeps prices low.
While this style wasn't as soft as the other sweaters I tried, it was still plush and cozy. I plan on wearing it with jeans all fall and tossing it on over my lighter pieces come springtime. Shop it in over 10 colors.
If you're looking to build a cashmere collection without going broke, this $50 option is hard to beat.
- Very affordable
- Comes in plus sizes
- True to size
- Not as soft as others
- Dry-clean or hand-wash only
3. State Cashmere Essential Crewneck Sweater
The third and final cashmere sweater I tried was from State Cashmere, and it was the softest of the three. While it wasn't the softest by a mile, in a blind test, it was the clear winner in terms of texture. However, it does retail for $120, making it the most expensive. Still, one benefit of this sweater being sold on Amazon is that it occasionally goes on sale — I snagged mine when it was marked down to $98.
If neutrals are your thing, you won't mind that State Cashmere's crewneck only comes in seven muted shades, including Bella Blue (what I tried), black, camel and white.
If you have a bit more to spend, you won't regret this ultra-soft classic.
- Softest sweater I tried
- Available on Amazon with Prime shipping
- True to size
- Fewer sizes and colors
- Most expensive
- Dry-clean or hand-wash only
The winner: Naadam
I liked each sweater and can see myself wearing them all, but Naadam's The Original edged out the competition. Well-priced and cozy, this sweater was the most flattering on me. It's also available in a wide range of colors and sizes, so pretty much everyone can find one to add to their closet. Plus, it's machine-washable — another big win in my book, since dry-cleaning bills aren't cheap.
Still, you can't go wrong bringing any of these sweaters home. All are staples you can wear season after season, year after year. In this case, it's true: Some things really never go out of style.
